Gotta Make Up My Mind!

Allan in NE · Jul 17, 2015

I started looking at this silly thing way back in January. Yesterday I got around to bringing the thing home for a trial and error overnight.

It's an 05HD Duramax with the allison. Has 147K on the clock. Just runs great.

Should I keep it? That goofy grille guard has to go for sure.

Allan

JML755 · Jul 17, 2015

Looks like a nice clean truck. Question is: Do you need it or just want it? :lol: Anyway, the fact that you posted the picture tells me it's going to stay.

Allan in NE · Jul 17, 2015

I've got two older Chevies I use as work trucks. Seem like anymore I'm always working on one or the other. Just need a work truck that is a bit more reliable.

Sure thinking about trading those two off for this one.

Allan

Larry-Tx · Jul 17, 2015

It's got the 8 foot bed so it's a keeper.

Allan in NE · Jul 17, 2015

And the gooseneck hitch so I could use this one to haul cattle.

Allan

Ron-MO · Jul 17, 2015

Probably the only reason it is still on the lot is that it is a ext cab and long bed. Hard to give away anything except for the 4 door cab short bed. Oh, and not a Cummins (I would prefer the Duramax, but I am different). My guess is they will make a deal if it has been in inventory for a while, and probably nothing wrong with it. Clean truck.

Larry EC-OH · Jul 17, 2015

It's so easy to spend other people's money. This looks like a great truck for you. The only thing missing is a dent or two.

Enjoy,

Larry

RLA · Jul 17, 2015

My Vote is yes, it's easier to work on one rather than 2. 8' bed is a plus.
Looks like a good trk, but has a Gay looking guard......

tedregentin · Jul 17, 2015

Make sure it doesn't need headgaskets.

hd6gtom · Jul 17, 2015

Allan We seldom get a Duramax traded in. The few we have had are still running-some have over 1/2 million miles on them and still running great. Hook up the trailer and give her a good test. I would not be afraid of it with that mileage, that is almost considered low mileage anymore.

Bobl1958 · Jul 17, 2015

Hey Allan - that grill guard might look pretty good if a deer jumps out in front of you.

If the price is right, and you can justify it, I would jump on it. You will love the Duramax, and the Allison couldn't be hurt with a sledge hammer, if it is an auto.

I've run the Duramax's for years. They are great. The one downfall is the injectors. Seems they need replaced about every 75K miles give or take to the tune of about $4500.00. Otherwise, great combination. Bob

Mike M · Jul 17, 2015

Still a Chevy ! so don't put the tool box away just yet !

Married2Allis · Jul 17, 2015

Looks like a keeper. How much do they want for it?

Ron-MO · Jul 17, 2015

Wow. $4500 every 75,000 miles might be a deal breaker for me, as I flinch at $500 a year insurance on my 1/2 ton gas pickup that is rarely driven. $4500 to replace injectors would have me looking to trade, especially if I thought I would be doing it again down the road. But then again, I have never put anywhere near that into any vehicle for what I would consider regular maintenance, such as replacing injectors. $4500 must be OEM injectors and GM shop rate to replace.

DeltaRed · Jul 17, 2015

Work truck? That is a better truck than my 'Sunday go to meeting' truck.Trading two for one sounds like a plan

sd pete · Jul 17, 2015

Its only money so spend it.

Blackhole49 · Jul 17, 2015

My only question; what are you saving the Ford for?

IAtractorKid · Jul 17, 2015

Wow what are you doing to your truck? I don't know anyone that has replaced injectors that early on a duramax, and they definitely should not be needing new ones every 75,000 miles! GM factory warranty on injectors is 7yrs or 200,000 miles. The LB7 was the only one to have injector issues and those should have all been replaced under warranty by now. The LB7 is also the most costly to replace the injectors on because they are under the valve covers.

I would have no worries about the entire truck if it runs as good as it looks. The duramax in stock form and the Allison are practically bullet proof. I think you said it was an '05, so would be an LLY with the 5-speed. Stock mileage will be respectable for a truck that size and it will pull great.

I would check the bottom side of the truck for oil splatter from the transfer case...google search "duramax pump rub". It's an issue on all GM trucks and full sized SUV's. I've seen it a couple times....personally I installed the Merchant Automotive pump rub fix kit. Also check the transmission oil cooler lines, they are prone to leaking at the crimps. OEM replacements are not any better...I used aftermarket hoses from Alligator Performance. Little more expensive but much easier to install and have lifetime warranty.

