Notices
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel 2003 - 2007 F250, F350 pickup and F350+ Cab Chassis, 2003 - 2005 Excursion and 2003 - 2009 van

2004 truck w/ 2003 engine?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 9, 2004 | 05:03 PM
  #1  
antham's Avatar
antham
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: northeast
Unhappy 2004 truck w/ 2003 engine?

Hello, my husband recently bought a "brand-new" Ford F-250 Deisel 4x4 pickup. He noticed that the engine is atually a 2003 while the truck is a 2004 model...is this normal??? Shouldn't the engine be a 2004? When you buy a vehicle of a certain year, what exactly is required to be made in that year? Anyone have any idea? He is very concerned about this, though I think he can't do anything about it since the dealership will most likely say that it was the 2004 "style" or "trim" he purchased - I don't know if the engine specs changed from the 2003 models to the 2004 models but just because the engine was built in 2003 doesn't mean it is a 2003 model engine...right? Just thought I'd ask in a forum where people might know the answer...I already know what the dealership is going to tell us...
<!-- / message -->
 
Reply
Old Dec 9, 2004 | 05:47 PM
  #2  
kwiknova's Avatar
kwiknova
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
My 04 has an 2003 engine also, I had some questions regarding this too. I think that changes were made to the late 03 engines that made them identical to the 04's. But I am no expert. Just a guy with a 2004 Ford Truck that is equipped with an engine that has a 2003 sticker. ~J
 
Reply
Old Dec 9, 2004 | 06:00 PM
  #3  
IB Tim's Avatar
IB Tim
FTE Leadership Emeritus
20 Year Member
Veteran: Air Force
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 161,999
Likes: 75
From: 3rd Rock
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by antham
Hello, my husband recently bought a "brand-new" Ford F-250 Deisel 4x4 pickup. He noticed that the engine is atually a 2003 while the truck is a 2004 model...is this normal??? Shouldn't the engine be a 2004? When you buy a vehicle of a certain year, what exactly is required to be made in that year? Anyone have any idea? He is very concerned about this, though I think he can't do anything about it since the dealership will most likely say that it was the 2004 "style" or "trim" he purchased - I don't know if the engine specs changed from the 2003 models to the 2004 models but just because the engine was built in 2003 doesn't mean it is a 2003 model engine...right? Just thought I'd ask in a forum where people might know the answer...I already know what the dealership is going to tell us...
<!-- / message -->

FIRST
WELCOME to the site, please read the Guidelines… Check out the list of forums and make sure you read the headings and Read First: notices in each forum.

Be sure to check out the 6.0 Bible…..great reading
http://dan.prxy.org/Truck/6L_bible_html/html/TOC.html
http://www.backglass.org/duncan/ps60_manual/

…. In the upper right hand corner of your screen check this out PARTS SHOP for all your “trucking” needs

Must read
http://www.clubfte.com/users/monsta/SuperDutyFAQ.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=303583
Enjoy FTE


SECOND
How do you know it is an 03 engine, did you find the white tag on the drivers side valve cover...with a date on it???
That is where the engine build date should be.
 
Reply
Old Dec 9, 2004 | 06:12 PM
  #4  
jasfaa's Avatar
jasfaa
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,539
Likes: 1
From: Snohomish, Washington
Mine is an '04 with a 9/03 motor. This is normal.
 
Reply
Old Dec 9, 2004 | 06:27 PM
  #5  
h2oplus3's Avatar
h2oplus3
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Wink

I also have an 04/03 version. 12/03 engine and 02/04 truck. Gotta remember, 04 (trucks came out in 03). I think they call it "model year". Tell hubby not to worry. Keep the oil at the right spot, throw a little C-thane boost in it and drive. Enjoy!
 
Reply
Old Dec 9, 2004 | 09:26 PM
  #6  
SBV45's Avatar
SBV45
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,483
Likes: 2
From: Central Texas
Antham, that is normal. O4 model year started in September 03, the 04 model engines didn't start getting put in until end of September 03. In the 03 model year, they didn't introduce the 6.0L diesel until December 02. The early 03's had the 7.3 diesel. There will be changes throughout a model year.
 
