Duramax ?? before buying

tomsbrokeagain · Apr 15, 2013

I'd go 04.5-newer. The LLY and newer trucks really cant be beat. I've got an '05.

The 5sp vs 6sp Allison is a bunch of bull on strength. For a "stock" truck you'll be happy with both and have great longevity. 6th gear is just an extra overdrive. My truck being an '05 has the 5sp and I'm happy with it. I actually want to put lower gears in mine but I like to haul heavy (26K). Internals on the two (hard parts) are interchangeable. Valve body is different and they took away the lower line pressure issues in O.D. that would give a person there "limp". If you tune the truck plan on a built trans. I'm not talking Edge, Banks, etc I'm talking really tune it. Power is addictive!

I recommend getting rid of the emissions **** though. EGR needs to fall off. PCV dumped to atmosphere. Cats!? what are those. DPF!? HA!

I'll tell ya how I like my '05 after its studded, "ALL" emissions are removed, bigger exhaust (pre turbo and after turbo), EFI live, and bigger VVT turbo, lift pump/better filters. My truck already has a built trans and good CAI. Next for my truck would be injectors, CP3, and rotating assembly upgrades.

I think '06 would be the best year though.

crazybluerider1 · Apr 15, 2013

tomsbrokeagain said:
I'd go 04.5-newer. The LLY and newer trucks really cant be beat. I've got an '05.

The 5sp vs 6sp Allison is a bunch of bull on strength. For a "stock" truck you'll be happy with both and have great longevity. 6th gear is just an extra overdrive. My truck being an '05 has the 5sp and I'm happy with it. I actually want to put lower gears in mine but I like to haul heavy (26K). Internals on the two (hard parts) are interchangeable. Valve body is different and they took away the lower line pressure issues in O.D. that would give a person there "limp". If you tune the truck plan on a built trans. I'm not talking Edge, Banks, etc I'm talking really tune it. Power is addictive!

I recommend getting rid of the emissions **** though. EGR needs to fall off. PCV dumped to atmosphere. Cats!? what are those. DPF!? HA!

I'll tell ya how I like my '05 after its studded, "ALL" emissions are removed, bigger exhaust (pre turbo and after turbo), EFI live, and bigger VVT turbo, lift pump/better filters. My truck already has a built trans and good CAI. Next for my truck would be injectors, CP3, and rotating assembly upgrades.

I think '06 would be the best year though.

Sounds like you're getting ready to live up to your screen name. :redneck:

KarlVP · Apr 15, 2013

crazybluerider said:
Sounds like you're getting ready to live up to your screen name. :redneck:

You don't know Tom very well do you? :redneck:

"S"-box · Apr 15, 2013

KarlVP said:
You don't know Tom very well do you? :redneck:

Well said "hot"-Karl!!!

P.S. we need to have a play date soon, I'm craving me some Karl sammich! :kiss:

"S"-box · Apr 15, 2013

tomsbrokeagain said:
I'd go 04.5-newer. The LLY and newer trucks really cant be beat. I've got an '05.

The 5sp vs 6sp Allison is a bunch of bull on strength. For a "stock" truck you'll be happy with both and have great longevity. 6th gear is just an extra overdrive. My truck being an '05 has the 5sp and I'm happy with it. I actually want to put lower gears in mine but I like to haul heavy (26K). Internals on the two (hard parts) are interchangeable. Valve body is different and they took away the lower line pressure issues in O.D. that would give a person there "limp". If you tune the truck plan on a built trans. I'm not talking Edge, Banks, etc I'm talking really tune it. Power is addictive!

I recommend getting rid of the emissions **** though. EGR needs to fall off. PCV dumped to atmosphere. Cats!? what are those. DPF!? HA!

I'll tell ya how I like my '05 after its studded, "ALL" emissions are removed, bigger exhaust (pre turbo and after turbo), EFI live, and bigger VVT turbo, lift pump/better filters. My truck already has a built trans and good CAI. Next for my truck would be injectors, CP3, and rotating assembly upgrades.

I think '06 would be the best year though.

Tom, I soooo can't wait to ride a long for a smokey burn out with the new setup...maybe a 4x launch or two? Please!

Dually burnouts for the win...FTMFW:cheer::cheer:

KarlVP · Apr 15, 2013

"S"-box said:
Tom, I soooo can't wait to ride a long for a smokey burn out with the new setup...maybe a 4x launch or two? Please!

Dually burnouts for the win...FTMFW:cheer::cheer:

Tom's one tire fire cause his G80 is toast too.

I wouldn't recommend 4x launches with his truck. He doesn't have tie rod's yet. And I wore out my Cognito Tie rods doing 4x boosted launches. :mad:

Either way, I'll pay to watch the show. :awesomework:

KarlVP · Apr 15, 2013

"S"-box said:
Well said "hot"-Karl!!!

P.S. we need to have a play date soon, I'm craving me some Karl sammich! :kiss:

You should bring the fam-damily to moses lake at the end of the month. :D

japerry · Apr 16, 2013

XO FAB said:
Thanks for the info. Good to know. No go on an 03 for me then. Are there any other trouble years on the injectors? I am really wanting a newer body style if I can find the right deal on one. Are there any issues with the mid 07-currents?

Anthony, I think you saw my Sierra -- it was a 07 LBZ (classic)... It has the selectable 6 speed tranny, which is a nice addition, and thats carried through to the LMM series.

I was pretty set on getting another 2006-2007 LBZ, until I read on the duramax forums that NBS LMM (2007.5-2010) is pretty much the same engine with added emissions stuff. So instead, I paid 24k for my 140k mile, fully loaded 2008 Chev 3500LTZ,DRW LMM.

If you aren't looking for crazy power and want a really cushy ride (new body style), go for a 2007.5-2011, before the LML urea crap. You can get a decent power gain on the LMM by removing the DPF, changing the exhaust, and putting EFIlive on it. All 2007+ trucks are exempt from emissions as well.

My truck is now at 161k miles after 1.5years and two trips around the country with a trailer and camper, and I haven't done anything except regular fluid changes. I love my truck!

http://www.duramaxforum.com/forum/efi-live/115166-08-lmm-efi-live-dpf-delete.html

sarg · Apr 17, 2013

I got a 03 lb7 a little over a year ago this was my first chevy after having a 95, 99, 2000, and a 2003 dodge cummins. I can truly say the duramax is alot nicer of a truck and I love the way it drives and rides. I replaced the injectors my self witch wasnt that bad to do and I added an air dog fuel system and efi live with a edge cts this made the truck have really smooth power. Im about to add a nictane cat filter and some 06 tow mirrors. I will tell you the one thing I do everytime I put diesel in it I add an aditive other than that I just drive it.

CHOP SHOP · Apr 17, 2013

A duramax sounds like such a great truck after reading this thread!

Perfect for towing jeeps!

Avanteone · Apr 17, 2013

CHOP SHOP said:
A duramax sounds like such a great truck after reading this thread!

Perfect for towing jeeps!

:awesomework: Yup.

We did lots of racing the last two years. Chase trucks were my GMC, a Super Duty, and a couple Dodge's. My truck was by FAR the one fought over by the crew for a seat. Most room, most comfortable ride on those 2k+ mile round trips. Yes, it drives like a car.... and I love it. :fawkdancesmiley: