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05-10-2012, 05:43 AM
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#1
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Alexandria
Posts: 352
M.O.C. #12394
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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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2013 F350 SRW King Ranch
2011 3400RL
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05-10-2012, 05:59 AM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: New Bern
Posts: 4,372
M.O.C. #8728
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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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05-10-2012, 06:20 AM
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#3
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Jonesborough
Posts: 235
M.O.C. #2313
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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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05-10-2012, 06:44 AM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Sioux Falls
Posts: 729
M.O.C. #3206
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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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05-10-2012, 02:06 PM
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#5
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Alexandria
Posts: 352
M.O.C. #12394
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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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2013 F350 SRW King Ranch
2011 3400RL
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05-10-2012, 02:06 PM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Sebring
Posts: 3,659
M.O.C. #9969
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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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Michelle & Ann
2018 Chevy 3500HD High Country DRW 4X4 Crew Cab w/Duramax/Allison, Formally 2010 Montana 2955RL, Now Loaded 2016 SOB, Mor/ryde IS, Disc Brakes & Pin Box, Comfort Ride Hitch, Sailun 17.5 Tires.
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05-10-2012, 02:43 PM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Lake Gaston
Posts: 8,773
M.O.C. #12156
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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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Mike and Lorraine
2002 3655 FL, 2005 3650RK
2010 3665RE, 2015 3910FB
F350 crew cab dually 6.7
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05-10-2012, 03:06 PM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Salem
Posts: 7,550
M.O.C. #2283
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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.
Lynwood
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05-10-2012, 05:05 PM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Kville
Posts: 2,865
M.O.C. #7871
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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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05-10-2012, 07:59 PM
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#10
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Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Mesa az
Posts: 2,952
M.O.C. #5651
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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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Tom and Gail
2013 Mountaineer 362
2012 Silverado 2500
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05-11-2012, 01:37 AM
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#11
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Lake Gaston
Posts: 8,773
M.O.C. #12156
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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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Mike and Lorraine
2002 3655 FL, 2005 3650RK
2010 3665RE, 2015 3910FB
F350 crew cab dually 6.7
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05-11-2012, 07:09 AM
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#12
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Alexandria
Posts: 352
M.O.C. #12394
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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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2013 F350 SRW King Ranch
2011 3400RL
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05-13-2012, 02:43 AM
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#13
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Land O Lakes
Posts: 2,783
M.O.C. #10246
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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.
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X3...
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05-15-2012, 07:11 AM
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#14
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Alexandria
Posts: 352
M.O.C. #12394
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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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2013 F350 SRW King Ranch
2011 3400RL
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06-09-2012, 04:38 PM
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#15
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Shelburne
Posts: 688
M.O.C. #8693
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If the rubber was original, then it would need replacing. Not cheap.
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06-10-2012, 11:18 AM
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#16
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Claypool
Posts: 279
M.O.C. #9711
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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.
Don
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SOB Curt 25 K 5th wheel hitch
2012 Ram 3500 DRW Laramie Long Horn
RDS 60 gallon fuel tank, air lift air bags
Wheel to wheel SS side bars
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