Duramax Diesel - Page 2 - Montana Owners Club

keham · 04-12-2006, 01:40 PM

Orv
Ford had Allison design there torqueshift this was in a news release about that transmission when ford first release it in 03. fordovalnews. I think is where I seen that.

ols1932 · 04-12-2006, 02:35 PM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by keham

Orv
Ford had Allison design there torqueshift this was in a news release about that transmission when ford first release it in 03. fordovalnews. I think is where I seen that.

Ken,
I hope that's true. If it is, then I might be persuaded to buy another Ford next time.
Orv

Montana Sky · 04-12-2006, 06:43 PM

I am taking my truck in on Friday for the 50,000 mile tranny fluid change, oil change, and fuel filter change. I am having the tranny switched to synthetic fluid to help keep things running cool and expand the life of it. Not looking forward to see how much this trip to the dealership is going to cost me. =)

Mac · 04-13-2006, 08:03 AM

Montana Sky,

Yeah but we all know that's money well spent in the big scheme of things.

mac

Illini Trekker · 04-13-2006, 08:38 AM

Montana Sky watch that the dealer does not toss the magnet with the old tranny filter. This as happen to others. You'll not know till next filter change? See-Ya

Montana Sky · 04-13-2006, 03:01 PM

mac,
You and I think so much alike. I am one of those guys that likes to have the oil changed every 3,000 miles and follows the mileage intervals for service to the letter. Well actually I must admit, this is the 2nd time now I ran the oil change to 5,000 miles. There was no towing and almost 4,000 miles of this oil was on the interstate, I figured I would watch the oil life gauge and see how it went. Says I still have 51% of oil life left.

Thanks Dennis for the heads up. Made a note to myself to mention this when I drop the truck off.

rickety · 04-13-2006, 03:09 PM

I changed my engine and tranny to Synthetic oil, made a big difference in the tranny temp. Also put on a hi-bypass system for the oil. I will have he oil checked every six months. With the new ultra filters out there now,I feel comfortable doing this.

Montana Sky · 04-13-2006, 04:02 PM

Rick,
Keep us posted as how this system works out for you. I am curious how the oil life is after you have it tested. I am tossing the idea around of going on the Steve Reigle oil change cycle. Every 5,000 miles instead of 3,000 as I have done with all my rigs.

sreigle · 04-20-2006, 01:06 PM

Orv, I don't know if Allison was involved with the TorqShift design or not. In any case, the Allison name is always good. What I wanted to tell you is I read at least one tow test of the big three where they commented on the automatic transmissions. Their comment was they preferred the torqshift as it was the smartest about when to upshift and when to downshift both in tow/haul and normal. It also ran cooler and they felt the construction was the strongest. Realize, however, this was a magazine test and is subject to opinions. And others might feel differently. I just wanted to comment this transmission is excellent. 51,000+ on ours now and still going strong. And the 2003 also had 51,000 when I traded and it was just as good.

KSGirl · 06-19-2006, 04:10 AM

Hi: I have really been enjoying everyones posts. I have learned so much from everyone on this site. I have two questions, that I hope someone can help me with. My question is for those of you who have Duramax Allison vehicles. For those of you who believe in synthetic fluids, what brand and type of tranny fluid have you been using and what brand and type of synthetic oil do you recommend from your experience? Also what kind of mileage can I expect with my Duramax pulling a big 3400RL, that we just ordered on Saturday? I have been using Amsoil synthetic oil in my truck for four years now, but I have not tried it in the tranny. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for all the good info and Happy Camping to all!!!!
Ray & Coleen

tcorbitt · 06-19-2006, 07:56 AM

Hi Ray,

I had an 01 duramax (GMC Ext Cab 2500HD 4wd) that we hauled our 30' TT with and I used for work and plowed with for 5 winters. 100% stock. Never used synthetic fluids, but always tempted to for some reason. Just changed the Oil every 10K, Fuel/Air at 20K, and Trans at 100K. Sold this last fall when we dediced to move up to the Montana and Crew Cab TV. At 185K miles, no major problems. Replaced injectors once, brakes, tires, shocks, and Water Pump. I think batteries twice. AC Compressor twice. Other than that, no signs of giving up. I sold the truck to a friend, and it I had any worries about it not running another 100K, would have traded it it. I think he just crossed 200K and loves the truck.

We ended up going Ford this time for a change. Have owned 3 GMCs and decided to try the ford. At 13K, so far so good. I think the mileage on the Powerstroke is a little better, but it's an O6 vs 01 that may explain it more the Powerstroke vs Duramax... And yes, I am still considering the switch to Synthetic, but as usual, cannot reason the premium price away. I have never used it, and never had any problems with any of my trucks.

Tim

Montana_1240 · 06-19-2006, 08:05 AM

I got used to using synthetics in Alaska, where oil tended to be a problem quickly getting to where it should have been at start-up. Every vehicle I owned up there, once it was broken in, got synthetic. At least the oil. Never worried much about the transmissions, since I never really towed anything hefty until the year before we left.

