Most Reliable Year?

[DieselCDN]

Hey everybody,
I have been lurking around here for a while, and I've got a question.
I'm looking to buy a 2500 4x4 CC SB Duramax,
and i would like to know your thoughts as to what year/engine code (LB7,LLY, etc.) has the best reliability record.

So if money is not an issue, which is the most desirable year and the best buy?
and what are some of the common problems with these trucks so I know what to look out for?

also fwiw, when I get a truck I will most likely do a few perfomance mods like exhaust, and a tuner.

Thanx in advance!

[06duramaxkid]

well i love my lbz.. no problems yet with almost 30,000 miles on it.. had all sorts of exhausts puls intake and programmer.. now getting efi live.. everything has run smooth and its a great truck

[TYREBOYZ_DEMAXIN]

well i have 71k miles on my 06 LBZ ad no problems so i would highly recommend going with the 06-07 LBZ classic body style GM Trucks.....

[n0useforaname]

I agree....the LBZ engine is a good engine. I have 14,000 miles on mine and I love it. The New Body Style..LMM...I was told to stay away from because its the first year of production with the DFP....and I was told this by numerous people, including diesel mechanics, car dealerships, and owners of the new truck. They say horrible gas mileage, hard to find upgrades (Exhaust, programmer, intake..etc) As far as older trucks...I know some of them had injector issues....and I don't really know much about the inbetween. But one thing is for certain...I swear all GM trucks have that stupid clunk in the steering column shaft thing. It's not a big deal...but it's a GM thing.

[duramaxiskilinit]

I have an LB7 and I have 60,000 miles on it and still no problems! I've had an exhaust, cold air intake, and boost valve on and it still runs great. Also from what I've heard from a guy at Kennedy diesel the LB7 can hold the most boost safely.

[power95]

all i can say is that when i was looking for my truck i wanted an LB7. they get great mileage and r pretty relieable... mine has 115k and the only major thing done was new injectors that i know of and that is pretty much a given on the LB7 but it is covered by warranty till 200k

[Hammer 4]

Even though I have a LB7, I'd prolly get a LBZ, more power right off the bat, and so far no major issues that I know of. OTH, I love my 03 LB7, doesn't have all the smog stuff (not sure if the LBZ's have it) I have almost 77k, no problems so far..I have a custom 4" exhaust-custom 4" intake with the stock airbox, which is modded-PPE Boost valve, and a PPE Xcellerator tuner (225hp) Suncoast 4 is on the list..

I think you'd be happy with either one..

[Dieselson]

I have heard that the 02's are really reliable, personally, I like the 01's because they have no smog stuff whatsoever and they are simple.

[dmax500]

if you can look past the injectors the 02 lb7 trucks are excellent like what power95 said they get excellent gas millage they dont have an egr or cat to plug or raise egts, one other thing is 02 was the last year for the 99-02 gauge cluster and some electronics. 03+ chevy started using a lot of modules to replace wiring such as door locks and windows, seats, etc. also 03+ also have a problem with the clusters failing our shop replaces one about every two or three weeks now. when they first started going out it seemed like two a week.


engine and tranny wise all lb7, lly, lbz, lmm's are probably the most reliable vehicles gm makes our shop has only seen one or two allys come in with actuall issues. and the duramax besides the lb7 injectors and the occasionall cp3 pump are bullet proof.

[DieselCDN]

thanx for the reply's guys, keep em coming!