Would like honest suggestions about tow vehicle issues

[Marveltone]

So, used diesels it is. What I don't get, is with the HP race in trucks why someone doesn't get honest and build a stroker engine, with HP in the 300+ range and torque well above 400, but starting at say 1500 and peaking at 3000 rpm or so. Maybe 3500. It can be done, but I think the numbers strat sounding sexier with higher rpms and thats what the ad companies use to sell. Very sad.

Maybe I'm not reading your post right, but most of the diesels make much of their power way down low where it's needed. All of the Cummins make their peak hp at 2500-3013 RPM, depending on year, and their peak torque at 1500-1600 RPM. For example, my '05 makes 325 hp @ 2900 RPM (auto trans.) and 610 lb-ft @ 1,600 RPM, all stock. All very usable power right where it's needed. Is this what you're referring to?

Joe

 

[Diamondpilot]

My 2007 2500 duramax crew cab Sierra SLT now has 157,000 miles. Oil changes, diesel fuel filter changes, initial tire replacement at 107,000. I haul everything from my tractor to my wife's Yukon XLT on my 20' trailer frequently crossing the Berkshires on rte 90 and have been happy since I bought it in 2007( new body stile). No rust, just replaced mixing door actuator for driver's side heating/AC. Did Titan upgrade to 55 gal fuel tank ( Stock 24 gal was a joke!). Everything else remains stock. Drivers seat raise/ lower height adjust broken in "up" position. Replaced 4 burnt out headlights. Mileage 16-24 based on use, mostly speed!. Most dependable vehicle I have ever owned. Just my experience, hope you can do as well or better with your next truck.

How did you get 100,000 miles on tires? I have had 6 2500 and 3500 trucks, all 3 brands. Never got more than 40,000 miles on any. I rotate every other oil change.

I do use my trucks as intended, not so much as a daily driver. About 70% of the miles are towing or hauling.

Chris

 

[Diamondpilot]

I have no doubts there are lemons, like Diamonds neighbor. I bought a new GMC Sierra, in 2006. Worst vehicle I ever owned. It went back to GM on the CA lemon law. Got my money completely back and bought the Tundra. By comparison the GM was in the shop 12 times in the 8 mmonthsI owned it. Got the Tundra in late '06, and it has never been to a repair shop. Never needed to.
seriously if Toyota were coming out with the rig Nissan has announced, I would probably figure out a way to buy a new one. No way do I want to go gas again. I want the power without going to 4000 rpm to get it.

So, used diesels it is. What I don't get, is with the HP race in trucks why someone doesn't get honest and build a stroker engine, with HP in the 300+ range and torque well above 400, but starting at say 1500 and peaking at 3000 rpm or so. Maybe 3500. It can be done, but I think the numbers strat sounding sexier with higher rpms and thats what the ad companies use to sell. Very sad.

Emissions. Big blocks and strokers cant meet the current ratings with the technology avaliable.

Chris

 

[nwltruck]

My $.02...... I own a 03 dodge Cummins that gets 13 to 14mpg towing a 10,000# fifth wheel. It has been chipped and as far as the engine goes is very reliable, but had to replace the transmission 2 years ago. A friend of mine owns a 01 f350 with the 7.3 and loves it but can't seem to get any fuel mileage out of it. My dad owns a 06 or 07 Chevy diesel loves the truck but couldn't get milage until he chipped his about a year ago. So my opinion would be that if you want fairly stock power milage and reliability go for a pre emission duramax with the Alison and chip it for milage. Remember this is coming from a dodge fan.

 

[SPMMD]

Sure enough, 107,000 mi on Bridgestone Duravis commercial tires. I do rotate tires with each oil change. My Sierra 2500 diesel is my daily driver, and easily 90-95 percent of mileage has been and continues to by highway, occasionally towing but rarely loaded with more than 500-600 lbs.

I was so happy with the Duravis mileage, that I held out for exact replacements despite the tires having been unavailable/ on back order for a couple of months despite needing them badly. No belts visible but with very little tread left when replaced. Replaced just in time for the coming fall season two years ago, 50,000 miles ago!















As you can see, have lost only the most superficial water sipping grooves on large lugs. Pricey at over $1300 for a full set, but with my current set duplicating my previous wear rate, I reccomend them highly!

 

[handirifle]

Maybe I'm not reading your post right, but most of the diesels make much of their power way down low where it's needed. All of the Cummins make their peak hp at 2500-3013 RPM, depending on year, and their peak torque at 1500-1600 RPM. For example, my '05 makes 325 hp @ 2900 RPM (auto trans.) and 610 lb-ft @ 1,600 RPM, all stock. All very usable power right where it's needed. Is this what you're referring to?

Joe

No you didn't quite get it, my syntax is to blame though. I was referring to gas engines when I was describing the power, not diesels. Sorry bout that.

