no truck yet.....need suggestions!

[need_A_deisel]

hi everyone! my husband and I are about to purchase a truck camper with a dry weight of 4000#'s, that we're going to use for our dream trip exploring the western states(many high altitudes, steep climbs)!. We know we need a diesel, long bed, extended or crew, and a dually. We're just not sure what year, we dont want brand new--00-05. our friends swear by their 00 F-350 7.3L, that being the last year of the best ford diesel. we're just wondering if there is a certain year duramax to get-this probably dosent apply to chevys and gmc's-but just want to check. really respect you guys and your duramax luv!

[deeretracks]

Welcome to the DF..... Let me give you some thing to look at so you will under stand the different D-Max motors we are talking about.
8th Vin #1-LB7 300 hp
8th Vin #2-04.5-05 LLY 310hp autos only, 300 hp manual trans and 4500/5500
8th Vin #3-06 LLY ratings are the same as vin 2
8th vin #D-LBZ 360 hp auto only, not an option in manual trans or 4500/5500 trucks>
8th Vin #6-LMM 365 hp
As for witch one to get. The 01-04 Lb7 is the king of fuel mileage with no mods. But it has some injector issues. The 04.5-05 LLY has some overheat issues when towing heavy loads. But this prob can be fixed with some cooling system mods. The 06 LLY is the best all around with the least amount of trouble. If I was going to Buy another it would be the LLY D-Max. Hope this helps you some.

[TYREBOYZ_DEMAXIN]

i would say deeretracks perty much coverd it...i have the 06 LBZ and realy the only downfall was fuel economy wasn't the greatest in stock form but after a programmer,exhaust and such i gained another 3-4MPG over all..got a friend that has a hauling business that just traded his 03 F-350 7.3L for a 04 3500 DRW LB7 Duramax and he would never switch back to a Ford.