Does anybody on here have them? I currently have an 05 6.0 HD and really like it besides the towing. I pull a 34ft enclosed gooseneck car hauler it pulls it but is not a huge fan of hills. I was thinking of going with a Duramax but not really sure if i want to spend the money on one. I only tow a couple times a month but sometimes it is a 1000 mile trip. Mileage towing is around 8 to 9. So just wondering if i am wasting money going with a newer diesel or would a newer 6.0 gaser do the job?
2007 + Gm 6.0 HD
- Thread starter shane 711
- Start date
Sounds like you know the answer! I have had two Duramax's and I would never look back now. I know some can't spend the extra coin, but I'd rather have a slimmed down model with a Duramax than a loaded gasser. The Dmax will give you better fuel mileage (especially when towing), better pulling (get to the parking lot faster!) and much better resale. Diesel just dropped below the price of gas - Woot! Woot!
Which are the best years to get. Ive heard good thing about the 04 to 07's but like the looks of the newer ones. Also heard the fuel economy of the newer ones isnt as great.
anyone feel free to correct me if i am wrong her but if i rememer right about duramax generations
01-03 and some early 04's no emisions crap at all
04-05 addded an egr cooler
06-early 07 egr cooler and cat converter
07+ egr cooler cat converter, dpf
imo the more emmisons crap you have the worse off you are, esp milage wise. That being said, if you find a good deal, and have some extra coin, all the extra crap can be removed, provided you live in a state that doesn't do emissions testing.
one big perc of 06+ is you get the six speed allison which is a major bonus.
01-03 and some early 04's no emisions crap at all
04-05 addded an egr cooler
06-early 07 egr cooler and cat converter
07+ egr cooler cat converter, dpf
imo the more emmisons crap you have the worse off you are, esp milage wise. That being said, if you find a good deal, and have some extra coin, all the extra crap can be removed, provided you live in a state that doesn't do emissions testing.
one big perc of 06+ is you get the six speed allison which is a major bonus.
I currently have an LML (2011) which has the DEF and DPF emissions. I was afraid to get into that stuff but so far so good. I just added 2.5 gallons ($10) of DEF at 5,500 miles. I love the big power of my LML and features on this truck.
That being said, the best years IMO are 2006/2007 "Classic" LBZ trucks with 6 spd. I had a 2006 and there is no DEF/DPF system. As for the CAT I simply bought a 4" turbo down exhaust and trashed the cat (I don't live in the city). The exhaust had a great mellow tone to it. I added a tuner for around $400 and that truck flat ripped! I regret getting rid of it but I had a good deal on my Denali. Good low mileage LBZ's are hard to find but very worth it. NO problems with my 2006 in 30,000 miles.
That being said, the best years IMO are 2006/2007 "Classic" LBZ trucks with 6 spd. I had a 2006 and there is no DEF/DPF system. As for the CAT I simply bought a 4" turbo down exhaust and trashed the cat (I don't live in the city). The exhaust had a great mellow tone to it. I added a tuner for around $400 and that truck flat ripped! I regret getting rid of it but I had a good deal on my Denali. Good low mileage LBZ's are hard to find but very worth it. NO problems with my 2006 in 30,000 miles.
Go with the diesel..You won't be disapponted. I had use of a 09 duramax for 3 years and now I own a 03 and they are both great. Newer has more power but also a higher price tag. When looking for one, do you research. 01-04.5 LB7 models have injector problems and occassionally the head gaskets go. If you find one you like, ask for all service history from the dealer and get the injectors/coolant system tested. These are the highest cost repairs.
The 04.5-05 also injector connector issues on number 1 and number 8 cylinders but just carry a super sharp ice pick to re-energize the connector when it shuts down the one bank of injectors and starts to sound like a Ford Powerstroke or Dodge Cummins. Kind of a pain when it happens (shuts down half the engine) but easy enough to fix. The turbo Mouthpeice is also restrictive but the AFE mouthpiece is a cheap fix or re-port the stock one for free. Own a used 05 after I totaled my 2000 6.0 and will never look back. Same mileage or better and power that never quits, same driving habits (Hammer Down)!
R
rmk01r1der
Active member
06/07 classic is your best bet for the dmax IMO. At least thats what my next vehicle will be. Just delete cat and egr with some efi live tuning, and you have a very reliable and fuel efficient truck. Also if you want to read into anything about the diesels heres a link http://www.duramaxforum.com/ But be careful if you test drive the diesel theres no going back to gas lol 