I change my oil every 5k. Fuel filter and transmission spin-on filter every 10k. OEM fuel filters are a little pricey, I would recommend the Nicktane Adapter and CAT 2 micron filters. Will save you $30 or more per filter!

If you want to up your mileage, MBRP turbo back exhaust is about the best you can buy. Get rid of the cat for the biggest gain. EFI live tuning is well worth the money. I average 20.6 hand calculated miles in my '06 with it on my economy tune.

I would also block the EGR and do a PCV reroute if it were mine. Google search to learn more.

MARK ROBKE · Jul 17, 2015

My brother has an'05 that he bought new,does some towing of his skid-steer.He also made some long trips of 1800 mile round trip,no problems except the dash cluster that I know of.Has at least 100,000 on it.Mark

dhermesc · Jul 17, 2015

The company has a 2001 3500 with the Duramax. One of the most expensive vehicles we have ever owned. In constant need of injectors. On its 2nd rear end and third transmission (manual 6 speed) with 200K.

Bruce from Can. · Jul 17, 2015

I would leave the grill guard on. Deer smashed the grill and went into the AC and oil cooler on my truck. If I had that guard ,it would have just smashed the deer, and deer are free.

oldtanker · Jul 17, 2015

(quoted from post at 07:55:13 07/17/15) The company has a 2001 3500 with the Duramax. One of the most expensive vehicles we have ever owned. In constant need of injectors. On its 2nd rear end and third transmission (manual 6 speed) with 200K.

LOL I myself never gauge a vehicle based on a shop saying it is bad. My experience with fleet vehicles is once out of sight of the boss the driver seldom treats it like it was their own. They drive it like they stole it.

That being said I've known several people with the DURAMAX who just love them. Your shop may have gotten a lemon. I'd buy a DURAMAX long before I bought a Cummin's. Really hate the crappy shipping container the Cummin's comes in.

Rick

dhermesc · Jul 17, 2015

The only thing most "grill guards" do is ad about 40 minutes to the repair bill as the shop has to cut it off before they can get to the damaged parts the "guard" collapsed into. Judging from the size of the pipe around the headlight that one is none to heavy either. Real protection requires real weight and heft, most are simply chrome ad ons that might deflect a rabbit that jumps a little high as it crosses the road.

VADAVE · Jul 17, 2015

Allan I have an 04 that looks like that, it's been a good truck to me. The earlier ones had some issues with injectors and etc. but GM sorted them all out by 05. And yes I experienced injector wiring issues on 2 injectors (nos. 2 and 7) but that's all. You won't believe how hard they pull and you will appreciate it on the gooseneck. Keep an eye on the Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT), with a full load and going up a hill it will climb on you.

bison · Jul 17, 2015

(quoted from post at 06:15:05 07/17/15) Hey Allan - that grill guard might look pretty good if a deer jumps out in front of you.

If the price is right, and you can justify it, I would jump on it. You will love the Duramax, and the Allison couldn't be hurt with a sledge hammer, if it is an auto.

I've run the Duramax's for years. They are great. The one downfall is the injectors. Seems they need replaced about every 75K miles give or take to the tune of about $4500.00. Otherwise, great combination. Bob

have an 07 with 251 thou miles on it it still has the original injectors in it.

Bobl1958 · Jul 17, 2015

You are one of the lucky ones. Company I work for was running 8 of them at one time ranging from 2003 to 2006 and it seems like one of them was always in the shop for injector problems. The boss's 2004 had 82,000 miles on it when it went in for injectors. One of the trucks had injectors installed under warranty at 110,000 miles. At 126,000 miles it needed one replaced. 5000 miles later it needed another one replaced.
I bought my third duramax which was a 2004 HD3500 in 2011 with 42,000 miles on it. At 54,000 it was smoking and I took it in to have it checked, even though I knew what the trouble was. Sure enough it needed injectors. I had bought the extended warranty for that very reason, and it covered all but $50.00.

So don't preach to me how great the injectors are on those earlier trucks. When I bought the 2004 I specifically asked if the injectors had been upgraded from the 2003 I had. Oh yeah, the shop foreman said. These will be the new style and no trouble. Like I said, just over 50,000 it needed new ones. The dealership had to wait until someone came and made sure that was the problem before they would pay. They said that was certainly what it was. I saw the invoice for $4350.00 to pay for the injectors, so I didn't just grab that number. I'm sure a diesel shop would be cheaper.

My 2003 also needed injectors at 100,000. So yes, I know a little something about them. Some of you people that have not had trouble should count your blessings.