A guy I know and trust up there told me to go with Chevron Delo for oil. I let the Ford dealer supply their brand of synthetic transmission fluids. I used to pretty much go with Mobil One. But he said it wasn't best for a diesel. just his opinion, maybe. But I trust him.

Now that we're down in the lower 48, I'll probably go back to synthetics, now that my '05 F-350 is broken in. But for the heat, rather than the cold.

Steve

lasater · 06-19-2006, 11:37 AM

Well, since the Ford and Dodge owners are responding, I will too. I have an '02 F250 with the 7.3L PSD. I have 103,000 on the truck so far. I have a few scratches around the bed and the engine compartment isn't as clean as it was 4 years ago. But, I still get over 21 MPG without the Montana and (if I behave myself) as much as 13.5 with the trailer. (What I mean by "behave myself" is keep it under 55 MPH.) I do have to replace other parts (brakes, shocks, etc.) occasionally but the engine keeps on ticking.

keepontruckin · 06-19-2006, 05:47 PM

Dave,

I had 135,000 on my 2002 and now have 50,000 on my 2005. Nuff said. No problems.

keepontruckin · 06-19-2006, 05:48 PM

Dave,

I had 135,000 on my 2002 and now have 50,000 on my 2005. Nuff said. No problems.

Montana Sky · 06-21-2006, 04:11 PM

Ray,
I run synthetic in the front and rear end. When the truck reached 25k I had the tranny service done and filled with the standard fluid GM recommends. At 50k I switched the tranny over to synthetic(the brand that GM recommends as it was done at the GM dealership). I just rolled 54,400 today and will be taking it in next week for the rear end service to be done again. As far as oil goes, I run traditional oil (also have GM dealership do oil changes) and change every 3,000 miles. If I am on the open road not towing I will run 5,000 mile changes.

I average 12-14 mpg towing my 3400RL, usually closer to 14 mpg. Empty I average 16/18 in town and 20/22 on the highway.

OntMont · 06-21-2006, 05:15 PM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by Mac

I was seriously looking at the Duramax with the 6 speed Allison, but I can't make up my mind if I should get a 2006 or wait until the bugs from the Federally mandated 2007 changes for diesels get worked out in 2008.

I have an 01 with nearly 100K on it. Not a hint of a problem with Allison.
So far as O6 vs new 07s, you could always go with the early 07 "Classic" which will be the same as the 06, but carry the 07 model year.
These will be produced up to the mandated date for the new emission standards, there will then be a production gap before the new models start to appear.

mobilrvn · 06-21-2006, 05:55 PM

Look to pay $3-5,000 more at a minimum for an '07. I think fuel availability could be a problem in some areas for ULSD at least for a while. Probably the Canadians will have it, but haven't read anything regarding availability in Canada. Can bet your bottom peso, it won't be available in Mexico and the '07s and beyond won't run without it. Food for thought. Love the Allison six-speed.

sreigle · 06-22-2006, 05:52 PM

Dave (M.S.), I see you mentioned my "method" of changing oil every 5,000 miles instead of 3,000. That's what I did when using dino oil. But last oil change I switched to Rotella T 5W40 synthetic and plan to change it out at 7,500 miles.

Since my post one month ago today where I said the truck had 52,000 miles, well, we've put on a few miles since then. Today it turned 57,000 miles. The Ford comes from the factory with synthetic in the transmission and rear end but not in the engine. I had the tranny oil swapped out at 33,000 and plan to do it again in the next 10k miles. Also had the external tranny filter changed at that time, but not the internal filter.

I saw the post about Allison designing the Ford TorqShift. I'd not heard that but it wouldn't surprise me. It would be a good thing, I would think.

Montana_5833 · 06-23-2006, 03:44 AM

I put just around 80000 on my 03 before I traded for the 06. I had no problems other than the ones I made for myself. I ran the truck real hard for the three years I owned it. In between towing the trailer and driving 100 miles round trip to work I raced every chance I had. Put enough HP through it to get a 0 - 60 time of 6.1. The truck ran perfect when I traded it and the guy who bought it from the dealer contacted me and so far loves it. I have heard of 250,000 to 300,000 being reported on the Duramax, but more often heard the injectors being a problem before then. Most of the reports I am refering to were one to two years ago when Chevy was working on correcting the problems. Haven't paid much attention lately. All the big three work, do what they are supposed to do but after owning both Fords and Chevys, Chevy is my choice. BE WARNED---- Check the front and rear differentials along with the transfer case imediately. Both the 03 and 06 came with them near empty. Even after I asked the stealer to check them out. They will tell you that it is because they are filled with a specific amount but if you ask anybody they will tell you to fill them to the fill plug ( even the mechanics at the dealer). My rear diff was over a quart low. Anyway, change the oil and fuel filters and keep all fluid levels up and the truck will last a long long time. Good luck!!!

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