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Old 05-10-2012, 05:43 AM   #1
Chasnracin
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Any Diesel addicts out there?

OK, here comes the question. I currently have a 2006 GMC 2500 HD D/A 4x4 CC LWB. It has 90k on it and is just getting broken in. I love the truck, and the D/A package, specifically the Allison 6 speed. The LBZ is a great engine, but really sucks for fuel mileage, but I can live with that.
Now for the question. I have the chance at a 2004 GMC 3500 with the Duramax LB7 in it. I normally wouldn't consider a backwards trade, but the truck is outfitted exactly like mine and has less than 10k on it, and it shows. I'm not sure I really want to give up my 6 speed package and more HP to step into a 3500. It is a really good deal though. So what do you think? Oh, and it will be pulling a 2011 3400RL, not full timing, just weekend type camping, for now, so minimal weight.
 
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Old 05-10-2012, 05:59 AM   #2
NCFischers
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I have a 2003 dually with the same engine and the Allison and love it. What 6 speed package are you referring to?
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Old 05-10-2012, 06:20 AM   #3
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I had an '02 LB7 and then a '07 LBZ, no comparision. The LBZ has more power, pulls better and the 6 speed Allison is a big plus over the 5 speed. LB7 got better milage, not by much, engine temp ran cooler. LB7 have injector issues, so you need to run a check to see if they have been replaced. Only thing I see you gaining if the 3500 is a dually is payload capacity. For me, speaking from having had both, unless you need the payload, I think you are going the wrong way.
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Old 05-10-2012, 06:44 AM   #4
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x2 on getting a dually- Much easier to handle in high winds and passing or being passed by 18 wheelers- JHMO- Don
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Old 05-10-2012, 02:06 PM   #5
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Payload was the main thing I was looking at for the 3400RL. It is going to push my 2500 HD to the top end of the weight limits. I know lots pull with them and a leaf spring and wheel and tire change will really help with that. Hoping not to wake the towing gods, I am not afraid to pull with my truck, and being a CDL driver, I fully understand the weight issues with it. I was just looking for some "smarter than I" advice from those who have been pulling these 5ers. Being that in AK, camping is only 4-5 months of the year and the rest of the time this will be my daily driver is something else I have to take into account. Thanks for all your advice. More to chew on.
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Old 05-10-2012, 02:06 PM   #6
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I think I would be worried about a Duramax of that age with such low mileage. Has it been sitting for years or only driven a few miles per week??? These things are built to be run and run long. Short runs or lots of time sitting are generally bad. Right now you have a Truck you know the history on and are looking to go to a Truck with, I assume, an unknow history. I think I would stay with what I had.
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Old 05-10-2012, 02:43 PM   #7
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I sure agree with michelle and ann. Diesels need to be worked, and 10K on a 2004 is a red flag to me. A detailed quality inspection by a competent diesel mechanic would be money well spent before purchasing. Not sure I would call a 3400RL Minimal Weight, (your words) particularly when loaded, even if just for weekends.
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Old 05-10-2012, 03:06 PM   #8
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I think the 06 Chevy truck is the best tow truck ever built. It is certainly better than the 04. I would stick with it. I would beef up the rear suspension put bigger than stock tires on the 06 and enjoy it. Legally you wont have as much capacity as a 3500 but i don't know of anyone that has ever had a problem with that.
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Old 05-10-2012, 05:05 PM   #9
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If you are going from a 2500 to a dually, IMHO, you are not moving "backwards." You are seriously over weight with your present truck. Check the Tire and Loading Information sticker on the driver's door post and find the actual cargo capacity, compare it to your ACTUAL pin weight.
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Old 05-10-2012, 07:59 PM   #10
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Make sure the 2004 is NOT the LLY engine. It was made between around March/Apr 2004 and sometime in 2005, I think.
This engine overheats on hills when outside temps are warm. GM had no real fix (even was told this by a friend that owns a dealership).
Good luck.
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Old 05-11-2012, 01:37 AM   #11
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Did not see where the truck under question was a dually. That would sure be an improvement and a factor to consider.
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Old 05-11-2012, 07:09 AM   #12
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The 2004 is a DRW, which is why I am even considering it. It is definitely a LB7, so I will have to check to see if the injectors have been replaced. Going to look at it this evening.
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Old 05-13-2012, 02:43 AM   #13
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by 1retired06

I sure agree with michelle and ann. Diesels need to be worked, and 10K on a 2004 is a red flag to me. A detailed quality inspection by a competent diesel mechanic would be money well spent before purchasing. Not sure I would call a 3400RL Minimal Weight, (your words) particularly when loaded, even if just for weekends.
X3...
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Old 05-15-2012, 07:11 AM   #14
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Update...well, it looked in perfect condition, but with much of the advice on here and talking with the DW, we have decided to keep the truck we have for now. I'll probably upgrade before heading back down the ALCAN, but I have put every mile on the truck we own and know everything about it. That is a real comfort factor. Thanks for all your help.
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Old 06-09-2012, 04:38 PM   #15
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If the rubber was original, then it would need replacing. Not cheap.
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Old 06-10-2012, 11:18 AM   #16
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I had the same problem facing me a few months ago. I really liked my 2500 Dodge, but the weight issue convinced me to go to a 3500 DRW. The truck is great and pulls better than my 2500, but it did cost me some mpg as well as some major money, but I feel good about the results.
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