diesel "upgrades"

[hrcarver]

Found a used 06 chevy 2500 4x4 crew like I want w/ 50k. Dealer is giving me GOOD money for my 1/2 ton pickup.

One problem though, truck has a lot of crap on it.

Here is a list of the stuff in question.

"Banks Power components (Banks Ram-Air Intake System, Banks Six-Gun Diesel Tuner, Banks Monster Exhaust, Banks DynaFact Instrumentation with Boost and Exhaust Temperature gauges), Hensley TrailerSaver TS3 Air Ride 5th wheel hitch with SaverSlide, Tekonsha Prodigy Trailer Brake Control."

I wanted a brake controller anyway, but is the other stuff good or bad? I generally tend to be of the opinion "if it aint broke dont fix it".

Run away or jump on it for 30k?(really 25k, they offered me 23 for a truck worth 18k)

 

[flusher]

Found a used 06 chevy 2500 4x4 crew like I want w/ 50k. Dealer is giving me GOOD money for my 1/2 ton pickup.

One problem though, truck has a lot of crap on it.

Here is a list of the stuff in question.

"Banks Power components (Banks Ram-Air Intake System, Banks Six-Gun Diesel Tuner, Banks Monster Exhaust, Banks DynaFact Instrumentation with Boost and Exhaust Temperature gauges), Hensley TrailerSaver TS3 Air Ride 5th wheel hitch with SaverSlide, Tekonsha Prodigy Trailer Brake Control."

I wanted a brake controller anyway, but is the other stuff good or bad? I generally tend to be of the opinion "if it aint broke dont fix it".

Run away or jump on it for 30k?(really 25k, they offered me 23 for a truck worth 18k)

That truck's been tricked out with a bunch of performance enhancements (the Banks stuff). I'd be concerned about how much tuning the previous owner dialed into that Banks Six-Gun--possibly overstressing the engine,the turbo system and/or the drive train in an effort to break records for hp and torque. Only way to know is to talk to the PO and hope he's a straight shooter.

 

[Cat_Driver]

I've done it both ways. I like to leave stuff original, but in the past I have added some banks stuff to improve the Motor home I had and it did work. I pretty much swear by Banks because I got to the Banks manufacturing plant to have my stuff installed.

Everything added was done it seems ti improve the diesel performance and I'm thinking because he pulled a 5th wheel obviously.

Personally I'd be a little scared about the tranny with all that power and pulling all that weight, there may be something going on there.

Manufacturers detune Diesels for a reason and ofter times it's the tranny or read end that can't handle the torque of a maxed out diesel.

Gauges are a good thing anytime.

 

[Storm56]

Kinda tough to call. Some guys just like to add all the toys to brag about having them but never really use them. Some put it on and see what she will do. One thing for sure there is quite a bit of extras on the truck and they were not cheap.

In most cases the dealer will not let you know who the original owner was so you could speak with them. How does the rest of the truck look, like the previous owner had pride of ownership? Check the fluid in the tranny, a simple pull of the dipstick and a sniff may tell you something. If it smells burnt and is not bright red, I would think about walking away.

 

[hrcarver]

allison transmission in 06 right? Hasn't that one been holding up real good?

I hate truck shopping...:confused2:

 

[Storm56]

Yes - Allison's are the only automatic GM ever put behind the Dmax. And yes they are an outstanding transmission. I have an 03 Dmax/Allison combo and am very pleased with it.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I would pass. I have had chips, exhaust, and intakes on all my diesel trucks except my 05 dmax and I am a big fan of them but not in a used purchase. Had it on my 99, 04, and 06 Fords. No issues but I would not buy one that had it on it already. You never know what the guy was really doing with it and now the warranty is void.

Pass, and find one unmolested. If you want to do it yourself that is another thing. You will then know how the truck has been used and abused.

Chris

 

[patrick_g]

There isn't anything on the list of STUFF I would regard as cause to reject the truck. Whether or not the truck is "tricked out" the previous owner could have taken care of it and not abused it or could have been a jerk.

