Good truck experiences.

[WilliamBos]

I almost wonder if the problem is the "flush chemicals" that get used by most shops that do the fluid changes. I wonder how much difference there would be in a neglected transmission between just changing old fluid for new vs a power flush with a cleaning cycle in the middle...

Aaron Z

I agree. Just do a pan drop, filter change, and add fluid to top it back up.

 

[Dmace]

I almost wonder if the problem is the "flush chemicals" that get used by most shops that do the fluid changes. I wonder how much difference there would be in a neglected transmission between just changing old fluid for new vs a power flush with a cleaning cycle in the middle...

Aaron Z

Plus, just the force of "back washing" the filter puts all the small metal pieces (if any) stuck in the filter back in the transmission.

 

[ultrarunner]

That red Chevy van reminds me of a 1985 Chevy van I had years ago. It was a "heavy half" and former LP gas company work truck. Great engine, smooth suspension and never a lick of problems. With that heavy rear suspension, we used to load the **** out of it too!
It ended by given up in the battle against rust like most New England trucks.

My 85 van has always remained exposed to the elements here in California and rust is starting around the windshield.

So far my only complaint is I could use more in the towing department... 305 ci carburetor was the largest motor available in CA at the time.

It tips the scales between 9 and 10k because it is always fully loaded.

All original suspension except for the overload leafs.

 

[aczlan]

Plus, just the force of "back washing" the filter puts all the small metal pieces (if any) stuck in the filter back in the transmission.

Yep. In my Volvo V90 the recommended DIY method for flushing the transmission fluid is to:
1. Drain the pan, refill with as much as came out
2. Pull the upper transmission cooler line (the out line), hook it to a hose and run out 2 quarts of fluid
3. Shut the car off, put in 2 quarts of fluid
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the fluid coming out is as clean as the fluid going in

Aaron Z

 

[coobie]

My great trucks 1972 ford with 300 6 cyl with three on the tree tranny,1987 toyota 22r motor 187,000 miles,2004 dodge cummins diesel 85,000 miles.coobie

 

[Hay Dude]

What year is the second duramax?

2007. I'm at just over 100K. First one was used to tow hay trailers all over the east & midwest. Always nervous when the guys went to deliver hay when she had high miles on it, but it always came home with check in hand. The allison trans never missed a beat. I think I should have kept that truck.

 

[WilliamBos]

2007. I'm at just over 100K. First one was used to tow hay trailers all over the east & midwest. Always nervous when the guys went to deliver hay when she had high miles on it, but it always came home with check in hand. The allison trans never missed a beat. I think I should have kept that truck.

ohhhhhh you have an LBZ Duramax do you? I would love a low mileage stock LBZ Crew Cab!! Did they take care of the GPCM update before you got it?

 

[Hay Dude]

late '06 & '07 is the way to go. Pinnacle of power, simplicity and lack of pollution crap.
The earlier models are nice, too, but you dont get the factory higher HP and the 6 speed. The 5 speed is a great tranny, too though.
The really nice thing about these trucks is they drive like a sportscar, but pull like a powerful truck. You sit lower, feel more stable and sleek. The fords and dodges follow the more traditional "lift kit" look and are more macho trucks.......until you race them against a chevy or gmc.....lol.

 

[Fordman1981]

Good stuff so far guys. I currently have a 2500 ram quad cab long bed with the 6.7 cummins G56 trans it has a little over 12,000 miles on it right now. I hope to have the same service or better service out of this truck as I did my 02 f250 7.3 with the manual trans. I have a standing order in for a new company truck it will be a ram 3500 srw quad cab 5.7 Hemi 4x4 with the factory gooseneck prep package and the chmsl camera and tailgate back up camera with 8.4 inch touch screen. It should be built this month and maybe arrive at dealer in early march. So I will be able to see side by side what the 2012 cummins and the 2013 3500 hemi will be like as far as maintenance cost and repairs.

Well I just wanted to let everyone know the 2013 3500 I had on order I canceled today. It was supposed to be built on the 2/29/2013 and be shipped soon after. Well I talked to my dealer they pushed the 3500's back and won't be shipped til late April. I heard a rumor on another forum that the 2014's would be built soon. My dealer confirmed this 2013's will be built for 5 months then the 2014's will go into production. I didn't feel good about getting a truck with such a short production. I also have heard rumors of the 2014 getting the 6.2 hemi. So I'm waiting to see if that turns out to be true. Just thought I would update everyone that's interested in the new Rams.

 

[Dmace]

I also have heard rumors of the 2014 getting the 6.2 hemi.

I hope!
Good choice on waiting.