2006 CHEVY 2500HD 4x4 6.0L opinions

[KB9UDE]

Hey guys
Looking for opinions on a well taken care of 2006 Chevrolet 2500HD 4x4 EXT cab. It is at local dealer with 85k one owner miles. They trade every 3-4 years. Dealer sold it to them new and did all maint. Dealer is going to put new HD tires and battery in it. Asking under 17,000. What do you all think? I have not drove the truck but outside looks good.


I am looking for good AND bad opinions of truck and 6.0L motor...

 

[deerefan]

Hey guys
Looking for opinions on a well taken care of 2006 Chevrolet 2500HD 4x4 EXT cab. It is at local dealer with 85k one owner miles. They trade every 3-4 years. Dealer sold it to them new and did all maint. Dealer is going to put new HD tires and battery in it. Asking under 17,000. What do you all think? I have not drove the truck but outside looks good.


I am looking for good AND bad opinions of truck and 6.0L motor...

This is just my opinion, but if you are towing 10k lbs or less, you should be fine. The truck will ride rather nice, esp for a 3/4 ton, but the 6.0 is a gas hog. Also, see if you can confirm the rear gear ratio. A lot of those trucks had either 3.73 or 4.11. If economy is more important, 3.73 is the way to go. Towing, 4.11. This engine and the 5.4 ford are pretty comparable and share many of the same taits...decent power, a little underpowered for a 3/4 tons capabilities but a decent casual tow vehicle. I'd say 14-16k is a decent price for the truck.

 

[om21braz]

Unless somebody changed it, this 06 2500HD is going to be geared 4.10 with the 6.0l motor. They have good power, but get approx. 12-13mpg unloaded. This is my experience with a 2004 model. See how the steering feels (typical issue) and see if the instrument cluster has been replaced (another issue). I'd expect anyone to be happy with one if typically towing less than 8k. The price issue you'll have to decide for yourself - Good Luck!
P.S. If you get it, I would immediately change all fluids/filters, especially the transmission.

 

[crashz]

I agree with deerfan.

A couple things with this series of engines:

- Intake gaskets are common repairs
- Many have broken bolts on the exhaust manifolds
- The 6.0 is thirsty with the 4.10 gears.

Otherwise it sounds like a nice find. I'd try to beat them up on the price though. Even with new tires and battery, the price seems a little high.

 

[Diamondpilot]

This is just my opinion, but if you are towing 10k lbs or less, you should be fine. The truck will ride rather nice, esp for a 3/4 ton, but the 6.0 is a gas hog. Also, see if you can confirm the rear gear ratio. A lot of those trucks had either 3.73 or 4.11. If economy is more important, 3.73 is the way to go. Towing, 4.11. This engine and the 5.4 ford are pretty comparable and share many of the same taits...decent power, a little underpowered for a 3/4 tons capabilities but a decent casual tow vehicle. I'd say 14-16k is a decent price for the truck.

This is right on the money. Price seems high to me but that may be regional. Prices vary greatly from one area to another and brand to another. I would not want it with 3.73 gear though. My book only shows the 2006 EXT Cab 4x4 6.0L only has 4.10 gears but its by no means the bible, just a guide. I would think it had 4.10 gears though. It list 10,000# as the max tow rating.

Chris

 

[KB9UDE]

Yes it is a 4:10 gear ratio. I will check it out closer Friday. Keep the info coming!!

 

[Diamondpilot]

What are you planning to pull with it? The GN in your picture is going to be too much for it with your tractor.

Chris

 

[KB9UDE]

I am planning to pull an enclosed trailer about 7x18 for mowing and other services...Should not be over 8-9k at the most.

 

[deerefan]

What are you planning to pull with it? The GN in your picture is going to be too much for it with your tractor.

Chris

I am not a big fan of GNs in 3/4 tons. They always seem to sag a bit too much. Not saying it can't be done or shouldn't be done. Heck, the manufacturer gives a tow rating for it!! Just my opinion. I used to work for a pile driving rental and repair company and we had a 3/4 ton with the 6.0 but 2 wheel drive. It was a pretty peppy truck and we only pulled a bumper pull utility trailer. It seemed to do ok, but that was a few years ago so the memory is fuzzy. It was the first 6.0, I think 300hp.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I am planning to pull an enclosed trailer about 7x18 for mowing and other services...Should not be over 8-9k at the most.

That will be fine. My one and only experience with the 6.0 did not turn out good. Granted I had it overloaded by about 6,000# but we tried to pull a 15,000# plus boat from the lake and it would not do it even in 4 low. Had to hook a Suburban and a F-150 to the 2500 to get it out. This was a boat we had launched numerous times with diesel trucks and Ford V-10's in 4 wheel high with no issues.

Pulling large boats from a full stop on a 30deg plus incline even within tow rating will tax any truck.



It is what it is, just like any 3/4 ton truck with a small gas engine no matter what brand.

Chris