The prev owner most likely used the perf equip to enhance the performance for pulling a 5th wheel and so the engine is more worn than a stock engine at the same miles and ditto the tranny but they could both still be in terrific condition.

If it were me I'd get the dealer to do two things: 1. call the prev owner so I could talk to him (this sidesteps the telephone number privacy issue) and 2. I'd get the dealer's permission to take the truck to a knowledgeable diesel mechanic (not in the employ of the dealer) for an assessment. This assessment could cost a few hundred BUT if it steered you away from problems or showed it to be a great bargain it would be worth it either way.

If the mech drops the pan he can use plastic gauge material to access the bearing wear on the crank, a sure sign of any long term mistreatment or accelerated wear. Likewise he can pull the valve cover and spot check the valve adjustment on a sampling of cylinders to see if the unit has been maintained. A good diesel shop should be able to check the injector pump and spot check the injectors by pulling a few for visual or better yet actual testing.

Are the maint records available for the vehicle? If not then why not??? What don't they want you to know?

If the truck really is OK why would they not share the info with you?

If the dealer gets defensive and starts making noises like "this is a great deal, if you don't want it we'll sell it to someone else" then let them. If they are honest and it is a good deal why wouldn't they let you spend your money to convince yourself that they are right?

Either way, I wish you the best of luck. Sounds like it just might be a decent deal but recall the words of a popular past president. "trust but verify."

Pat

 

[CCOUGHRAN1]

I would never be afraid of a truck with Banks products on them. Here is how I see it. Banks = high priced, high quality, but very conservative with regards to safety factors. If you are wanting to drag race your diesel truck, or even hot rod it, you would not purchase Banks equipment. You would go with a more aggressive company that will get more bang for your buck.

When I see a Banks equipped truck, I think of someone that is not afraid to spend $$$ on their truck, yet wants some modest gains in HP, mileage, etc. A retired guy pulling a fiver. Not some 20-30 year old blowing smoke and burning rubber in an 8k truck

 

[Highbeam]

I totally agree with CCOUGHRAN1. Banks stuff is way overpriced and conservative. That's why you don't see guys using it in the go fast crowd doing burnouts and "rolling coal". You see very, er, uh, white collar type guys with Banks stuff. The smarter cheaper hot rodder would have bought an edge system.

 

[Bikewanderer]

what's your trade?

 

[patrick_g]

I totally agree with CCOUGHRAN1. Banks stuff is way overpriced and conservative. That's why you don't see guys using it in the go fast crowd doing burnouts and "rolling coal". You see very, er, uh, white collar type guys with Banks stuff. The smarter cheaper hot rodder would have bought an edge system.

True, in general true BUT... anything that increases HP and or torque increases wear so we don't know till we actually check. Instead of guessing at the number of angels dancing on the head of a pin, I suggest using a magnifier and counting them.

Odds are the truck was not entered in the diesel drags BUT some hi perf wanna be with poor planning and research skills may have bought Banks as his approach to hot rodding.

It is easy and not that expensive to actually check instead of guessing at the condition. Some prefer the Ouija board, some the magic 8 ball, and others the most likely sounding scenario to be floated by them but actually checking is way less risky.

Pat

 

[hrcarver]

what's your trade?

07 f150 supercab 4x4 xlt 5.4 27k

 

[Ductape]

I would never be afraid of a truck with Banks products on them. Here is how I see it. Banks = high priced, high quality, but very conservative with regards to safety factors. If you are wanting to drag race your diesel truck, or even hot rod it, you would not purchase Banks equipment. You would go with a more aggressive company that will get more bang for your buck.

When I see a Banks equipped truck, I think of someone that is not afraid to spend $$$ on their truck, yet wants some modest gains in HP, mileage, etc. A retired guy pulling a fiver. Not some 20-30 year old blowing smoke and burning rubber in an 8k truck

My thoughts exactly !

