Whats the "best" year duramax????

[Shed]

Hello all, I'm looking into buying a newer D-max. I will be going to an Allison 6 sp., crew cab, 4x4, 2500HD. I currently have an 01'. While I have not had major issues with the truck I fear they are coming. I want to know what you all think I should move into? I'm leaning toward the 04-06' model years. For now I want to stay away from the DPF stuff until I know more about them. Questions being what are the problems seen with the different model years, I would like to stay away from problems like my injectors on the 01'.

I use this truck as a part time daily driver (less and less with fuel prices) and to tow my 30' 5'er for camping. Absolutley no racing/sled pulling.

Mods will be mild: exhaust, all synthetic fluids, tranny pan, diff. cover, kennedy tune, gauges.

Thanks for all of your opinions!

[Mark Rinker]

Get a clean, low-mile 2003 or early 2004 LB7, and drive it until the wheels come off!!!

Having owned a '05 and '06 LLYs, the mileage drop is significant, and across the board whether unloaded, or towing. Government EPA regulations have taken their toll. I am completely uninterested in the latest edition with particulate traps and regen sequences...

Nothing like the simplicity (No catalytic converter, no EGR systems, boost mechanically controlled) and better mileage of the LB7s, in my opinion - not to mention the 200K injector warranty on many models.

[Shed]

Mark, I agree with you, I have an 01' that I very much enjoy. The problem I have is the injector issues! And she is not as "nice" or up to date as the rest of the family would like. No fancy XM radio, DVD, sunroof or heated leather. I primarily will use this truck to tow my camper (5W) and use my trusty gas miser for my day to day going to work (60 mile round trip). How do you feel about your 06'? I have found one that is absolutley perfect up by you (MN.). It appears bone stock and has ALL the bells and whistles to make the wife and kids happy for extended trips. How does the 06' pull? Any major issues other than the possible super chips ECM problem? Just curious about your opinions of your 06'. Thanks for your reply! Shed

[Duramaster]

I agree with Mark Rinker as well EXCEPT, if you want more power AND the SIX speed Allison then I would go all the way up to a 2007 Sierra Classic with the LBZ! 360 H/P and 650 Lb. Ft. of TORQUE! And that's all factory upgrades!! I do have to say though that the 2001 - 2004 LB7's are the easiest to work on. The new fan shroud on the 2006-2007 classics are a pain to work around. The 2006-2007 classics are quieter and yes even those do get a little less mileage than the old LB7.

[Ponderosa JT]

I'm also getting into that same position with my '02. It surprised me to realize that the 200K injector warrantee is 7 years. Mine will be 7 in December this year. I have only 76K on it. It was in for a glow plug relay and I ask how much for injectors after Dec, $4000, ouch! I love my LB7 but remember the 7 year part of the warrantee. At what point did the LB7 injector problem get resolved?

Jeff

[Mark Rinker]

Not sure that there is any 'resolution' for a largely fuel quality related issue. Does seems like the occurance of injector failures is getting lower in later years, maybe a function of better filtration combined with numerous injector design upgrades. Trade-offs, for sure.

As for the six speed - great feature for daily drivers. Not as important for towing.

[Hook_'em_Horns!]

My ’02 3500 CC was great, with no problems to just under 100k except an oil leak near the firewall but my ’05 3500 CC IS a significantly stronger puller. A couple miles less per gallon while pulling hurts a bit but, if I keep my foot out of it, set the cruise at 2100rpm’s, I’m only 2/10’s less in mileage than the ’02 when empty. Strange thing though, I found that if I put about 2k lbs in the back, my mileage INCREASES about 2mpg. Staying in the ’05 for a while, don’t want any part of the DPF.

[DieselMonk]

I'd be for either a 06 LBZ or a 07 Classic. :D No DPF crap, and that thing just pulls like mad.

[Mark Rinker]

...but what mileage do you get with the '06?

[DieselMonk]

I get about 11 to 12.5mpg towing my 32fter camper on da hitch going about 65mph and going through many little hills. Depends on wind. Empty I get around 19.5 on the highway. :D Got 9mpg with my old 00 2500 YukonXL pulling a 26fter!

[lb7lbz]

my 06 ccsb lbz gets 12 mpg pulling 7000# trailer through the foothills of northern maine. the milage just dropped about a mpg from going to 265 tires from 245's.the 01xcab with 265's same trailer maybe a little more like 12.5 to 13. every tank on both trucks is hand calced and look at the dic on the 06.no comparison in power the 06 hauls-ss.

[cowboywildbill]

I like our 07 the best, but the best year D-Max is one that is paid for and still runs good ! I wished our's was paid for. OH Well just 5 more years.