Pulled the trigger today on a Duramax

[dodge man]

I think the only thing a gasser will have a higher rating for is the weight the actual truck will carry and that is because the gas engine is lighter.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Ok show me a trim that the gas engine can tow more than the ps.

When I bought my F350 SRW 4x4 the V10 could pull about 500# more. Two reasons, weight and gears. The diesel could only be had with 3.73 gears and the gas has 3.73, 4.10, and 4.30's.

Chris

 

[batwing]

I would sell it. That truck would bring $33,500 in my area. You can buy a new 1/2 ton loaded or a basic 3/4 ton gas and have a 2014 truck with no payment, loan, and much newer.
Chris

You could sell it but the way resale is going it could be worth almost as much in 5 years if taken care of. I heard they have additives to put in the fuel to help the turbo from freezing up when not used a lot. I use Stanadyne in mine because it gets very little use in winter.
Ron

 

[wmonroe]

First off I want to express my gratitude for all those that chimed in on my other thread about wanting "honest answers on tow vehicles". I got a 2006 GMC with 87,000 miles and picked up a warranty for 3yrs-36,000 miles that is pretty comprehensive. The truck itself was 28,500, with KBB retail slightly over 30K. I got the warranty for 2,000 so it was 33K out the door . Over $2100 in sales tax, good grief! It does have the LLY engine, but it is the late model LLY with the LBZ upgrades to it. Car fax shows nothing other than normal service work done on it so it has not had any overheating issues, nor any accidents, at least as far as CarFax knows. It's a very clean, white, crew cab with 6.5ft bed and 4x4. I also have the tcase issue in the back of my head, another reason for the warranty. The truck has a B&W goose neck hitch already installed with the in-the-bed 7 pin connector. I need to add my 5th wheel hitch. It also has a locking hard tonneau cover.

Any updates on the truck?

 

[Thomabear]

Handirifle, I have about 263,000 on the same year model truck. I've never had a hiccup what so ever. I have the original injectors and change the oil about every 10k w/15w40 conventional oil. I've never had to add between changes. The only thing I added to the truck was a 2 micron secondary fuel filter. She still runs smooth and quiet.

 

[handirifle]

Any updates on the truck?

Well I got the Curt X frame adapter for my 5th wheel hitch, hooked the trailer up to it and got the hitch leveled out. I took it for it's maiden tow, and although it was a short run, only about 25 miles round trip, I am amazed at the power of this beast. The wife drove it for the first time the other dy, I was driving the Tundra, for the last time. We were meeting the couple that bought the Toyota. I am really gonna miss a lot about that truck. If this one is half as reliable, I will be happy. On that note, the power extending mirrors, didn't extend. Dealer says they are aftermarket, so not covered. Oh well I like the tall rectangular ones better anyway.

I applied my funds from the Toyota towards the loan so it's half paid for already. I like that part.

I am slowly tweaking the little things I want different, to make it mine. I am still looking into getting it tuned with the LBZ tune. Might have to jump through some hoops, but I think I can get it done. From what I read that's about $90 for 60hp upgrade. Kinda hard to beat that.

This truck turns much tighter than the Tundra ever did. I had an '06 GMC 1500 before it got returned for lemon laws issues, and it turned really tight, but it was a extended cab model, and this is a crew cab. I expected it to make real wide turns also, so it was a pleasant surprise.

Other than that it's taking some getting used to with the controls all in different places. Overall I have no regrets. I know it's only temporary, but right now 91 octane gas and diesel are the same price at $3.99 a gal. I had to use 91 when towing with the Tundra, so I am pleased.

I had to take the hard bed cover off to tow, obviously, so storage of that thing is gonna be an issue I have yet to figure out. I had to use the elec winch in the shop to lift it, but I will figure something out. The truck actually had 85,xxx miles on it, and now is about 86,500 or so.

 

[handirifle]

Handirifle, I have about 263,000 on the same year model truck. I've never had a hiccup what so ever. I have the original injectors and change the oil about every 10k w/15w40 conventional oil. I've never had to add between changes. The only thing I added to the truck was a 2 micron secondary fuel filter. She still runs smooth and quiet.

Sounds real good. This year truck and engine sure have a good reputation.

 

[Lt CHEG]

I am slowly tweaking the little things I want different, to make it mine. I am still looking into getting it tuned with the LBZ tune. Might have to jump through some hoops, but I think I can get it done. From what I read that's about $90 for 60hp upgrade. Kinda hard to beat that.

I'm glad you're enjoying your Duramax, I love mine. I think you made a good choice in buying that extended warranty too. As far as getting your engine re flashed with a higher horsepower tune, I would pass. Personally if I could get my engine flashed to produce 60 less horsepower and pick up 1 or 2 mpg I would do it without hesitation. From what I've seen the LLY engines get some of the best fuel economy and they really produce more than enough power for your needs as is. If you aren't only towing with it why pay for power you don't need every time you fill up? I tow up to about 16,000 pounds with my DMax and I would feel completely confident doing so with 50 less horsepower if i got an extra 1 to 1.5 mpg when not towing even if it meant I had to accelerate a little slower or had to drop speed some more like the big rigs have to going up the steepest grades. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining about economy as my LML DMax gets way better fuel economy than my 6.4 Powerstroke did but your pre DPF LLY is known as one of the more fuel efficient diesels why mess with the fuel economy if you don't need the power? No matter what you decide good luck and enjoy. Your era GMC is one of the best looking ones in my opinion.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I have to wonder why you would touch another GM product when your last was returned under the lemon law?

Chris

 

[Thomabear]

I have to wonder why you would touch another GM product when your last was returned under the lemon law?

Chris

Unless you're dealing with a 6.0 PSD that became famous for its flaws I would say it's highly unlikely you would wind up with 2 lemons in a row. Even then many owners of the Ford 6.0 remained loyal to the brand and came out OK in the end. I personally switch brands on occasion but many people are loyal for different reasons. Some like comfort and reliability and others like to be towering in the air with a ride like you are sitting on a couple of milk crates. Being of an older generation I tend to go the comfort route. When I was younger who knows.