 

[Soundguy]

any idea how big a house he was towing? and why he traded? did he trade up to something bigger / hevier.. or get out of the mobile house dragging bit and settle down to a .25 ac yard, and a yuppiemobile?

every bit of info you know helps the decision.

soundguy

 

[WH401]

I'd pass. While the truck could be perfectly fine with that programmer, buying a used truck that's been hopped up performance wise is like asking a hooker to be your wife. You don't know how she's been driven previously, and whether or not she's had all the proper checkups/maintenance. While the Allison is a good transmission, in stock form...any transmission from Ford, Chevy, or Dodge can easily be slipped or damaged from extra power.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I'd pass. While the truck could be perfectly fine with that programmer, buying a used truck that's been hopped up performance wise is like asking a hooker to be your wife. You don't know how she's been driven previously, and whether or not she's had all the proper checkups/maintenance. While the Allison is a good transmission, in stock form...any transmission from Ford, Chevy, or Dodge can easily be slipped or damaged from extra power.

That is funny but true. I would skip like I said before. There are trucks out there, do not settle. I would also skip the 3/4 ton and look for a SRW 1 ton. The GM trucks of that era had a 8,800# GVWR and they weigh about 7,200# to 7,400# depending on cab and bed length. That only leaves you 1,400# or so for payload. Not enough. Yes, its got a diesel but in hauling a load they are not very good. You can get a F-250 of that era with a 10,000# GVWR or a SRW F-350 with 11,500# GVWR so they will handle a lot more pin/tongue load or just plain payload.

While the guys are right about the Banks stuff being mild its still a chip. GM will void the warranty. The Allison is a terrific tranny but the one thing it does not like is extra power. In stock for it will slip with too much power just like any tranny but its a lot less forgiving then the Ford Torque Shift or the newer Dodge stuff.

Chris

 

[hrcarver]

LOL, that's funny. My gut is telling me that too.

The chevy's claim like a 3500 lb payload in a 06 2500. I think gvw is 9200 or 9500? I thought fords where lacking in payload, better in towing capacity? I cant find a chart with the info on them. Anybody got one?

 

[Storm56]

I would also skip the 3/4 ton and look for a SRW 1 ton. The GM trucks of that era had a 8,800# GVWR and they weigh about 7,200# to 7,400# depending on cab and bed length. That only leaves you 1,400# or so for payload. Not enough. Yes, its got a diesel but in hauling a load they are not very good.

Chris

As stated previously I have a 2003 Chev D/max. You are wrong, gross is 9200, listed payload is I believe 3300 lbs. I have had 2 ton in it on more than one occassion and it handled the weight just fine. I also have a 2700 lb empty, as in no water, etc, 11 1/2 foot truck camper which it also handles fine. I did put on airbags to help with the camper and a rear swaybar because the weight is up high, but it handles it very well.

You obviously do no care for GM and that is fine, we all have our preferences, but your statement about a 1400 lb payload is completely incorrect and the comments on the tranny are also not accurate. The allison is without a doubt the BEST tranny in a diesel pu, just like the cummins is the BEST engine.

 

[Ken45101]

LOL, that's funny. My gut is telling me that too.

The chevy's claim like a 3500 lb payload in a 06 2500. I think gvw is 9200 or 9500? I thought fords where lacking in payload, better in towing capacity? I cant find a chart with the info on them. Anybody got one?

We had a F250 and the horse trailer was too much hitch weight. Went to a C3500, does great.

GM did send a notice to me that "upgrades" were not a good idea, that they could be too much for the truck. In my way of thinking, if it was easy and safe to do these chip upgrades, then GM, Ford, etc. would have done them. What manufacturer wouldn't want to sell a more powerful engine that only required reprogramming a chip?

The other consideration, with all these mods, how will it affect fuel economy?

Personally, unless I really, really needed the "upgrades", I wouldn't want them. YMMV.

Ken