Surprise, Surprise...Didn't think I'd be here

[treegump]

Hey ya'll. Been quite a long time since I've made an appearance around these parts, and even then its never been here. Been looking around trying to find a new(er) vehicle for myself. I've been avoiding Chevys because I wanted a solid front axle, cummins or powerstroke (mostly because I don't know anyone personally/closely that have duramaxes, besides you guys), 02 or older, 4x4, manuals.

BUT...after talking with my best friend who tried to convince me I should consider a 1/2 ton or lighter gas truck, I'm now rethinking my needs/wants. I do barely haul anything anymore, but with a standard bed (which is 6' 6"?) I could purchase a bed extender for the hitch. (They do make those, right?). I will also either be doing mostly road travel, or flat land travel, or rare off-road travel. And I've rarely heard bad things about the allison transmission...but can only get that if I get the diesel...correct? Oh...I've heard the snow falls up here are AWESOME, so I'd like to keep with a vehicle that has a fighting chance.

SO...looking around North Dakota for a 4 door, standard bed, 4x4, allison transmission, duramax. What are your thoughts? Anything in particular I should check for if I make it out to test drive any of these?

trucks I've emailed about and received replies so far...

http://www.bismanonline.com/2003_duramax_lifted -

There are no problems with the transmission. It shifts very smoothly, but I haven't had it serviced recently. I purchased the truck last July from the local Chevy dealership and they told me that all parts under the hood: transmission, engine, injectors etc. were all in good shape and had been inspected. In August, i replaced the tie rods, ball joints, arm kits, and sway bar links all under dealership recommendations

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http://www.bismanonline.com/2002_chevy_duramax_2 -

no tranny problems, heated seats, absolutly no problems with from end...

Also sent mail to, but haven't received an answer:
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http://nd.craigslist.org/cto/2944681531.html
http://nd.craigslist.org/cto/2909732359.html

I appreciate any and all help. I'd be happy to stay on this forum, if I did end up getting another chevy. (Of course if I didn't, I'd still probably stick my head in every now and again. )

 

[great white]

I'd probably go for the last one you listed if it were me.

Looks clean and "unmolested". only thing I would find out is if it's an LB7 or an LLY, mainly to avoid the injector issues the LB7's had. I think the LLY was a mid 2004 intro. The rims bug me a bit, but I could live with that for a while....

Given your requirements, I'd probably avoid the first one listed. Mainly from a MPG standpoint. Although, it's probably the nicest looking truck (except for that "gawdawful mess" on the tailgate).

The second one has been "riced" to within an inch or it's life. Major turn off for me and I'd have to spend the money right away to get rid of it all. But that's more of a personal preference thing, YMMV.

The third one is an extended cab, If I was looking for a 4 door it would be out.

Interesting that none of the LB7 trucks mention the injectors were recently done. That's a big expense and I would list it as a selling feature if I had to pay out the money for new ones. You can probably assume they haven't been changed.

Yup, if it were me I'd go for the last one. Especially if it is an LLY. Not that an LB7 is a bad choice, I just would rather avoid the whole injector thing if I could....but that's just me.

Window shopping with other peoples money is always so fun!



Good luck in your search.

 

[treegump]

Thank you for your input! The second to last one does specify that it has 68k left on the injector warranty, so that's good to know, right? Also, what do you mean riced for the second one? It appears they have it as an occasional puller and daily driver, so a chip would make sense. Though, it is a little disconcerting that they haven't replaced anything in the front end, when every other truck for that price mentions replacements for the front end. How hard/expensive would it be to do that myself? And the injectors as well? More difficult than changing injectors on the 6.5?

 

[Pepperidge]

1. There is nothing wrong with the Allison unless you plan on putting BIG power to it...anyone who has told you that probably owns another brand and is suffering from transmission envy...

