AMENDED POST: SILVERADO AND SIERRA OWNERS! MY APOLOGIES TO THE SIERRA OWNERS. PLEASE POLL AS WELL! JJ http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Hug.gifThis is my first poll so if I screw it up, please excuse! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Confused.gif The LLY has been out for 9 months, the new Silverado body/design for a few years. THIS POLL IS INTENDED ONLY FOR D/A SILVERADO OWNERS! No offense to other Silverado owners, just trying to make this poll platform specific to the D/A. JJ http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Hug.gif


Before I purchased my truck I researched through the various truck sites (Ford/GM/Dodge) before making my final buying decision. One might question their decision to buy a diesel truck after reading posts on these sites addressing problems with injectors, transmissions, etc. It appears that problems tend to get posted moreso than positive experiences. I personally believe this is likely because those people are looking for answers to problems, this is understandable. But does it paint a fair picture of just how successful a particular truck platform is performing. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Question.gif


Personally I am very happy with my D/A Silverado, have never 2nd guessed my decision, and would only change a few items. Others of you are very unhappy. Question is "Are there more happy OR unhappy D/A Silverado owners?" We really don't know. Well I for one would like to find out! You? http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ermm.gif


Please take a few moments to complete the poll as well as to make constructive recommendations for the Silverado 2500/3500's with the D/A combination. Base your input upon your own personal experience with your truck versus what you have read that others have posted on this and other sites. If you are happier than a pig in slop, say so! If you are one of those with overheating issues, post it. Please post clearly and succinctly. NO GM bashing, Ford or Dodge are better than GM, etc. Just the facts! Stick to the stock trucks, no aftermarket suggestions, edge/juice, etc. Just what GM is likely to address! <IMG onMouseOver="this.style.cursor='hand'" onMouseOut="this.style.cursor=''" alt='Click on image to open in new window' onClick="window.open('smileys/Wink.gif', 'Image', 'toolbar=0,location=0,status=0,menubar=0,scrollbar s=1,resizable=1

JJ's suggested improvements:


-automatic window buttons are too sensitive, hard to just crack the windows, takes multiple attempts to get them right;


-seat recliner lever is very hard to reach with door closed;


-too much plastic in the interior, dress it up a bit;


-lockable tailgate;


-put metal high pressure valve stems in versus rubber;


-decent shocks;


-cup holders on bench seats very hard to reach with armrest down;


-Offer a HD version of this truck equipped with brake controller, air bags, HD shocks, etc., for those that plan to haul/tow heavy.


JJ http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

I kind of figured I would screw that up.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Confused.gif There were supposed to be voting buttons for the Allison as well as the truck suspension/interior/ammenities, etc. Please just post suggestions for these in your reply. Dang-it! JJ http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

Ist new vehicle, 1st diesel. I'm still very intimidated by this truck. I've had 3 others, one was a 67 stepside w/300hp 327 but rpms are much different than torque. A friend had a 71 nova w/400hp 396, the truck(probably 2 tons of weight difference) kinda reminds me of that, pushes you back in the seat. I'm sure GM watches this site, they just wont admit it.

2004.5 2500 HD 4x4 D/A. This is my 2nd 2500HD(1st was a '01' 6.0) and my 2nd diesel(1st was a '95' Suburban).


It's 2 weeks old, has 2k on the odometer and so far have not seen any of the issues I've seen posted here. Miles ahead of the 6.5 Turbo.


This past weekend I pulled the 5vr(11k) from Phoenix through Flagstaff up to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.


Engine temp max was 215


Tranny temp max was 195


Avg fuel economy was 11-12 mpg.





Changes I would like to see:


Straight front axle in the 4x4 w/better shocks. Bilsteins??


265 LR e tires from the factory.


4" exhaust w/EGT gauge stock


Larger fuel tank








Steve

Voted below average for the simple fact that in general the mileage got worse in the LLY's.

Pretty satisfied with vehicle so far. No complaints on how she runs and fuel mileage is a lot better than the 8.1 gasser I traded. I'd like to see a 40-60 bench seat made available in the LT series and get rid of that plastic dildo thing in between the front seats. Seems to me that if you are buying the top of the line vehicle you ought to have a choice of front seat types. Also, I'd like to have the old style ashtray instead of the round thing that slides on the consul. I don't smoke but the old style ash tray was great for hanging a trash bag and storing some small stuff. Seems the new truck is overloaded with a bunch of electonic features that are of little value and replace a few of the practical features that were standard with the 2001 LT. Give a little-Take a little. No way can 100% of us be satisfied 100% of the time. Anyway we all need little things to bitch about.

Appreciate all the posts and votes so far. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif Good, constructive suggestions. Keep em' coming! BTW, if you see something posted that you want to communicate with somebody on please PM them so this thread doesn't get bogged down.


