2004 Ram 3500 4x4 Quad Cab SLT Help
 

Need a little help understanding this 2004 Ram 3500 4x4 Quad Cab SLT I just bought.

I bought it with the understanding (well at least I thought I did) that it was the 325hp/600tq motor.
The build sheet shows 5.9 H.O Cummings turbo diesel. This lead me to believe that it was indeed the 325 hp engine. So I bought the truck. But as I researched this topic that engine was offered only in 2004.5,

So here is my question, the build sheet states it’s an H.O. engine but the door jam placard shows a build date of 11/03?
I thought I was buying the 325hp engine but know I don’t know.
I tried calling the dealer with the VIN but he was no help.

Any help would be appreciated.

the dealers never have the answers after the sale
 

Any vehicle produced after the 6th month of any year is considered the following year make. So yes you do have A 2004 ANd it is 325 HP if tou look on sticker under the hood or on the valve cover it should read engine family and say 325 HP. Just look for the sticker it will read 325HP unless it is missing. But I am sure it is 325HP.

P.s I am A certified technician.

Thanks matthew2-4-u for the reply but I got to see the valve cover decal and its a 305 HP engine.

You have an early 04, and that HO motor was rated at 305HP/555TQ...its actually the better of the two HO offerings at the time because it lacks the third (fuel wasting) injection event among other things. You will not notice a difference in power, and will enjoy slightly better mileage.

You have the "HO" just not the later 325/600 version (the "600 Cummins" as it would be noted on the build sheet). The other option in early 04 was a SO 250HP version, which was dropped when they intro'd the 325/600 which met emissions in all 48 states.

Thanks for the reply, I feel better now that I understand this early HO verses 04.5 325/600.

My reason for concern was I bought the truck for towing a heavy 5th wheel. So I made sure it had enough HP/TQ and the 4.10 gearing, then when I found out that the HO was not the 325/600 I kind of panicked.

Hopefully the programmer that is installed will bump up the HP if I need it.
I think I will be OK.

Again that’s for your help.

If you do look at a programmer, keep in mind that you have an early "04" and most programmers are meant for the 04.5 and later engines. Before you buy something, I would definitely check with the manufacturer to make sure it will work. That said, the Smarty JR would be an excellent choice for heavy towing if it is compatible with your 04's 305HP engine.

IMHO, that particular engine is probably the best one ever offered by Dodge...its electronic so its easily mod'd with a programmer, its got great stock HP/TQ, it doesn't have the 3rd injection event or the in-cylinder EGR (the latter causes dropped valve seats), no emissions to speak of, gets better mileage than the later models, etc..

Dude your making my day! I was really stressing over this HP/TQ issue between theses too engines, feeling much better about my purchase now.

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Man that's a nice looking truck!

Thanks!