They changed from 305 HP to 325 HP mid year in '04, thus the 04.5's you see in peoples signatures at the bottom. We got 20 more hp, 45 ft. lbs of torque, a catalytic converter, and worse mileage along with the deal. The '06 is the 4th year of this body style, and will be the 2nd and a half? of the motor, should have most of the bugs worked out. I've heard the programming for the transmission is '06 is better than the '05's, alot of people complain about a lack of OD lockout on the '05s. Some of the '05's also have plastic ends on the intercooler, and they tend to not work so hot.

 

Fox,
The 325 hp change over happened in late 04.5.

Rick

 

Fox-Test drove many 05s, ordered one and they converted to an 06 (2500 Laramie, 4x4 D/A w/SB, 3.73 L/S)which I just finally received. Allthough I liked, looks and packages of the 05s better than 06. I really feel the 06 has many improvements, that was an issue with me. Granted,a big disappointment is the reduction in the warranty but, the interior is much quiter and a very slight improvement in ride confort. The transmission has some refinments and has the 2 step towing lockout. Supposely the fuel mileage was to be improved, I got 18 (manual compute) on my first tankful, most H/W with city and 2-track travel, very happy with that.
Mine might be a quirk in that it is super stable on the highway and tracks better than ANY I drove in the past, even another 06 I drove???? This was a big issue with me, as my others (Ford) required more attention/steering input on the highway. I think you will find 05s with any options difficult to find, here in Michigan anyway. D/C, after some dealer help, applied 05 rebates and employee discount so I saved a good chunk of change. I see they are already giving insentives for 06 so wish you luck in your purchase.

 

I have that truck, 3500 dually long bed with the auto trans and 3.73 axle and only way we could be happier is if they would get the software out so we could have an exhaust brake. My home was in Raco Michigan in the UP and it gets very cold there and stays cold for long periods of time, the truck started every day and in the entire winter including temps down to -36 only plugged the heater in two times. The truck was built to start in cold weather in fact Dodge advertises that it will start in temp down to -20 degrees and mine always did, some days I would double cycle the start switch to give it a double warm up but would not need to. We now have 37,000 plus miles on it most of it pulling a heavy 5iver and it is by far the best truck I have ever towed with. Mileage towing is a consistent 12.6 and we still have not seen the moutain that would even be a challenge to the engine. With the light load your talking about towing the truck will not even know has a load. Good Luck and your going to love that truck. Break in no problem give it 500 miles then start towing the harder the engine has to work the better it runs.

 

All this input has helped thanks for the pointers. I Had an idea on a truck but now I've had a lot of questions answered. I'm sure there will be more

Kevin
Rockford, illinois