JJ http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

1st D/A here. I have the LLY. I did have a 97 6.5. The new truck is great. Tons of power. Tows great.

The A/C is not the coldest, she dose get warm up long grades, but when pullen at 65 or 70, that not bad.

I dont have a lumbar support. That is missed.

Other than that, I LOVE MY TRUCK!!!!! I would buy again.

My 1st Diesel so I can not compare it to previous models. I have only owned the truck for a little over a month. I have put 4500 miles on it including a 400 mile trip to Bristol running 75-80 pulling a 8500 lbs. TT. It pulled the hills ALOT better then with the 6.0 liter. It barely even got warm on the hills. A Cummins tried to hang going up the hills on I-75 but couldn't stay with me. I love the Allison!


Complaints


1. Truck should sit higher from the factory and level.


2. Built in brake controller should be standard on HD's.


3. Cheap textured black moldings, flares, handles, ect. even on a LT

Initial plan is to keep this poll open for a week so that anyone that normally visits the site has a chance to respond. Of the 27 votes cast so far 78% are above average to outstanding! Let's hear it guys, the good and the bad!


I have two more to add that are safety related. Side airbags didn't come on my truck, not sure about the LT's. Would be nice if onstar could be added at the dealerships for those not wanting all the LT features. LS's with onstar are few and far between. Would have liked to have them, just in case! JJ http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

My LLY was built on 2-10-04, Tuesday, like that makes a diference, ZERO powertrain problems. Like everyone else, had the A/C problems the General is fixing. One thing I miss is the key entry on passenger side. Overall, very satisfied. Edited by: Mike_in_Wisc

Mine was off the truck, sat overnight, delivered to me next am, never did get PDI'd, yeah I should get it done. Truck runs pretty good stock, they might be able to improve the stock performance once I get it inspected!


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gifMy window buttons seem to be right on, I like both front seats to be power, fit and finish on mine is very good.


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cry.gifFor an expensive truck, it's funny that there is no lighted vanity mirror for both sun visors, just a pithy mirror you'd find in a much, much cheaper car. It should come standard with 265's, with options for a/t's etc. Also a locking tailgate, and howcome no auto dimming side mirrors? The short box CC rides like a lumber wagon on alot of these freeways, (around here anyway) and it should sit a couple inches higher (frame height).


Thats what I have for now. It's a very nice truck thoughhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Hug.gif

I agree a split bench up front would be great. I hate buckets. The leather GM uses is far superior than the Dodge Ram I just traded in. However, the Ram had a terrific split bench with a huge padded arm rest/storage compartment that just kills the plastic junk GM uses. Climate Control on the GM for me has been excellent so far, don't even fiddle with knobs, just set it and forget it. My '99 Yukon has great overhead storage as did the Ram, but the Silverado craps out there. In fact, storage in general is poor in comparison with the Ram. Steering wheel stereo controls are great, but try to manually change the volume on the radio and you will end up changing the station you are listening to instead, placement of the manual knobs are very annoying.


Zero mechanical problems to date with almost 6k miles. Mileage ranges from 15 city to almost 20 over highway (hand calculated, DIC consistently reflects 1/2 mile gallon better than it actually is). Truck is stock right now and I have to say, overall, it is a terrific vehicle.

Bitch list:
Sits too low stock. Scraped the paint of dam near everything under the truck when I went off roading the first time. Dented all the ski plates.
Tires too small stock. Bad off road and on road traction. I fixed this with MUCH bigger/wider tires. I happy now.
Can overheat. Though I am pushing it with ugly loads sometimes, I personally feel the engine should NEVER overheat stock.

Bonus list:
Good power stock. Other than the EGR plate, I have made no mods to the engine. I'm happy.
5 speed. No doubt one of the better features of the truck.
Interior is above average. The LS with a few add ons makes a nice package. I prefer the front bench anyway. Cup holders could be in a better position.
Reasonable milage. Even with the big meats I am getting 16.5 MPG, so I am happy. Got better milage with the stock tires.

I feel the build quality of my truck is excellent. Would like to see heavier built steering system. Additional power source in the cab for electronics. Larger center console storage compartment, and of course better fuel economy. Overall job well done. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif

Just like any other vehicle a couple issues here or there, BUT is sure beats driving a FORD.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Dead.gif

10 have posted below average/well below average, yet there aren't many negative posts explaining why. In order to to get the issues "on the table" it would be helpful to post them.


I didn't realize I didn't have the visor vanity lights, dangit! JJ http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

73 votes so far! Are you next? JJ http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

I would vote but u said the ugly silverados only.


What about the great looking seirras?


I don't think we have 73 LLY on here anyway.

