diesel "upgrades"

[hrcarver]

Found a used 06 chevy 2500 4x4 crew like I want w/ 50k. Dealer is giving me GOOD money for my 1/2 ton pickup.

One problem though, truck has a lot of crap on it.

Here is a list of the stuff in question.

"Banks Power components (Banks Ram-Air Intake System, Banks Six-Gun Diesel Tuner, Banks Monster Exhaust, Banks DynaFact Instrumentation with Boost and Exhaust Temperature gauges), Hensley TrailerSaver TS3 Air Ride 5th wheel hitch with SaverSlide, Tekonsha Prodigy Trailer Brake Control."

I wanted a brake controller anyway, but is the other stuff good or bad? I generally tend to be of the opinion "if it aint broke dont fix it".

Run away or jump on it for 30k?(really 25k, they offered me 23 for a truck worth 18k)

 

[flusher]

Found a used 06 chevy 2500 4x4 crew like I want w/ 50k. Dealer is giving me GOOD money for my 1/2 ton pickup.

One problem though, truck has a lot of crap on it.

Here is a list of the stuff in question.

"Banks Power components (Banks Ram-Air Intake System, Banks Six-Gun Diesel Tuner, Banks Monster Exhaust, Banks DynaFact Instrumentation with Boost and Exhaust Temperature gauges), Hensley TrailerSaver TS3 Air Ride 5th wheel hitch with SaverSlide, Tekonsha Prodigy Trailer Brake Control."

I wanted a brake controller anyway, but is the other stuff good or bad? I generally tend to be of the opinion "if it aint broke dont fix it".

Run away or jump on it for 30k?(really 25k, they offered me 23 for a truck worth 18k)

That truck's been tricked out with a bunch of performance enhancements (the Banks stuff). I'd be concerned about how much tuning the previous owner dialed into that Banks Six-Gun--possibly overstressing the engine,the turbo system and/or the drive train in an effort to break records for hp and torque. Only way to know is to talk to the PO and hope he's a straight shooter.

 

[Cat_Driver]

I've done it both ways. I like to leave stuff original, but in the past I have added some banks stuff to improve the Motor home I had and it did work. I pretty much swear by Banks because I got to the Banks manufacturing plant to have my stuff installed.

Everything added was done it seems ti improve the diesel performance and I'm thinking because he pulled a 5th wheel obviously.

Personally I'd be a little scared about the tranny with all that power and pulling all that weight, there may be something going on there.

Manufacturers detune Diesels for a reason and ofter times it's the tranny or read end that can't handle the torque of a maxed out diesel.

Gauges are a good thing anytime.

 

[Storm56]

Kinda tough to call. Some guys just like to add all the toys to brag about having them but never really use them. Some put it on and see what she will do. One thing for sure there is quite a bit of extras on the truck and they were not cheap.

In most cases the dealer will not let you know who the original owner was so you could speak with them. How does the rest of the truck look, like the previous owner had pride of ownership? Check the fluid in the tranny, a simple pull of the dipstick and a sniff may tell you something. If it smells burnt and is not bright red, I would think about walking away.

 

[hrcarver]

allison transmission in 06 right? Hasn't that one been holding up real good?

I hate truck shopping...:confused2:

 

[Storm56]

Yes - Allison's are the only automatic GM ever put behind the Dmax. And yes they are an outstanding transmission. I have an 03 Dmax/Allison combo and am very pleased with it.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I would pass. I have had chips, exhaust, and intakes on all my diesel trucks except my 05 dmax and I am a big fan of them but not in a used purchase. Had it on my 99, 04, and 06 Fords. No issues but I would not buy one that had it on it already. You never know what the guy was really doing with it and now the warranty is void.

Pass, and find one unmolested. If you want to do it yourself that is another thing. You will then know how the truck has been used and abused.

Chris

 

[patrick_g]

There isn't anything on the list of STUFF I would regard as cause to reject the truck. Whether or not the truck is "tricked out" the previous owner could have taken care of it and not abused it or could have been a jerk.

The prev owner most likely used the perf equip to enhance the performance for pulling a 5th wheel and so the engine is more worn than a stock engine at the same miles and ditto the tranny but they could both still be in terrific condition.

If it were me I'd get the dealer to do two things: 1. call the prev owner so I could talk to him (this sidesteps the telephone number privacy issue) and 2. I'd get the dealer's permission to take the truck to a knowledgeable diesel mechanic (not in the employ of the dealer) for an assessment. This assessment could cost a few hundred BUT if it steered you away from problems or showed it to be a great bargain it would be worth it either way.

If the mech drops the pan he can use plastic gauge material to access the bearing wear on the crank, a sure sign of any long term mistreatment or accelerated wear. Likewise he can pull the valve cover and spot check the valve adjustment on a sampling of cylinders to see if the unit has been maintained. A good diesel shop should be able to check the injector pump and spot check the injectors by pulling a few for visual or better yet actual testing.

Are the maint records available for the vehicle? If not then why not??? What don't they want you to know?

If the truck really is OK why would they not share the info with you?

If the dealer gets defensive and starts making noises like "this is a great deal, if you don't want it we'll sell it to someone else" then let them. If they are honest and it is a good deal why wouldn't they let you spend your money to convince yourself that they are right?

Either way, I wish you the best of luck. Sounds like it just might be a decent deal but recall the words of a popular past president. "trust but verify."

Pat

 

[CCOUGHRAN1]

I would never be afraid of a truck with Banks products on them. Here is how I see it. Banks = high priced, high quality, but very conservative with regards to safety factors. If you are wanting to drag race your diesel truck, or even hot rod it, you would not purchase Banks equipment. You would go with a more aggressive company that will get more bang for your buck.

When I see a Banks equipped truck, I think of someone that is not afraid to spend $$$ on their truck, yet wants some modest gains in HP, mileage, etc. A retired guy pulling a fiver. Not some 20-30 year old blowing smoke and burning rubber in an 8k truck

 

[Highbeam]

I totally agree with CCOUGHRAN1. Banks stuff is way overpriced and conservative. That's why you don't see guys using it in the go fast crowd doing burnouts and "rolling coal". You see very, er, uh, white collar type guys with Banks stuff. The smarter cheaper hot rodder would have bought an edge system.