However, other than injectors, there seems to be very little problems with the duramax's. I still run the 2004 when I haul something. Bob

RwEny · Jul 17, 2015

I have one with 280000 miles on it. I'm not getting rid of it until it rust away. Just love it.

notjustair · Jul 17, 2015

If give anything to get rid of the 04 Duramax dually on this farm. If they weren't so expensive it would have gone long ago. I think it said 124K miles when I started it this morning. I only use it if I am pulling a big trailer or hauling something heavy in the back, but I do maintain it like a Cadillac. It has had two computers, currently has quite an oil leak between oil pans, and just got out of the shop for some electrical gizmo that was messing up the computer and causing it to not start randomly.

It knocks like Thor's hammer is beating around under the hood, but I hear they fixed that for 05. I haven't done injector work, but boy the neighbor has on his. Twice. He puts a bottle of 911 in every tank now. All that said, it's a strong puller and does everything I ask of it. I like the automatic trans. Without a large load that thing will accelerate just like any gas pickup.

CenTex Farmall · Jul 17, 2015

Reading about all these expensive repairs and computer glitches makes me glad I'm still driving my '81 one ton with big block and 4 speed. Has a zillion miles on it and just keeps going and going.

It doesn't pull as much or go as fast as a newer pickup but it does everything I need it to.

Forgot to add that I have an uncle who is a retired professional diesel mechanic and he drives a Duramax. Calls it his "Isuzu Diesel".

G.Fields · Jul 17, 2015

Allan I bought almost the same truck brand new. In the 240k miles that i put on it I had to fix the infamous transfer case problem, replace the water pump at 200k, and fix a rubbed through place on i think the #2 injector wiring. I got new paint fever and traded a perfectly good paid for truck off for a new dodge with a cummins. Worst move I ever made! The dodge was such a disappointment that i sold it off with only 30k miles! I have owned a cummins, power stroke, duramax, and in my opinion the duramax is the pick of the litter! Power, reliability, and mileage.

vscummins · Jul 17, 2015

or injectors

vscummins · Jul 17, 2015

its a 6.5 in newer different name body crappy chev split front end we have a one ton spent 7000 dollars on injectors and pump after a 2500 dollar transfer case and when you go down the road loaded the floor moves under your feet

OliverGuy · Jul 17, 2015

I have an '05 Chevy, crew cab 4x4 with a duramax with only 80k. I put two batteries in it is the only thing I've ever done. That's the only duramax I have, but I have 3 hard used Alison's behind 8.1's in dump trucks. We thoroughly beat on them with never a problem. Love 8.1's. Bought two more over the winter.

GordoSD · Jul 17, 2015

Because the Ford won't do it?

mj · Jul 17, 2015

(quoted from post at 09:18:43 07/17/15)

(quoted from post at 07:55:13 07/17/15)
...........That being said I've known several people with the DURAMAX who just love them. Your shop may have gotten a lemon. I'd buy a DURAMAX long before I bought a Cummin's. Really hate the crappy shipping container the Cummin's comes in.

Rick

Click to expand...

Keep telling yourself that - GM needs all the 'true believers' it can get! 8)

1130Leo · Jul 17, 2015

I have a couple of friends who haul commercially, both of their duramax trucks have over 500k on them now, one is an 03, the other is an 05, they still haul cattle and horses all across the united states with them. The 03 did have a few issues early on, but GM fixed them. They love the trucks, make sure you use good clean fuel and treat them right they will last a long long time. I would buy that truck in a heartbeat. If you get it, if you can have it sprayed with Krown Rust Control, well worth it.

rustred · Jul 17, 2015

better not wait, as the 2006 is he last year before they added all that pollution junk to them.you cant even cut off the catalitic converter on the 2007 and up. i cut mine off on my 2006 and it gives a bit more pep. have pulled lots of loads with a 34ft goose neck. have 300,000 and no problems what so ever. that one will still be running when the fords are found on road dead, and cabs hanging up in the rafters in the shop.

Allan in NE · Jul 17, 2015

I have a '14 Power Stroke. This Duramax guy can't even begin to compete with that big boy.

All the new pollution stuff doesn't bother me one little bit.

Allan

Pair-a-dice farm · Jul 17, 2015

It is a nice looking truck but it's a GM product. I can't get a chevy to hold up to the way I use one. I have friends that swear by a duramax and in the same paragraph tell about spending 3 grand on injectors and replacing door handles and tailgate latches. Chevy's usually have a good seat. It's your money

chuck from neb · Jul 17, 2015

The 05 was a good year for the duramax ....very gutty engine

Gotta Make Up My Mind!

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