Dmax Tim is right, I forgot about the Sierra's that share the same platform as the Silverado. I'll see if I can modify the poll title, otherwise Sierra owners please poll and post. Remember LLY owners only please.


Personal note: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I "be holding" a great looking Silverado!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif JJ

Personal note: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I "be holding" a great looking Silverado!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif JJ





Must be blind http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif


When I had my 03 and 04 chevys, i walked around the back so I didn't have to see the front end http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif





The poll lets u vote more than once http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Confused.gif

This is my first diesel, so I really have nothing to compare it to, but I really like the performance of this truck. We just completed an 8000+ mile trip from NY to SD, WY, MT and back pulling a 36' RV complete with 2 Harleys loaded onboard, and the truck performed beautifully.


A few of the things I'd like to see offered as standard equipment especially with a LT/SLT trim package: Glovebox Lights, Underhood Lights, Vanity Mirrors on Both Sides w/Lights, Tailgate Lock, More Storage, Carpeted Floor Mats, Less Plastic on the Interior and Better Quality Leather.


I'd also like to see better Trailering/Towing Mirrors offered as options and the availability of Back-up Sensors. People are running over all kinds of things, including their own children, in their driveways. Admittedly, some don't look and some are, shall we say, common-sense challenged, but if GM can offer them in other products with better rear visibility, why not offer them in their trucks, many of which are higher and longer? Ford makes them available in some of their trucks!

DMax Tim, when I started the poll there were three separate categories, i.e. LLY, Allison and other (suspension, interior, etc.). This is why I checked off allowing multiple votes. Only the LLY category showed up. Dangit! So we have to rely upon the integrity of those completing the poll. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif


As for the looks of my truck, I'm going to let it go!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif Trying to keep the poll on track and gather constructive input only. JJ http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

Bumping it back up! Any others? JJ http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif

<DIV>


ive got 1518 miles on my 04 LLY im getting 18.5 mpg hand calculated hoping to get 20 to 21 once it is broken in.


my fan has never come on temp runs at 205 tranny no higher than 150. i have not pulled my 24' autowagon with it yet, but i dont believe ill have the overheating issue some are having considering my fan has never came on.


i would like to have an under the hood light.</DIV>Edited by: Donnie 1

First diesel ...Always a CHEVY man. A very outstanding truck love the allison trans. LS model with bench seat ext cab greaaat truck!

GOOD


I bought the 3500 SRW so I got the 265's. Dual zone climate control! Stock power! Interior is not just a little better than the others. ALLISON! Variable Vane Turbo acts like exhaust brake. XM.


BAD


Mirrors, kinda bad when you need to put on strap ons. I am with Fingers, stock motor should never overheat, or even get hot on regular basis. Even though my friend says I tow a big brick. Looks could be better. Mileage. Frame looks really bad under doors, these things should at least come with nerf bars stock just to cover that up.

What about Izusu?





What was wrong with the Detroit Diesel? Mine is still pullin after 20 years and 7 transmissions.











2004 3/4 D/A 4x4


1984 1ton 6.2 dually crewcab.Edited by: jefro

I thought it would be ok to include the innocent child's observation.


"Dad it looks like a Big Mean Bull charging right at you."

85% above average-outstanding posts! Dang I feel better! I'll leave this open for a couple more days. I have the name of GM's Duramax Customer Service Representative. l can consolidate the recommendations and forward to him. Maybe the 2006's will see some of our recommendations. JJ http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif

156 votes, here's the breakdown: 87% rate their vehicles above average to out "freaken" standing! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif Less than 10% rate their LLY's below average to well below average. Overwhelming positive responses! Great to see so many happy LLY owners out there.


Over the next couple of days I'll make notes of the suggestions that were made and get them to GM. No names, nothing like that, just the suggestions.


Love my truck! JJ http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

171 votes, 89% above average to outstanding. I've consolidated the inputs from all (thanks) and forwarding to GM's Duramax customer service representative. JJ http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley4.gif

Needs better shocks ( and correct length). Even new Factory shocks
would be considered "worn out" by most mechanics due to cavitation.

Turbo lag is just too long



Comparing to previous Ford Diesels, about the same in quality - maybe
I'm unlucky but these trucks spend way too much time in the shop. (New
$48K truck won't start at least once per week) http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley7.gif



Well, you asked.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley18.gif

Jeff

My LB7 got better mileage and had more power. Truck is about the same except where GM cheapened it. I guess we have to face it - American car companies are about smoke and mirrors, adjective advertising that doesn't live up to claims, and the most importantly - huge profits. Long live the bean counters!

8th diesel


Low front end.


DARN Allison filter sits where it will get knocked off and I can't find a skid plate made anywhere to protect it.


OEM tires have big chunks out after 2000 miles.