2. LB7 specific problems are injectors, injectors injectors...If it's at a dealer ask if the tech will check the balance rates on the injectors with a tech II...have them run the VIN to see when the last time/mileage the injectors were changed at...all this really doesn't matter...as more than likely at some point in ownership you WILL be changing the injectors to the tune of $1500(if you do the work yourself)

3.You can get the Allison in a gas motored truck...the 8.1L Gas trucks only trans was the Allison...the 6.0 did not have it...

all things considered...I still Love my truck...but would recommend an LLY(04.5 8th digit of Vin Code"2") or LBZ(06'8th digit of VinCode "D") to avoid injectors if your funds will allow it

 

[btfarm]

You don't want to do injectors on any DMax but especially an LB7 which all of those are except (maybe) the white '04.
Allisons are pretty bulletproof unless they've been programmed with high power tunes. I like most everything aout the white one except the wheels are ugly. And the fact it's a dealer... But WTH.
Good to see you're still hangin' in bud. Was wondering about the new job and how you were settling in.

 

[great white]

Thank you for your input! The second to last one does specify that it has 68k left on the injector warranty, so that's good to know, right?

Still an LB7. Just make sure you go into it with your eyes open on the injector thing.

Also, what do you mean riced for the second one?

Headlights, tail lights, rims, assorted useless crap. Depends on whether or not it bothers you. Like I said, personal preference thing....but I'd be spending money the day I bought it to get rid of that junk.

It appears they have it as an occasional puller and daily driver, so a chip would make sense.

Another good reason to give it a pass in my opinion. It's been messed with. I want any "messing" to be done by me so I know what it is. Hence, my preference for "unmolested". Although banks makes pretty "safe" stuff....

Though, it is a little disconcerting that they haven't replaced anything in the front end, when every other truck for that price mentions replacements for the front end. How hard/expensive would it be to do that myself?

Assorted pullers, presses and tools required. This stuff can usually be done in the driveway with alternate methods, but you will have to pay for an alignment. I'm not sure how hard the Dmax trucks are on front ends, someone else with experience can chime in here....

And the injectors as well?

See Pep and Bt's comments.

More difficult than changing injectors on the 6.5?

Yup.

I'd take teh advice of the DMax guys posting here. I've worked on a couple, but never owned one....

 

[treegump]

So, if the injectors have been replaced in an LB7, than it'd make for a nice truck? Just trying to figure out what would be the best truck to have... I'd consider a crew cab, standard bed, or an ext cab, long bed...

 

[treegump]

Also, pulled this from someone else's post: You will have to change the turbo MP, injector harness repair, FPR may need replaced, ISS issues, and the major work it hard overheating issue. Worth 2-3K off the asking price for repairs. Injectors go when they go and are not a mileage thing on this year.

Are any of these significant on every LLY? Also, what's an FPR, ISS, MP ? (or...where do I find out what they are?)

 

[btfarm]

FPR= Fuel pressure regulator- Not something to be concerned about except in rare instances
ISS= Intermediate steering shaft- Not a big deal. There's a fix or 2 but certainly not a deal killer
MP=IDK...
Just because the LB7 has new injectors is not a good reason to believe they won't give you trouble again. A VERY expensive and laborious repair.
Turbos are not suspect.
Front suspension isn't much more of a problem than your old GMT400. Might need a few parts, Ball joints, tierod ends, idler arn, etc. Nothing new there or especially expensive.
LLY overheating? Far more rare than it seems. If it was a problem, it would be fixed already.
LLY injector harness and/or #2 & #7 connectors. Easy DIY fixes. No deal killers there and at this point already fixed most likely

These are very reliable trucks Forest. There would be a bunch of stuff you would want to do up front like fluids and filters changes but otherwise it's not like you're a stranger to maintenance and you have a bunch of us to help you through any troubles you may have.

 

[treegump]

These are very reliable trucks Forest. There would be a bunch of stuff you would want to do up front like fluids and filters changes but otherwise it's not like you're a stranger to maintenance and you have a bunch of us to help you through any troubles you may have.

Just running through the posts (its a rain day and I'm sick, after all), and I'm beginning to catch on that LLY is what I'm looking for. Easier to get to injectors, and the other small DIY fixes. And I already know what kind of help I have through here. As far as fluids and filters, I read of some upgrade for the Allison...would that be something I should look into while I'm doing the tranny drain/refill...or does the pan have a drain plug? (On my dodge there was no drain plug, so I had to remove the entire pan...)

