Huntindad

hello folks,

Please bear with me thru my buying process. I’ve never owned a Dodge or a diesel. I have another question for you folks that know this stuff inside and out. I’m not even at the rookie stage. Inquisitive… yes… Dodge savvy… no

First off, I’m looking for the diesel for longevity. I want it to last 2-300k miles. I plan on keeping it awhile. I may tow/haul sporadically, but not on a regular basis. My question.
Is there a benefit for me to go with the 04.5 instead of the 04 model(using an automatic).
I know there is a little more power/torque. Is there any other enhancements to the 04.5 ?

I figure the 04 would pull whatever I needed, & probably could get a better deal.

Thanx for your patience & insight.

David

PADZZ

Other than the power (which you likely wouldn't be able to tell that's there), resale is really the only thing I can think of. If you can get a good deal on the plain 'ol 555, I'd say go for it. If price is the same or near the same, might as well get the 600.

NJMurvin

That is . . . if you live outside Calif. In Calif., you couldn't get the 555 HO engine, so it's a huge difference for us.

Neil

smiller

Yep, that about sums it up. An 8% difference in peak torque (vs. the HO) is barely going to be noticed if at all. The big improvement the 04.5 represents would be in California and other states where you couldn't get an HO... the difference between the SO and the '600' would be much more substantial. There will probably be some resale value in having the 600 but if you can get a killer deal on the HO then you would be saving money on the front end and that may be a better deal for you if you're planning on keeping the truck a long time or driving it into the ground. As far as 'enhancements' for the 04.5 go... well, there is the catalytic converter...

TON4FUN

If it has a CAT it must use OBDII....ick I'd go for an old HO. I read in one article the new motor has 40 something new parts for the emissions. No thanks I can do without those parts when it comes time to fix things years down the road.

Big Bob

It has a CAT! A big bugger at that!

Thankful I got a 04. Let the mods and power roll!

natstayl

You'll never notice the 45 less ft lbs me thinks. My 2003 555 4:10 SB when empty will bark the tires from 1st to 2nd when prodded. And towing a 6000+ lb trailer is hardly noticable.
Nat