The fuel return cooler is going to get knocked off too. I have to change that to a more solid or protected.





Some rattle in the front end. Can't find it.Edited by: jefro

This is my first Diesel. 04.5 LLY love the truck for the most part.


STOCK


I have issues with towing and milage. I have a 22 toybox that might go 7300lbs loaded. I can only pull the cajon pass (local range in so cal) at around 60 mph. I also am only getting about 11.1 to 12.3 without towing depending on how heavy my foot is.


AFTER MODS.


I have seen an increase in milage up to 13.9 but have yet to tow. I will be towing my trailer the weekend of Halloween so I will see if it has improved. I feel cheated that I had to put $1000.00 worth of mods to get close to what most of the stockers are getting from day one.


With all this said I still love my truck and would buy another. I may have just got the one that was put together at the end of a 15hr shift.lol

When I voted below average this means GM has a ways to go to keep their customers happy. The truck is still better that the other two but when you are buying top of the line why not charge $500 more (if they have to) and bring your product up to the top?


Better shocks


extra fuel filtering


class 5 hitch


auto tilting mirrors for backing


better cup holders


lights under the hood and glove box


and most of all better training for the whole dealer team!! Most of these things seem petty but do make a difference. Letting the customers do the R&amp;D is getting old! GM should have their own site so we can hold their feet to the fire once in a while and get the answers we need.


Talk about being just a little upset: my 01 had the injectors replaced twice, my 04 runs like a piece of crap, and my new 05 replacement truck is still sitting at the dealers as I was told today that they changed their mind to work with GM on doing the paperwork and wanted more money from GM to do the deal. Will here I sit still waiting for a truck and a dealer that keeps his word!!!


Dennis

That's nothing, I hear Ford and Dodge are coming out with a heated tailgate option for '05............that's so your hands don't get cold when you're pushing. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley36.gif

I go away for the weekend and you guys get cranked up on the poll again. Great! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley32.gifFortunately I haven't sent GM the listing yet since I've been out of town. Anymore? JJ http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley4.gif

I voted the LLY average. I would have voted my '01 above average. LB7 ran strong with a Juice and was MUCH better off the line. Can't find a box that will run well on the LLY. LB7 got better milage too. Wish I had the LB7 back!

Well for what it's worth here are my 2 cents worth. Comparing my 03 lb7 to my lly I am not a happy camperhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley18.gif When they sold me on the lly they promoted better mpg and better power. I dont feel I got either. I have test driven the other 2 and still feel I have the better built truck. Overall my main complaints; it's a slug, poor mpgs, ground clearance sucks, do not want to buy leather to have dual electric seats, and GM does not offer nice wheels for duallys. Why can't they offer boost &amp; egt guages? I am not trying to be negative i just feel cheated.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley7.gif P.S. The dealer had the balls to call me today, asked me how I liked it, they know I have complaints, and wanted to know if I wanted to trade it in on a new one!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley36.gifEdited by: supermex

What's a D/A?





If you mean Duramax/Allison LLY, then yes, I have one, it's above average IMHO. I just wish the mileage it got was better.





Gar

I voted above average once, then went back and voted average the 2nd time after reading the post and jogging my memory about other things that need attention.


Pros : Looks good, Love the Allison, Quiet, comfy , dual auto climate control, strg wheel controls !


Cons: Bouncy shocks, sluggish response, GM getting cheap on us with no lighted mirrors or underhood/glovebox lights, Tow mirrors suck compared to my LB7 regular ones, poor mpg but starting to come up slowly, No power seats or lumbar support for both w/out getting LT package (again Gm getting cheap), looks alot better with 265s !


These are pros and cons for "stock " truck. I have since done the mods to mine (shown in signiture) and am ALOT happier ! Still need shocks and my old LB7 seats back but prolly have to live with the tow mirrors as they have replaced them once and they still vibrate and of course cant see an army coming up behind me !Edited by: FASTOYS

Bad:



1. glovebox light (how much did this save you bean counters?)

2. floor lights

3. passenger tow mirror (mirror should say objects are way closer than
they appear) blind spot too, you can hide a whole car in there.

4. small tires, 265 would be fine.



Good:

Just about everything else :)

My first diesel...the good
<UL>
<LI>At 10k miles 18.5MPG around town ('03 Dodge 1500 4.7L only got 14 and couldn't get out of its own way)</LI>
<LI>Good power</LI>
<LI>Allison tranny</LI>
<LI>Good GM dealer</LI>[/list]


Bad...
<UL>
<LI>SHOCKS, absolute POS!!! Replaced them @ 1700 miles</LI>
<LI>Needs bigger tires</LI>
<LI>Steering clunk...fixed as of today though</LI>
<LI>Everybody else has better mirrors</LI>[/list]