I need to make a tough decision, what's your gut say?

[RND1]

View attachment 1417697

Like this? 98 with 200 series 17" wheels.

No - like this:

 

[medtro]

Good choice. 5sp is overrated as is NAV, besides 04 to early 05 have transmission issue that needs to have been/be address. "Low speed shutter TSB"

There is a fix for shudder other than a new transmission.

Amazon.com: Lubegard 19610 Dr. Tranny Instant Shudder Fixx, 2 oz.: Automotive

 

[2001LC]

You'd have to go to 5.29 gear sets, on a 4spd, to get a better 1st gear. Overrated, not hardly. Mandatory, not really.




You seem obsessed about this TSB, which is about the breather potentially allowing water into the trans, and an updated breather fixes the issue. I know there have been a few postings on mud from owners with this issue, but how many 04-05 owners that haven't (or had it addressed under warranty)?

What about these (also blown out of proportion) issues?

98-99 weaker 2 pinion front diff
00-01 premature transmission failures
98-04,06 Brake failures
04 MFD issues
04-05 Transmission breather issue
05+ non-ARACO
06-07 VVTI possible interference engine on timing belt breakage​

I've both the 4sp & 5sp w/VVTi, and have driven the 5sp none VVTi. The VVTi has absolutely more pep pulling from stop and on hwy. The none VVTi 5sp, well, I don't notice much more than a 4sp, other than it shift more often. But then I drive just as the Owners manual recommends, with a lite foot.

I was only pointing out one of the TBS of 04, since it's the OP area of interest. Seems a bit "obsessive" to list ever years weak spot, went the focuses here is much narrower.

 

[2001LC]

There is a fix for shudder other than a new transmission.

Amazon.com: Lubegard 19610 Dr. Tranny Instant Shudder Fixx, 2 oz.: Automotive

Interesting, thanks for the heads up!

 

[beerock]

I thought that dr tranny shudder fix picture was a joke?

 

[2001LC]

Some reported good results by flushing. Dealer were replacing trany's under warranty.

 

[medtro]

I thought that dr tranny shudder fix picture was a joke?

No, not a joke.

2004 Transmission Issue - Washboard Vibration, Shudder