2005-2010 Duramax diesels & rust

[Hay Dude]

I think the middle age say roughly 2005-2010 Duramax diesel trucks were my favorite overall built trucks of that era. Just my opinion, but I owned all 3 of the legacy brands, and that is my opinion. Not trying to start a brand war.

However, there is the aforementioned rust issue. Its terrible on the rockers. Especially in MY area. However, I have found some very roadworthy great running 2005,6,7 trucks with no DPF I would like to buy, but the rust issue gives me pause. Most body shops I talk to want a small ransome to completely fix, like thousands.

Has anyone restored the rockers on one of these trucks? I owned a 2007 3500HD and never should have sold it. Looking at a few 2007s and they have rotted rockers, but otherwise pretty good.

 

[timswi]

There is a company that makes what appear to be paintable plastic rocker covers and cab corners for those models. Obviously not a replacement but the final results don't look too bad and a few of the reviews (if they aren't fake) seem to say the users are pretty happy with the results. Depends on what your preference is.

It's a pretty good job to replace the rockers, not impossible for a DIY but a fair amount of work if you have the equipment.

 

[slckeys]

I have an '05 Sierra 2500 that I keep bringing back to life with repairs. Engine and transmission are strong as new but everything else is showing its age. Rockers redone, frame sand blasted and painted with UV resistant paint and then coated with an oil that seeps into all the other cracks. Rear bumper replaced. Next is going to be the bed, as it's rusting thru. I'll probably replace with an aluminum flat bed.

If I were to do it again, buy one from the south and then treat the underside from the day I got it and maintain every year.

I understand why you like those model years. Love my truck. Never left me sit, pulls everything I need, no emissions crap to worry about, not overboard with electronics that'll go bad. 225k I think I have.

Like I said, if you really want one, if highly consider having one shipped in from the south because this rust belt sucks...

 

[slckeys]

If just the rockers are a concern on the ones you're looking at, why not just spend the couple grand and have it done right? Rust is never ending though... Once it's there good luck containing it forever.

I personally just can't fathom the price of used trucks. That is why I keep mine alive like I am. I really want to add a '17 or '18 Cummins with a manual transmission. But these prices....

 

[Hay Dude]

If just the rockers are a concern on the ones you're looking at, why not just spend the couple grand and have it done right? Rust is never ending though... Once it's there good luck containing it forever.

I personally just can't fathom the price of used trucks. That is why I keep mine alive like I am. I really want to add a '17 or '18 Cummins with a manual transmission. But these prices....

4 months ago, I had 3 2008 Superdutys with 6.4L diesels. Made significant engine & exhaust (DPF) repairs. Sold 2 of them after several years of ownership. Beautiful, strong trucks, but the engines & DPFs costly to maintain & fix.
Just bought a ‘20 RAM. Still have 1 2008 F-350 Superduty. It’s in good shape, but I’m living on borrowed time. I’d like to sell it and replace with a 3500HD Duramax. I have a few guys interested in the F-350. Trying to find a 3500HD as a replacement.

I like your idea of a southern truck, but I’d have to buy sight unseen as it would be close to 1000 miles from me to get away from salt (Florida, Georgia, etc).
I guess transportation is cheaper than thousands fixing rust!

 

[slckeys]

I know a guy that bought a southern truck, '06 Silverado I think, 260k, and it looks amazing on the underside. I do not know if he shipped it or drove to get it though. Those 6.4's are nice looking, but I read the 2008 is the most unreliable vehicle built in terms of trucks.

Between what I already said with the rockers and frame, having the head gaskets redone, stainless fuel and brake lines installed, and general maintenance, I'm probably pushing 15k keeping it running. Probably a foolish move, but like you said, they are nice trucks. And dependable. The Cummins I want is only because it's a manual. Maybe someday.

