New to the sight, getting my 1st diesel in a week. Any suggestions, or warning.
I live in the cold of wisc.
05 Silverado, sb,4x4,d/a,black

Befor you pick it up have the dealer chaeck all the fluids. A lot have come in with low front and rear diff fluids very low.

Check it over carefully including all fluid levels. Then drive it, maintain it and leave it stock to avoid many of the difficulties aired on this and other forums. If you can, sell it in 3 yrs and get another new one.

First off...Welcome!!! Your first major diesel problem will occur in exactly one week...when you drive that baby home....you will have a sore face from the prepetual smile...there is a tsb on this issue with no forseeable solution in te near future...enjoy!:ro)

Early congrats on the new truck! Ditto what the other guys said about pre-delivery inspection/service. Also, change the oil, say 3 times in the first 5k miles (1000, 2500, 4500), then longer intervals, syn's are nice. :p

Too bad you found this site, it's going to cost you dearly, trust me! :D Oh yea, I was going to stay stock, then I purchased an aftermarket air filter, then went to synthetics all around, just purchased the E/J w/attitude, Trippin's ATS mount on the way (Trippin???), Rancho's are in!!! I'm shopping 4" MBRP exhaust right now! ;) Mama JJ's starting to raise an eyebrow. :rolleyes:

If you're going to play on this site get yourself a new credit card, say $5k limit to start with, hide it from any significant others, and live the life of a diesel addict! :D Let the games begin! ):h JJ :)

Congrats! Now the ist and most important thing to do is : Get a 2nd Job so you can make the monthly payment! Oh Ya if you live in the North east Your Mobil Bill will quadruple !

Good Luck!

The perpetual smile is correct, going on a year with mine and still make excuses to drive the thing. New truck low oil level in rear differential and absolutely no grease in the front tie rods are any of the steering grease zerts, used 3/4 of a cartridge to grease the new truck. Oh yeah, the factory shocks are cheap pieces of garbage, best upgrade money spent!!!

JJ, you crack me up...):h . One more thing I always do, is have someone follow you when you test drive your new truck to make sure it tracks in a straight line. I'm sure you've seen one "side winding" down the road. Not sure what causes this, maybe front end alignment, rear axel not square or bent frame.:mad:

Congrats on the new truck. Like most of us, I think you will love this machine.

Here are a few more recommendations in addition to the above.

If the truck has no load, bring the tires down to around 55 lb (assuming single axle, 2500HD), since the dealer generally delivers the vehicle at 80 ibs for gross load. This will help the ride.

Keep varying the RPM during break in and vary the range from low to high.

Do not tow for the first 500 miles so the rear end can break in.

Replace the transmission filter at 5,000 miles, per Allison. This may not be in the owners manual. There is a magnet on the original filter that should be removed and put on the replacement filter. Buy the filter from Allison rather than the dealer to save $15+ dollars.

Replace the rear end fluid for the first time at 5,000 miles, if not towing; sooner if towing. This is per American Axle. This may no longer be in the owners manual.

Replace the fuel filter at 10,000 miles rather than 15,000 shown in the book. Use the new 2 element version that GM released in December (97385488 or AC Delco TP1298A). Fuel injectors appear to be the weak point of all the new diesel trucks.

GM just released a bulletin to the dealers saying that there is no problem with the low fluid level in the rear ends of just delivered trucks. I suspect most folks on this board would disagree. I mention this because the dealer my bulk at adding fluid to the rear, but I would tell them to add it anyway if they want you to be completely satisfied upon delivery.

Make sure you get the Duramax Supplement manual along with the normal owners manual.

If you are in California, then add Stanadyne to the fuel to help with injector break-in. I concluded this based on several posts from one of the techs that posted about smoke issues.

Keep an eye on the battery posts. The Delcos have been known to crack and leak.

Good luck and let us know how you like the truck.

This site will be your ruin. Your love for this new truck is going to keep you coming back like a drug addict. The only thing I can suggest is to give me your checkbook and credit cards for safe-keeping.

Congrats on the truck.. I have no suggestion or warning, but I will tell you what WILL happen. Like most Duramax owners you will develop a case of "lead-foot-itus" and this is a very serious condition, but is curable. one of the main ways to cure it is to max out a credit card on goodies.

its a catch 22..you will limp and be in debt, but have a bada$$ truck!! :-)

Oh yeah...the first time you put the hammer down on the Duramax, take a look in the mirror at yourself..you will resemble a deer in headlights!! LOL

Congrats on your new diesel, I got my first diesel this past October , and enjoy every min I get to drive it. This site will help you with anything you need to know about your diesel.

tsb on what issue? everything is new to me.

T.B.S (Technical Servive Bullitens) is G.M.'S answer to a problem that has occured enough for G.M. to send out a T.S.B. I really have NEVER SEEN A T.S.B for the "SMILE" It is activated when you are handed the keys to your "BABY" & the FUN BEGINS!! Howard:ro) :ro) :ro)

"The only thing I can suggest is to give me your checkbook and credit cards for safe-keeping."
Am I the only one that sent Maynard9089 my check book? Haven't heard from him in weeks and I'm broke! ):h

BH, you always nail the details! :ro)

"lead-foot-itus", Briano, is there a cure? :eek:

I ferget the dud that farted this post, he'd likey sheken he hed! ):h Ebonics by JJ :) <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Briano....thats a sharp lookin D/A!:ro)

I have been to the doctor twice to find a cure for the constant smile I have had on my face since buying my 04.5 cc d/a. He told me the only cure was to buy a ford or dodge (guess I will just have to put up with my face like this).

I love this truck, best truck I have ever owned. Mine is all stock so far, can't really see the need for more power. (yet):D I have to agree with maynard9089 about coming to this site, it is like a bad addiction, can't wait to see what is new here. Thanks guys.

Run away fast............

Do not read Power and Performance forum or the Competition Forum,

Save yourself before it's too late...........):h ):h ):h ):h ):h

Seriously though,

Welcome to the Diesel Place..........give us a month and you will be modding your truck.............it's only a matter of time...........resistance is futile.

T:cool: NY

AJ -

Welcome! I too live in the cold of WI (Madison) - just bought mine in Sept - 1st diesel. Turned 18k miles on it last week. I'll be curious to find where u are getting your maintenance done in WI - and if u are sastisified with them...

Congrats!

I too, am in lovely Wisconsin and would like that info...Thanks!