Duramax diesel transmission?

[PeteV]

Hello everyone,
Thinking about a new truck, new Chevy has cought my eye, interested in the Duramax diesel. See that the 5 speed auto from Allison is an option and so is a 6 speed manual. Kind of a gear guy myself, wondering is anyone out there has the 6 speed manual tranny and how do they like it? Easyness of shifting, gear ratios and spacing etc. Had a Crysler manual before in a Dakota and was not at all impressed with the way it worked. Seemed to me that it was build for the 4 cylinder and did not change anything for the 6 cylinder with a complete different rpm and torque band. No Chevy's with manuals to be found around here, would have to special order. Hate to do that and don't like it. Guess I'll have to keep on looking. Any comments,suggestions and opinions are appreciated
Thanks Pete

 

[wroughtn_harv]

I have a 2003 C5500 with the Duramax and Allison. It's like having a bud shift for you and not having to worry about his wearing or not wearing deodorant. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Forty three thousand miles without a motor or tranny hiccup. One bad load of fuel and assorted electrical bugs, but.........

 

[Docsknotinn]

I put 70k on my first Allison/max combo. Not a single problem. On the 2004 it came from the factory with bad pump seals in the trans. GM fixed it and upgraded me to synthetic tranny fluid no charge. 12k on it in 4 months and zero other problems. One problem with the manual is resale value. But then they say their is a buyer for every thing. I have never actually seen a Dmx with a stick. Dave

 

[PeteV]

Thanks guy's I will take a closer look at the Allison and go take it for a testdrive.
Pete

 

[Docsknotinn]

They have been offering a 1k power pack discount. The pack includes the max/allison/locking differential. It makes a dent in the tranny cost. You might also go to The diesel Place etc. A lot of GM employees are giving out plan price coupons. I think its called the "in the driveway plan". I think this gets you within 1% of invoice. Dave

 

[rdam]

A co-worker has a 2001 Chevy Silverado, 2500HD, long bed standard cab with the 6.6 Duramax Diesel and 5 speed Allison auto transmission. Now, I thought the Allison tranny was a new thing. But he showed me the original sticker and it says Allison 5 spd auto (a $2,295 option). Otherwise, it's plain jane with no other options.

It has a ding in the tailgate and 18,000 miles. garage kept. He wants $18,000. I personally know he pampered the truck.

I am an avid Ford fan, but I'm wondering if this might be too good a deal to pass up?

Oh yeah, it's got 3.73 rears. Any ideas on mileage?

Opinions?

 

[fishman]

Rdam,

I went to edmunds.com and in 3 minutes got the following information:

That truck with diesel, allison, automatic and am/fm/cassette with 18,000 miles is worth approximately $17,600 in a private party sale.

A very handy site.

 

[rdam]

I'm familar with Edmunds. I ran Edmunds and came up with $18,209 for a "clean" truck, private sale. Kelly blue book said $19,675 for a "good" private sale. While these numbers are encouraging, I'm concerned because I have no experience with Chevy or the Duramax diesel. Or the newer Allison transmission. The engine has a 5 year/100,000 mile warranty, but that does not include the tranny. I think the 2001 models were the first year the Allison was used.

Anybody with specific Duramax/Allison experience? (Doc and Harv)

Doc: I think you said your on your second Duramax/Allison. What year was the first?

 

[Joe1]

A friend bought a Chevy 2002 2500 4 X 4 with the Duramax and the Allison. He wanted the 6 speed manual and the leather, but the leather interior on the top of the line required the Allison. I don't know if that was a California only issue and/or if that still applies.

Joe

 

[InlineDieselFan]

Pete,

finding a duramax with a manual tranmssion, my guess it would be ahrd to do. duramax and allison are a nice combo.

If you like shifting gears get the dodge/cummins with a six speed. I sure like mine.

steve