Pulled the trigger today on a Duramax

[Bota4me]

I guess im outta the loop on used diesel truck prices! Good luck & enjoy that new truck

 

[tcartwri]

I don't think he over paid for it, that's what they go for in my area. That is also considered one of the better years for a D-max.

Same here, especially with low miles like that. Our 2003 Powerstroke brought nearly $25K AT AUCTION....

 

[dodge man]

There is a another post running "Ram 3500 question". Someone posted a link from a person selling a 2004 Ram Cummins, very low miles, and they started out asking something like $33,000 for it. I'm not sure what it cost new but not much more than that. They also dropped the price below 30k to try and sell it because I assume it wasn't moving.

 

[Storm56]

I expected it from DP since he didn't buy a Ford with a 6.0, but then Handrifle didn't want to pull the cab off his truck in the next few months. And yes DP we know you and 82 different people you know have 6.0's and they have all been great trucks.

LOL :drink:

 

[Diamondpilot]

Handrifle had a pretty good previous posts asking a lot of questions from this forum. I have the feeling he did a lot of research and put a lot of thought into this. He bought a truck he is probably proud of and likes, and I just hated to see the first three posts come off as being negative. I expected it from DP since he didn't buy a Ford with a 6.0, but then Handrifle didn't want to pull the cab off his truck in the next few months. And yes DP we know you and 82 different people you know have 6.0's and they have all been great trucks.

My co worker paid almost the exact same amount for his D-Max recently, so I guess I didn't have any sticker shock.

I think the price is right but after all the research the verdict is if your getting a used Dmax the LBZ is the one to have.

I hope he has great luck with it.

Chris

 

[wmonroe]

Congrats on the new truck, how about some pictures? The price seems about right, one of the reasons I give to people that complain about the upfront diesel cost is that you get it back at trade in time. Good luck, I'm sure it will be a very good truck for you.

 

[crashz]

Congrats on the truck! Late LLY with the upgrades is a very reliable platform from what I've read.

The T case issue is actually pretty easy and cheap with the pump rub kit installed BEFORE the case wears through. The parts are cheap and labor the same.

The gauge cluster has been an issue to the point there are local shops that rebuild them and even Dorman rebuilds them. The Dorman unit goes for $169. If its been done by the dealer, expect it to do it again. The servos in the gauges go all crazy.

This model truck responds well to a good shock absorber upgrade. Bilsteins are supposed to be the best, but I found even the Monroes made it ride great.

These trucks are strong, comfortable rigs that can run for many miles. Have fun with it and drive the wheels off of it.

 

[handirifle]

Hi folks thanks for the comments, good and bad. Negative ones help keep us in check. I actually paid $28,500 for the truck itself, but CA sales tax alone was $2100. I also bought a 3yr 36K warranty, very comprehensive, for another $2,000. $33K total, but like I said, the truck was $28,500. I would have loved lower, but KBB retail is over $30k for it, and retail is what they go for around these parts. Trucks like this one usually last about 3 days, and that is usually BEFORE they are put on the lot. It's crazy, really.

Here's a couple pics for ya to drool over.

This truck feels like twice the truck my Tundra is. The Tundra is a great truck, but is NOT anywhere near the level of strength of this beast.

On the hitch issue, I found out Curt (maker of my 5th wheel) also has an adapter plate CURT Manufacturing - CURT X5 5th Wheel Adapter Plate #16310 | CURT Manufacturing that puts rails down that my hitch will hook up to. With a 20,000lb rating, it's above the 15,000lb rating of my hitch, so I am good to go.

I though about converting my trailer to GN but after paying $1100 for this sliding 5th wheel hitch, I want to keep using it. That's one other point, with the 6.5ft bed I need a slider to help avoid taking out the back of my cab during tight maneuvering. I have come close even with the slider. I saw one GN adapter that was cushioned, and offset to the rear a bit, but not enough I fear.

This way, I will be able to hook up to any style trailer, bumper pull, 5th wheel or GN. I just need to find the extra $$$ after robbing the piggy to buy the truck.

My warranty will cover the Tcase should the pump become an issue soon, but I do plan on doing the fix.

diamondpilot
From every bit of research I have found, and backed up by the dealer service manager, the LATE 05, and early 06 (mine was a Sept 05 built, 2006 model) LLY's are mechanically IDENTICAL to the LBZ. The only difference is the tune of the LBZ produces more power. But otherwise I agree with you 100%, the LBZ is ideal, but with a little MORE $$$ I can rectify the horsepower problem. But seriously, I doubt I will need it.

Also from my research, AND again backed up by this same manager, the MAIN overheating issue of the early 05 LLY's was the intake box. The box was too small, and when climbing hills, and towing, and usually when hot outside, the older box and intake plumbing were restricting airflow so much, the engine was sucking hot engine compartment air from around the box and overheating the engines. He said they cured that with larger intake plumbing, and newer designed filter box, that grabs air from the wheel well.

