2004 3500HD 8.1 L

[deerefan]

Thanks for the Advice Chris! I would have used Rotella, now I will not. The guy I bought it from claims he did the oil every 3k and fuel and air every other oil change, did not mention the trans. I am going to service everything this weekend.

GVW is 11,400, wonder what the 100 lb difference is.

I think I will like it, wish it had a few less miles and a few more creature comforts. But it does seem to be a beast of a truck. Going to add nerf bars or some sort of steps it is very high climbing in and out!

Don't know if it will convert me or not......

I had an 06 4x4 lariat for 18 months with zero issues. Things to watch for on these trucks:
1. head bolts, esp. with power adders. If left stock, you should be ok.
2. Rear main leak..mine did this but it was very minor
3. Run synthetic oil. I noticed a huge difference in start up and effeciency. Many 6.0 gurus tell you the same thing because this truck is very "oil dependent" (hpop).
4. Turbo- again, synthetic oil is a big plus

Most of these issues were resolved by 05 and you more than likely will not encounter them. The tranny is solid, rides like a brick and pulls like a train. Also, very quick for a diesel engine. I average about 17-18 mpg with mine, 15 with conventional oil. I love the factory brake controller and agree 100% with Chris on how nice it is. He and Dargo have had good luck with their 6.0 diesels and are a wealth of info.