Newbie year model questions

[NCchevymn]

Hello everyone. I've always been a die hard Chevy man and currently own a '95 K2500 ext cab. (454) With a new baby on the scene, I'm looking to upgrade to a crew cab. Puttin the baby seat in the ext. cab without third door just ain't cuttin it. We have a farm and along with it comes the heavier hauling. We have a 24' gooseneck stock trailer and a 28' tandem dual gooseneck flatbed trailer. I know that when I trade that I want the duramax/allison, but I am looking for some guidance as far as year models. I don't want to step on any toes here, but I have heard to stay away from 05 before models. Is this true? Pro's and con's of all years from 04 thru 09 would be appreciated. Body style upgrades really won't play into the decision. I'm looking for good mechanical advice.

[mrmanners]

Welcome to DF. I have an 06 CCSB that I really like. It has the LLY motor and thus far I have been very happy with it.

Take care,

[bnkrupt]

they all have little issues that are pretty easily corrected... wow that doesn't sound too good...

but seriously, the 2006-2007 LBZ is the "best" yet.

the 01-04's had some injector problems (most of which are fixed under warranty) and the 04.5-05 had some thermal breakdown issues.

I have a 2005, and with a couple hundred bucks you can make them run quite well.

its all about what you want to spend. if you can afford an LBZ go that route, if not, they are all great trucks.

Let me know if we can help.

Jess

[NCchevymn]

Thanks guys, this the kind of information that I am looking for. I have a couple of cousins that have the late model duramax engines. They have been good so far but none of them are out of warranty. I also heard the Allison tranny had some problems in the early models. What year did those seem to get worked out. I'm gonna go look at a couple tomorrow. Found two red CCSB's within 30 miles of home and going to check them out tomorrow evening. Thanks again for any insight you may offer to a Duramax "wannabe"(for now!)
Chris

[marekw28]

my dad has a 2007.5 duallie LMM that is constantly hauling a 28 foot gooseneck..it runs good with the dpf on it but a little better once i got rid of it...and he also has a 2007 duallie LBZ with is just as good and these trucks are always hauling something and they havent had any major issues thus far

[bigdaddydiesel]

WELCOME to the Neighborhood!!!

When you look into a truck, make sure to get a dealer to run a "VIS" report with the VIN #. This will tell you all of the warranty work that was done which will in turn tell you if the truck has had any ongoing issues. If the previous owner had the regular maintenance done at the dealer it will tell you that as well. Then run a CARFAX report to check for accident damage. Once that is done take the one you like the most to an "Independent" Diesel Shop to have it checked out fo mechanical condition. They usually are looking to gain business and will give you an unbiased assessment of the true condition of the truck. If all of that checks out then go for it and remember, all of the Duramax trucks are good ones, each has had it's own issues that are all pretty easy fixes with just a little cash. Good luck finding the right truck for you...

God Bless

Chris

[wannabefastcrf]

i agree with some others. I jsut bought one. and I went looking for an LBZ truck. But good luck took me a while to find one and im driving a few hours to get it. i was a little picky on options and miles and price so it might not be too bad if your not picky

[NCchevymn]

I bought an 06 shortbed crew on Monday. 36000 miles. Clean carfax. Red. 300 miles later, I'm in love with the duramax. Putting a B & W gooseneck ball in it this evening and a Prodigy brake controller in whenever it arrives. Probably won't be here till monday with the holiday weekend. The computer says that I'm averaging 17.5 mpg, which is a big jump compared to the 10 to 12 that I was getting out of the 454. Thanks for the advice, and I'll try to post some pics over the weekend.

[seth999]

nice you wont be dissapointed once you drive this thing you will be hooked

[palposity]

Welcome to the DF!