GM upped the horsepower and changed the letter designator (to LBZ) as an incentive to draw customers back in that were scared off but the early LLY's issues. There was also an issue where folks in the factory were assembling one of the head gaskets upside down. Apparently it was very difficult to notice, but it restricted water flow enough to cause problems as well.

Truth is, when I first saw LLY on the build sheet, was when I was signing the docs for the purchase, I put down the pen and backed up. I almost backed out on the whole deal. Took me about 20 minutes of more questions and research to convince myself it was OK.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Hi folks thanks for the comments, good and bad. Negative ones help keep us in check. I actually paid $28,500 for the truck itself, but CA sales tax alone was $2100. I also bought a 3yr 36K warranty, very comprehensive, for another $2,000. $33K total, but like I said, the truck was $28,500. I would have loved lower, but KBB retail is over $30k for it, and retail is what they go for around these parts. Trucks like this one usually last about 3 days, and that is usually BEFORE they are put on the lot. It's crazy, really.

Here's a couple pics for ya to drool over.

This truck feels like twice the truck my Tundra is. The Tundra is a great truck, but is NOT anywhere near the level of strength of this beast.

On the hitch issue, I found out Curt (maker of my 5th wheel) also has an adapter plate CURT Manufacturing - CURT X5 5th Wheel Adapter Plate #16310 | CURT Manufacturing that puts rails down that my hitch will hook up to. With a 20,000lb rating, it's above the 15,000lb rating of my hitch, so I am good to go.

I though about converting my trailer to GN but after paying $1100 for this sliding 5th wheel hitch, I want to keep using it. That's one other point, with the 6.5ft bed I need a slider to help avoid taking out the back of my cab during tight maneuvering. I have come close even with the slider. I saw one GN adapter that was cushioned, and offset to the rear a bit, but not enough I fear.

This way, I will be able to hook up to any style trailer, bumper pull, 5th wheel or GN. I just need to find the extra $$$ after robbing the piggy to buy the truck.

My warranty will cover the Tcase should the pump become an issue soon, but I do plan on doing the fix.

diamondpilot
From every bit of research I have found, and backed up by the dealer service manager, the LATE 05, and early 06 (mine was a Sept 05 built, 2006 model) LLY's are mechanically IDENTICAL to the LBZ. The only difference is the tune of the LBZ produces more power. But otherwise I agree with you 100%, the LBZ is ideal, but with a little MORE $$$ I can rectify the horsepower problem. But seriously, I doubt I will need it.

Also from my research, AND again backed up by this same manager, the MAIN overheating issue of the early 05 LLY's was the intake box. The box was too small, and when climbing hills, and towing, and usually when hot outside, the older box and intake plumbing were restricting airflow so much, the engine was sucking hot engine compartment air from around the box and overheating the engines. He said they cured that with larger intake plumbing, and newer designed filter box, that grabs air from the wheel well.

GM upped the horsepower and changed the letter designator (to LBZ) as an incentive to draw customers back in that were scared off but the early LLY's issues. There was also an issue where folks in the factory were assembling one of the head gaskets upside down. Apparently it was very difficult to notice, but it restricted water flow enough to cause problems as well.

Truth is, when I first saw LLY on the build sheet, was when I was signing the docs for the purchase, I put down the pen and backed up. I almost backed out on the whole deal. Took me about 20 minutes of more questions and research to convince myself it was OK.

If the Late LLY truly has the bigger intake then you will be fine. It's a large cone filter the size of a paint can. My 05 had a small car like filter and at 90 deg would overheat with 12,000# behind it. What about the radiator and injector issues? We're they addressed also on the late LLY engines to LBZ standards?

On your hitch, make sure the rails will go in without interference underneath with the existing hitch. I would think it could cause a issue. Especially with mounting points.

It looks like a clean truck. I think the price is right. My neighbor just sold his 07 Classic 3500 SRW 4x4 LBZ with 103,000 miles for $30,000.

When it's time for tires put on some 265 or 285's in 70's and it will dress up the open square wheel wells a bunch.

Smart move on the extended warranty. I have never bought one and I have now owned 26 vehicles. Bought a car last week. But if buying a used diesel I think the warranty would be a must.

Chris

 

[Western]

Nice truck and I think you got a good deal.

I have had 5 Duramax trucks since 2001, only problem I had was on an 05, common problem with a short electrical harness to the G plugs. I pull a 12000# car hauler full of equipment, from Texas through the Rockies and never had a over heat issue, can get "warm" but you just mind what you're doing. I just bought a 2014 Denali 3/4 diesel z71 and the new Duramax is a "hoss" and so quite, folks don't realize its a diesel. They just keep getting better.