First, hello Duramax people (usually thought of as evil). I’m familiar with seach functions, but I’m at work and looking for advice quickly. The Air Force doesn’t want me surfing all day (researching my new truck).
I’m seriously considering going from a Power stroke to the Duramax. I’m on my second F350 PSD. My first was a 96 w/auto and the trans went out at 125,000 and now my 99 trans went out at 150,000. I really take care of my stuff and don’t tow anywhere near max capacity. I carry a heavy truck camper, 5,000 lbs, and tow a 4,000 lb boat. Although the 7.3 has been a good engine, I hate the glow plugs, serious NOISE, and piss poor transmissions. I figure it’s going to be about $4,000 to replace it. I’m thinking I’d rather dump it into the price of a newer truck. I’d like to go with the Dodge, but they have no where near the weight capacity I need AND they don’t make a long bed crew cab. You cannot get the mega with a long bed. Additionally, I cannot afford a new truck. I’m looking in the $25,000 range hopefully (2002-2003 years). I did see a 2007 DM CC, LB, DRW, 4x4 for $39,900 at the local GMC dealer. Very tempting, but don’t have the money with a truck camper and new boat payment already. I can’t get a 07 ford with their new engine and don’t think I want a 6.0L PDS either. I have a couple questions on the DM that I’d like honest opinions on. Please don’t inflate.
1) What kind of MPG can I expect empty at 75 mph? 75 is the limit here in Co. I get about 12 at those speeds in my PSD 4 speed auto w/4.10.
2) What kind of MPG do you get when towing, or more specifically, carry a truck camper? I get 12 at 55 mph which I hate drive that slow in a 75 zones.
3) How does the truck handle at max weight?
4) What years should I avoid and why?
5) What should I look for before I buy? I.e. are there problem areas to check for?
6) Although the DM comes with an Allison trans, I heard there have been problems. However, I think I only hear about problems when you start upping the horse power. How do they hold up when left stock?
7) What is the GVW for the various years? I saw my Grandfather’s 2002 DM DRW CC was 11,500, the same as my 99 PSD. As long as it’s equal to or greater than my current 11,500 it should be fine.
8) Has anyone gone from a PSD to DM? What are your thoughts?
9) Is the Allison really a decent trans?
10) What are the main differences between the years: 01-04.5 LB7 and 4.5-05 LLY and 06 LBZ? Is one to be avoided or have more problems?
11) I heard there are injector problems on some models? Which to avoid if needed?
I’m adding to this post as I find more. Thanks all. I’ll be buying in the next couple days and don’t have a tone of time to search and read everything.
I’m seriously considering going from a Power stroke to the Duramax. I’m on my second F350 PSD. My first was a 96 w/auto and the trans went out at 125,000 and now my 99 trans went out at 150,000. I really take care of my stuff and don’t tow anywhere near max capacity. I carry a heavy truck camper, 5,000 lbs, and tow a 4,000 lb boat. Although the 7.3 has been a good engine, I hate the glow plugs, serious NOISE, and piss poor transmissions. I figure it’s going to be about $4,000 to replace it. I’m thinking I’d rather dump it into the price of a newer truck. I’d like to go with the Dodge, but they have no where near the weight capacity I need AND they don’t make a long bed crew cab. You cannot get the mega with a long bed. Additionally, I cannot afford a new truck. I’m looking in the $25,000 range hopefully (2002-2003 years). I did see a 2007 DM CC, LB, DRW, 4x4 for $39,900 at the local GMC dealer. Very tempting, but don’t have the money with a truck camper and new boat payment already. I can’t get a 07 ford with their new engine and don’t think I want a 6.0L PDS either. I have a couple questions on the DM that I’d like honest opinions on. Please don’t inflate.
1) What kind of MPG can I expect empty at 75 mph? 75 is the limit here in Co. I get about 12 at those speeds in my PSD 4 speed auto w/4.10.
2) What kind of MPG do you get when towing, or more specifically, carry a truck camper? I get 12 at 55 mph which I hate drive that slow in a 75 zones.
3) How does the truck handle at max weight?
4) What years should I avoid and why?
5) What should I look for before I buy? I.e. are there problem areas to check for?
6) Although the DM comes with an Allison trans, I heard there have been problems. However, I think I only hear about problems when you start upping the horse power. How do they hold up when left stock?
7) What is the GVW for the various years? I saw my Grandfather’s 2002 DM DRW CC was 11,500, the same as my 99 PSD. As long as it’s equal to or greater than my current 11,500 it should be fine.
8) Has anyone gone from a PSD to DM? What are your thoughts?
9) Is the Allison really a decent trans?
10) What are the main differences between the years: 01-04.5 LB7 and 4.5-05 LLY and 06 LBZ? Is one to be avoided or have more problems?
11) I heard there are injector problems on some models? Which to avoid if needed?
I’m adding to this post as I find more. Thanks all. I’ll be buying in the next couple days and don’t have a tone of time to search and read everything.