Reply
Old Dec 9, 2004 | 10:19 PM
  #7  
PSD6litre40's Avatar
PSD6litre40
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,185
Likes: 0
From: Tennessee
I also have an 04 with an 03
 
Reply
Old Dec 9, 2004 | 11:41 PM
  #8  
redmt77's Avatar
redmt77
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 157
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by SBV45
Antham, that is normal. O4 model year started in September 03, the 04 model engines didn't start getting put in until end of September 03. In the 03 model year, they didn't introduce the 6.0L diesel until December 02. The early 03's had the 7.3 diesel. There will be changes throughout a model year.

This is what I thought also but I have a 8/03 engine and a 8/03 truck but it was sold to me as a 04.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-3

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-5

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
story-9

2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Dec 10, 2004 | 06:44 AM
  #9  
Frobozz's Avatar
Frobozz
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,011
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by redmt77
This is what I thought also but I have a 8/03 engine and a 8/03 truck but it was sold to me as a 04.
Well the definitive answer to that question would be on the window sticker. But I'm sure it says 2004. The other poster said the 2004MY started in September of '03... I'm not sure how Ford counts their MYs, but I know the actual production of 2004MY trucks started in July, just like every year, so a truck built in August is going to be a 2004 truck.

Duncan
 
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2004 | 09:59 AM
  #10  
huntercgr's Avatar
huntercgr
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,081
Likes: 0
From: Eastern Oregon
I find it very interesting that this truck has been on a lot for over a year. Hope you got a good deal. Does he like it?
 
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2004 | 04:35 PM
  #11  
antham's Avatar
antham
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: northeast
i love the truck but thought an 04 meant an 04 not a 2003 motor with the 03 bugs and glitches that were supposed to be fixed on the 04 model year maybe im an idiot for thinking an 04 means 04
 
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2004 | 04:38 PM
  #12  
huntercgr's Avatar
huntercgr
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,081
Likes: 0
From: Eastern Oregon
I believe they started putting the new "04" engines in the 04's Sept. 29, '03.
 
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2004 | 04:57 PM
  #13  
kw5413's Avatar
kw5413
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 19,098
Likes: 8
From: Great State of Texas
The '04 PSD was equipped with the '03 engine design thru 9/29/03. From 9/30 on the '04 PSD has the '04 designated engine with a minumum of 30 design differences from the '03.

It is my understanding that this year the left over '04 engines are being utilized in the '05 Excursions.

This is not an uncommon practice amoung maufacturers.

This '04 / '03 had to have been mfg'd no later than 09/03. Hard to believe it sat on a lot this long untitled. In any case, if you just purchased it recently it should ahve all the flashes etc already taken care of by the selling dealer. I have 3 friends with the '03 PSD's and they have had no issues.

BTW: It technically is an '04 engine. It is just that Ford made changes in the design and introduced the changes after the model year began production. For convenvience sake we call the '03 engine because there were no changes.
 
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2004 | 05:49 PM
  #14  
SBV45's Avatar
SBV45
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,483
Likes: 2
From: Central Texas
I agree with Hunter again!

Changes in the 04 engines aren't necessarily improvements. There have been some reports on dynos showing better output on the 03's. A manufacturer makes changes based on cost effectiveness not to make the product better. It makes changes on what
 
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2004 | 05:52 PM
  #15  
SBV45's Avatar
SBV45
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,483
Likes: 2
From: Central Texas
I agree with Hunter again!

Changes in the 04 engines aren't necessarily improvements. There have been some reports on dynos showing better output on the 03's. A manufacturer makes changes based on cost effectiveness not to make the product better. It makes changes on the impact of what F or NAV are valued on NYSE. Don't ever lose sight of that fact.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:17 AM.

story-0
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-30 18:33:59


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-2
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-4
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-6
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-8
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE