Hi, just new to the site, looks good so far.
I've always been a chevy man but like what dodge has been doing, and what can you say about the cummins!

My question is, why do they have split in model year 2004?? What changed??

I'm thinking about getting a CTD with auto pretty soon, any problems with the 48re?? What kind of regular maintenance is required to prolong the tranny life?? Fluid changes? How often?
Thanks a lot!

 

the 04.5 is the split between the 305/555 motor and the 325/600. on the side of the valve cover there is a sticker that has the hp rating of the motor, it'll say 305 or 325. The 48re seems to be a pretty tough tranny for a stock motor, if you plan on upgrades, it'll need some help, torque converter, input shaft, valve body deep pan etc...

I change my fluids every 20~25k on every AT i've owned...

 

just a little back story, when ever there is a change with engine HP rateings it usualy happens mid year. when the Cummins when from a 12 valve to the 24 valve that was back in 98.5. for the first half of the year 12 valves were offered, then in the second hald the 24 valves. it is the same way with the '600's 04.5 was the first year california could get the HO option for the engine. normaly there had been a HO(high output), SO(standard output), then you had the california tune.

the only downside about the 600's/610's and the california tune was the addition of the Cat. but depending on which state you live in it can run away and none will be the wiser and the exhaust will smell like a diesel once again.