Thinking of heading to the dealerships this afternoon just to see what's available. (I just opened a new account at Wells Fargo, since Minot doesn't have a CHASE, so they are less than trusting on giving me a loan, so a dealership is where I might have to settle. That, or finding a truck that is within their liking (yr & mileage).)

 

[treegump]

Just curious, but if I was considering a tuner, would an LBZ be better than LLY, or is there a difference? (As far as the allison, or anything else)

 

[treegump]

http://www.bismanonline.com/2004_5_chevy_duramax_2500_hd_4

http://www.bismanonline.com/2006_chevrolet_2500_duramax - too expensive for me

 

[Grendahl]

Just curious, but if I was considering a tuner, would an LBZ be better than LLY, or is there a difference? (As far as the allison, or anything else)

Depends on how hot a tune you want to run. The LBZ has some strengthened internals that might be of value if you want to really turn up the wick. I run a Diablo Sport Predator set at 85Hp on my LLY without any issues so far. The LLY will get a bit better mileage than the LBZ due to higher compression ratio, all else being equal. Remember there are two versions of the LLY. The earlier version (04.5-05) had the higher compression. The late LLY (06) is mechanically the same as the LBZ, only detuned to match the power output of the early LLY. I think the Allison got the sixth gear in the 06 model year. Not really a big deal unless you run lots of highway miles unloaded.

 

[btfarm]

Don't really need any upgrades to the Allison for a truck that's running at stock to +100 HP (unless you plan to thrash it - which I doubt).
The difference is 5 sp (LLY) Vs 6 sp (LBZ) and an LBZ being the most desirable DMax is gonna make them go top $.

The blue one may be a red flag with the EDGE tuner.

 

[Ed HD]

Ok, on the one that has 68k left on the injectors, there is also a 9 year from the "delivered" date timeline on that warranty, it's 9 years/200k miles, keep that in mind.

LBZ's crack pistons sooner than LLY's, as they switched brands or something.

 

[Pepperidge]

I'm pretty sure it is only 7 year 200k mile from in service date

 

[treegump]

I'll just keep my eye open for an LLY then. After all, I'm still enjoying my 6.5, considering its running better than it ever has, but I figured I would upgrade now that I have the opportunity. I'm not driving as far, but when I do, my nv4500/6.5TD just doesn't like the 70mph speed limit out here. Also looking for a little more comfort, and fewer miles. Ya'll know how it is.

 

[Ed HD]

Yep, Thanks for the correction Pepp.

We haven't had a lick of trouble out of our 05 LLY, sitting at 94k right now. Keep clean fluids and filters in it and it will last a long time.

 

[GM Guy]

what have you been up to Forest? I take it being located in the dakotas, you got an oilfield job?

if so, and you have a bit of $ to throw around, may I suggest keeping both trucks? trucks arent unbreakable, and it is nice to have one to go parts chasing in when the other one is under the knife. If I had only one truck, I would have been screwed on numerous occasions.

Most folks always have that moment "should have kept that rig instead of selling it" dont take it to the extent I have with my junk, but I think you will miss it if you sold it.

 

[treegump]

Hey there GM Guy, I am in the dakotas, and I am currently working in the oilfield, but I actually do nondestructive testing. Using UT & radiography to x-ray pipe, welds, and vessels; creating a baseline of information, so that the owner of the separator sites can estimate the decay/erosion of their pipe/vessels.

Anyhow, as much as I'd love to keep both vehicles, I don't think I could justify keeping 2 fullsize pickups around. I'm now living in apartments, and though your comment did make me consider taking my truck back to Indiana (as my vacation vehicle), whatever the case may be, I'm considering on getting an awd vehicle (such as the subaru wrx) or a jeep wrangler (yj, cj7, tj) - something that I should be able to keep in my single car garage. (that's 5" too short to fit my 6.5TD in)

I've also considered transferring the 6.5TD & NV4500 to another vehicle...such as a cj7 or yj. (Instead of the usual 350ci swap) But that seems like/sounds like more work than it'd be worth....