New 07 Chevy 2500HD

patrick_g · May 10, 2007

My 2008 F-250 diesel crew cab 4x4 has almost 500 miles on it now and the manual says 500 miles before towing a significant weight or exceeding 70MPH. Your's is probably similar. I figure a few more miles break in than the minimum can't hurt. Mine is all white too.

I looked at Checy/GMC but they were too proud of their trucks around here. I bought the Ford diesel for about 2500 more than I was offered a Chevy gasser. The math does not compute but I liked the deal.

Pat

HighLoader · May 11, 2007

I have had a lot of Ford trucks, the last one was a 04 f250 with the 5.4. It just did not have enough power to tow our 8700lbs (dry)travel trailer. Then we got a 06 Nissan titan and that could not even handle the tongue weight. I heard good things about the Duramax and the Allison trans so thought I would give it a try. I got a good deal too! 2500 off sticker and another 1000 rebate....and a 500 Lowes gift card. I have not tried the electronic shifter yet, looks pretty cool. The 6 speed trans shifts so smooth, I am not sure I could do much better. I will keep have to check those fluids, thanks for that tip! L39builder, thats a nice 3500 clasic you got! Attatched is another picture. I think the snow plow bumper is factory set to clear 1foot 2inches above the road surface.

patrick_g · May 11, 2007

GMC has come a long way since the "fuel crisis" diesels that were gassers with milled heads and no spark plugs. So has Ford since my last Ford diesel (1984 F-250.)

I didn't seriously consider a Nissan Titan. I did seriously consider a Toyota Tundra but they are too proud of the crew max version (sales and discounts on every kind except the crew max) and the Tundra just isn't built as good as a Chevy/GMC or a Ford with respect to handling rough duty.

The Duramax diesel is fine and the Allison 6 speed is very fine. I was happy to get a 5 speed auto which will handle my needs. Way better than my 1 ton Dodge's 4spd tranny with its "missing" gear between 3rd and OD. IF yo can't hold a hill in 4th (OD) and have to downshift to 3rd it is a BIG step down. You won't have that problem with the Allison. You will always have the right gear available. I installed an aftermarket aux OD on my dodge to get 8 forward speeds. Very nice but more $ and hassle.

I'm hoping to not need nonsense like that with the 5 speed. I have been watching the MPG display slowly creep up starting at about 13 when delivered to my house and working it way up to 16. Don't expect a lot more.

Pat

Builder · May 11, 2007

patrick_g said:
GMC has come a long way since the "fuel crisis" diesels that were gassers with milled heads and no spark plugs. So has Ford since my last Ford diesel (1984 F-250.)

I didn't seriously consider a Nissan Titan. I did seriously consider a Toyota Tundra but they are too proud of the crew max version (sales and discounts on every kind except the crew max) and the Tundra just isn't built as good as a Chevy/GMC or a Ford with respect to handling rough duty.

The Duramax diesel is fine and the Allison 6 speed is very fine. I was happy to get a 5 speed auto which will handle my needs. Way better than my 1 ton Dodge's 4spd tranny with its "missing" gear between 3rd and OD. IF yo can't hold a hill in 4th (OD) and have to downshift to 3rd it is a BIG step down. You won't have that problem with the Allison. You will always have the right gear available. I installed an aftermarket aux OD on my dodge to get 8 forward speeds. Very nice but more $ and hassle.

I'm hoping to not need nonsense like that with the 5 speed. I have been watching the MPG display slowly creep up starting at about 13 when delivered to my house and working it way up to 16. Don't expect a lot more.

Pat

Yep, GM has really stepped up to the plate. You're right, there's no way the Titan or tundra pickup is as heavy duty as the Ford or GM trucks. No way.

RollingsFarms · May 11, 2007

L39Builder said:
Yep, GM has really stepped up to the plate. You're right, there's no way the Titan or tundra pickup is as heavy duty as the Ford or GM trucks. No way.

thats been my argument all along. im not being biased just because i own a GM, ive owned a Toyota and currently own a Nissan as well. however, when i wanted a work truck i went and bought a Chevy....looked at Ford's but they had just won truck of the year so they had a pretty good price on them(2004).

workinallthetime · May 14, 2007

nice ride man,
i wont say much that has not been said but just so you know l39 is correct, 500 miles till you can tow and the more of that 500 you keep it under 60mph the better for your rear end. One thing no one has said is that you need to change your spin on trans filter at 3k miles and DONT forget to take the magnet off the old filter and put it on the new on. As far as fluids go, those are all supose to be checked at the PDI pre delivery inspection. if anything is low run by the dealer and get it toped off alonf with an apology from the service manager because he is collecting money from gm and not doing the work.
im starting to think its time to trade in my 07 1/2 ton for a d-max 3/4 ton. but thats another day.
ever have any questions feel free to ask, ive been up down and all round that engine/truck

HighLoader · May 14, 2007

workinallthetime, thanks for the info on the fluids! I will not be towing for another couple months so I will be over the 500 breakin by then. I plan on doing the basic maintinance myself. I had three Mercedes Benz 240 D's over the years and this is the first diesel since then. They were great cars and got me around on a budget. I am looking forward to having this truck for along time and taking good care of it. I am going to look for a mechanics book on this truck. Does anyone know a place on-line to order one for the 07 Duramax and Alison?

Builder · May 14, 2007

Try to find a GMC/Chevy '07 "classic" to avoid all exhaust DPF junk. One less thing to pay for & maintain. It's still a brand new truck with all the benefits available from GMC. I bought mine in march when the new '07's were hitting the lots and I didn't like the dash as much, didn't like the DPF, or the higher price. They also have one less gauge in the gauge clustrer, I think.

I would hate having that POS DPF under my truck and all that regeneration crap going on all the time.

sr160009 · May 14, 2007

HighLoader said:
Here is the new truck I came home with today. It is a 07 Chevy 2500HD.
It has that duramax and allison in it. Boy does it drive nice!

Very nice truck, I have been a ford guy till Ford started to close down plants and really raising prices. I have a 99 F150 4x4, but after I finish building my house I think I am going to get a chevy. After you get a few miles on it and do some pullin, let us know what you think of that truck.

Again a very nice truck, I want one too......

patrick_g · May 14, 2007

HighLoader said:
I had three Mercedes Benz 240 D's over the years and this is the first diesel since then. They were great cars and got me around on a budget.

What a glutton for punishment and enhanced death wish.

OK, mostly kidding. I have driven some 240Dogs but owned 300TD. I didn't feel safe merging at an on ramp on the freeway or trying to pass on a secondary highway (not divided) with a 240Dog. Nice car but can't get out of its own way. Of course if you aren't in a situation where you need more performance, they sure really are darned good machines!

Prepare yourself for an entirely different experience with "modern" diesel engines. Not all changes are improvements but lots of improvements have been made. Some of the new diesel trucks don't even sound like a diesel truck. I don't think my 2008 F-250 is particularly louder than a big gasser and inside the cab it is really quiet, especially compared to my '97 Dodge/Cummins. The 12 valve Cummins B5.9 is a GOOD engine but NOT QUIET.

Pat