 

[handirifle]

My $.02...... I own a 03 dodge Cummins that gets 13 to 14mpg towing a 10,000# fifth wheel. It has been chipped and as far as the engine goes is very reliable, but had to replace the transmission 2 years ago. A friend of mine owns a 01 f350 with the 7.3 and loves it but can't seem to get any fuel mileage out of it. My dad owns a 06 or 07 Chevy diesel loves the truck but couldn't get milage until he chipped his about a year ago. So my opinion would be that if you want fairly stock power milage and reliability go for a pre emission duramax with the Alison and chip it for milage. Remember this is coming from a dodge fan.

I believe the '06-07 Dmax was where I was headed. Seems to fit the bill well for my taste and needs. Thanks for the chip-update info though.
Recommended chips? Not looking for huge power gains, more interested in mileage and reliability.

 

[handirifle]

OK refresh the memory of an old man. What was wrong with the '05 Dmaxes? Was it mainly that the 6 spd came out in '06? Was there anything wrong with the '05's?

Around my neck of the woods all the 05-07 models seem to have at least 150K on them.

 

[handirifle]

I found a nice '05 for a little over 16K, didn't buy it yet, but it got me wondering about the '05 models.

 

[Diamondpilot]

OK refresh the memory of an old man. What was wrong with the '05 Dmaxes? Was it mainly that the 6 spd came out in '06? Was there anything wrong with the '05's?

Around my neck of the woods all the 05-07 models seem to have at least 150K on them.

05 like I had came with a smaller cooling system, smaller air intake system, and less power. I had overheating issues pulling more than 12,000#. This is a known issue with pre LBZ motors. I would skip it.

The 6 speed was a big improvement also.

Chris

 

[handirifle]

OK I will pass on the earlier models then. I had forgotten the engine swap to the LBZ. I will Google the differences. No sense buying troubles.

I want to take this time to give a BIG thanks to those that offered their experience and comments. It REALLY helps to make an informed decision. I know there is no guarantee on a used vehicle, but it makes the odds better.

One more question. On the LBZ is there a certain mileage where big problems come up, like injectors?

 

[handirifle]

IN reading about the two engines, I see the LLY was available in '06 at first, also with the 6spd. How do you tell if the engine is the LLY or LBZ?

 

[handirifle]

I found a real informative write up on the differences, here. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/63...007-5-lbz-lly/88422-gm-lly-vs-lbz-engine.html

So it really looks like if it's an '06 it prob doesn't matter that much. I think it would be nice to know for sure though.

 

[Diamondpilot]

My 05 LLY had a smaller air cleaner then the almost aftermarket looking larger one my neighbors 07 LBZ. I would not touch a LLY motor with a 10 foot pole no matter what the year. I had major issues with overheating and just a quick glance on the net will show you its just too common to chance.

As for injectors, its about a $8000 job I believe. A guy I fly with part time had to have his done on a 04 Dmax.

Chris

 

[Peacock]

My 05 LLY had a smaller air cleaner then the almost aftermarket looking larger one my neighbors 07 LBZ. I would not touch a LLY motor with a 10 foot pole no matter what the year. I had major issues with overheating and just a quick glance on the net will show you its just too common to chance. As for injectors, its about a $8000 job I believe. A guy I fly with part time had to have his done on a 04 Dmax. Chris

Injectors can be done for less than half that. LB7 is the injector engine.

 

[mikehaugen]

So lbz, lb7, etc.. are these sbo codes and should be on the list in the glove box?

Edit... I meant RPO code

 

[Diamondpilot]

Injectors can be done for less than half that. LB7 is the injector engine.

Just going off what he told me. He lives in Hagerstown and had a mechanic friend do them who maintains the school buses.

If I remember right he said the injectors were $800 each.

Chris

 

[handirifle]

My 05 LLY had a smaller air cleaner then the almost aftermarket looking larger one my neighbors 07 LBZ. I would not touch a LLY motor with a 10 foot pole no matter what the year. I had major issues with overheating and just a quick glance on the net will show you its just too common to chance.

As for injectors, its about a $8000 job I believe. A guy I fly with part time had to have his done on a 04 Dmax.

Chris

Please note the ONLY LLY I was referring to, and those in the link, was the '06 model. It, according to all the info provided, had all the improvements of the LBZ. It only had slightly less HP/Torque Either way, I still prefer the LBZ. Just wondering if there is a code in the glove box to look for?

 

[nwltruck]

I believe the '06-07 Dmax was where I was headed. Seems to fit the bill well for my taste and needs. Thanks for the chip-update info though.
Recommended chips? Not looking for huge power gains, more interested in mileage and reliability.

My dad uses an edge and likes it. Just use lower settings. A friend of mine used a quadzilla and has not had luck with it. I have heard good things about Banks but they are pricy.

 

[Diamondpilot]

My dad uses an edge and likes it. Just use lower settings. A friend of mine used a quadzilla and has not had luck with it. I have heard good things about Banks but they are pricy.

I have ran nothing but Quadzilla on 3 of my 4 diesel Fords. I ran a PDQ Eliminator for a few weeks but it had too much power and I could see it was a grenade waiting to blow.

Chris