 

[crazyal]

I bought a '07 Tundra from South Carolina a couple years ago. It seams each brand and each year has it's own issues with Rust. With the Tundra it's a spot under the bed that's impossible to rustproof. When I was looking I found a lot of trucks from up north that were shipped down there to be sold. I don't know if it's because they don't bother to look to see how much rust or if the thinking is that once down there the rust will not be as big of an issue. Maybe it's because they don't require yearly inspections. The easiest way I found was to look at the carfax report. See where it was bought new, registered, and service work was done.

 

[dodge man]

It’s a losing battle, one I have lost the fight on in the past. I have a co worker that has what I think is a 2007 D Max, it’s getting pretty rusty, a lot more than just the rockers.

 

[Industrial Toys]

My 08 Duramax frame was rusted from day one. Not that, that is an issue, just annoying. The rusting out rear fenders are the issue. Low miles, never worked truck. Zero mechanical issues, just the garbage gimmicks.

Not sure what to do. Body work makes ZERO sense. Might as well go on the roof and throw your money into the wind. Are boxes available? 08 is quite old now.

 

[slckeys]

I haven't found any boxes for my '05. That's why the aluminum flatbed is on my list. But even those are expensive in my opinion.

 

[TractorGuy]

Why not buy a rust free truck from the south and have it shipped or fly down and drive it back. Then have the rockers treated inside and out to protect them.

Doesn't seem like it would cost as much as having one repaired and truth is you never stop rust once it starts.

 

[4570Man]

Those are the best trucks ever built IMO. As to the rust I’d go somewhere rust isn’t a problem and buy one. Rust can’t be fixed.

 

[Hay Dude]

Those are the best trucks ever built IMO As to the rust I壇 go somewhere rust isn稚 a problem and buy one. Rust can稚 be fixed.

I agree. You got a 360HP dependable, quiet diesel engine, an Allison transmission with manual shift option and tow haul mode, and an 11.5 locking rear. They rode very well loaded and surprisingly well unloaded.
Would love to find a 3500 dually 4wd with a dumping flatbed and snowplow.

 

[Deere Dude]

I have a Wisconsin born 02 Dmax dually. Moved to TN and decided to have the both rockers done because of rust forming. New rockers and great a job for $1400.

 

[Hay Dude]

I have a Wisconsin born 02 Dmax dually. Moved to TN and decided to have the both rockers done because of rust forming. New rockers and great a job for $1400.

We’re new steel rockers welded in, or did you get the plastic covers?

 

[slckeys]

The route I went were the welded in kind. I did rockers and cab corners. All said and done, 2k, and it looks near perfect. I keep telling myself it's all cheaper than a brand new truck... Plus no gizmos to worry about breaking.

 

[5030]

Gee, I live in the Northeast and my 1997 Ford F350 CC diesel 4x4 is rust free. Was just offered 25K cash. Said no. Everyone wants a 7.3 OBS truck. Especially one that is optioned out.

The trick to no rust is... Don't drive it in the winter. Never seen snow since new and I bought it new in '97. 3 more years and it gets collectors plates.

 

[Hay Dude]

After 40 years of truck ownership, my basic observation is Fords don’t rust and GM drivetrains go forever.
I have poured money into Ford engines and brakes. My one GM 3500HD Duramax went 120k with one mechanical repair (glow plug). Sold it before rust set in. BIG mistake.
Now Im looking for a good used 4wd diesel plow truck and don’t want anything to do with Ford anymore. Don’t want the transmission behind the 7.3L anymore either.
But the GM rust.....wow....someone was asleep when they designed the sheet metal “corrosion protection” on them.

 

[Deere Dude]

I have a Wisconsin born 02 Dmax dually. Moved to TN and decided to have the both rockers done because of rust forming. New rockers and great a job for $1400.

We’re new steel rockers welded in, or did you get the plastic covers?

Steel Rockers and cab corners, both sides, welded in 2017?, from the front to the rear, extended cab. Perfect paint job to boot. I guess I should be very happy about that from what I read here.

 

[TractorGuy]

The biggest problem with used trucks down here is they all have 300,000 miles on them and people still want low mileage prices.