I don't have volumes of experience with the '04's, just what I test-drove looking for my new one. The ride and power of the '05's are much better than the '04's and I personally like the fit-and-finish of the interior of the '05 much better too. The first thing I noticed in just road-testing both engines side-by-side was the power off the line. The 3v engine was much more responsive on the low end than the 2v in the 2004. Some of this may have been a difference in axle ratios, but the powerband of the 3v seemed much broader and smoother than the 2v. The turing radius of the '05 was another huge selling point over the '04 - especially with thoughts of trying to navigate my 33' TT in tight quarters. I haven't had a lot of highway miles as yet, but am averaging about 10mpg in-town with limited highway, but am still new enough (700 mi) that I'm sure I'm not seeing optimum mileage. I traded in a 2002 Navigator on this truck and have no regrets. The mpg is only about 1-2mpg less in-town, but doesn't take the premium fuel that the Nav did, so it's probably a wash. I suspect that the highway numbers will be comparable as well.

 

I have 1 more thing to ask: When you order 4.30's do you get a different size rear end or what? I read something about when ordering the 4.30's you get a better/stronger rear end???

 

I'm looking at changing my 3.73s LS to 4.30s LS; now for my dumb question "What size rear end pumpkin does an 2001 F250 V10 2WD have?" 10.75"? I like to know what I'm ordering before I do it and don't want to have to rely on the guy at the shop!!

BTW, my changing from the 3.73s should tell you what I think of them!! I bought the truck used and that's what it had...would not have been my choice from the factory!!

Jim