So Im new here and Im interested in buying an 06 lly/lbz and since i was previously a dodge guy i know very little about these trucks, i have deduced a little from just internet surfing that i can get away with a Transgo Jr and a billet converter in the trans, i got that base covered

however my biggest curiosity lies in the duramax, how reliable is it, has anyone ran into big problems with them just running less than 500hp? any common problems that I should be aware of?

i know i might run EFI live once i get the truck to a position to handle it, so help me out guys, what do i NEED to know before picking up one of these bad boys?:D

I have 39K on mine, had a tuner on it since 5K, beta tested 3 different tuners, had PPE race tune and EFI tunes over 500 hp in it, lots of street racing and some track racing. Been reliable so far.

Basic LBZ problems seem to be cracking pistons, bad EGR's, steering shaft clunks, and leaking trans cooler lines...

Upgrades for 500 hp should incorporate at least a Stg. III trans to be reliable, lift pump, tie rod sleeves and Cognito Braces and a 4" turbo dp back exhaust. This is a pretty common and do able combination with either PPE of EFI tuning.

well i wasn't planning 500hp, something in the 400-450hp range was more reasonable... lol

I have 39K on mine, had a tuner on it since 5K, beta tested 3 different tuners, had PPE race tune and EFI tunes over 500 hp in it, lots of street racing and some track racing. Been reliable so far.

Basic LBZ problems seem to be cracking pistons, bad EGR's, steering shaft clunks, and leaking trans cooler lines...

Upgrades for 500 hp should incorporate at least a Stg. III trans to be reliable, lift pump, tie rod sleeves and Cognito Braces and a 4" turbo dp back exhaust. This is a pretty common and do able combination with either PPE of EFI tuning.



I agree with All-Perf, granted I am not at the 450-500hp yet...but the only thing that has gone wonky is the EGR motor which was covered.

I am slowly building up my rig to the 500hp stage. I currently have a MBRP 5" , PPE Hot +2 E.T, S&B Intake and Cognito leveling kit inroute. Soon to be added are...Cognito HD Tie Rods, Pit and Idle Arm support, Idler Pivot Assmebly. One of the final stages will be the tranny...it will either be Suncoast or ATS, not set on either at this time.

But over all I am VERY pleased with the Dmax and Ally combo.

My '06 has 28,000 miles, carries 10,000lbs everyday.
I have had the leaky trans lines (apparently fixed the first time), and I still have the squeaky belt when cold.
Other than that, plenty of power (stock), about 18mpg, I drive conservatively. The power is nice when merging onto the freeway from an on ramp

37,000 miles, and 90% of them are towing miles city-highway. Not one issue yet.

I had an 05 dodge with an edge juice/*** and ran it on the 100hp setting all the time and it ran like a raped ape, so i dont know if the stock duramax will impress me, however im still excited to see what im in for, i havnt even test drove an lbz yet, ive driven an LB7 with 80hp predator and it seemed to have some jam, not as much as my dodge however, but still im excited!!

I had an 05 dodge with an edge juice/*** and ran it on the 100hp setting all the time and it ran like a raped ape, so i dont know if the stock duramax will impress me, however im still excited to see what im in for, i havnt even test drove an lbz yet, ive driven an LB7 with 80hp predator and it seemed to have some jam, not as much as my dodge however, but still im excited!!

Well, my buddy has an 05' goat. He and I go at it all the time. He just got done getting his tranny replaced after running a BD tuner on 60? for a year.

Now he won't race me since I got the PPE.

I think if you will be quite happy with an LBZ.

i have a serious need for more power than stock, so i want EFI live.. but i know i need trans upgrades and gauges first

I traded in my '03 Cummins Ram that had an Edge w/Attiude & 4" MBRP exhaust among other mods for my current truck 2 months ago. The only thing I miss is the fuel mileage.
I love the driveability & options on the truck though. Smooth as butter & super comfy. Also can't beat the 6 spd Allison. Power delivery is smoother than the dodge as well which is probably why it feels slower.
Gotta say overall I'm happy.
Just got the Diablo Predator hoping for better fuel mileage. Also got the Edge Insight instead of mechanical gauges.

i rode in an LMM yesterday pulling a trailer with a bobcat and a bucket and hole auger and it pulled like a champ, it accelerated like there was nothing behind it, and im sure the guy didnt even push it that hard

im even more excited now

I bought a 2007 LBZ CC a couple of days ago and so far really do like it. It had 17000 miles on it but looks just like new.

My question is, I've run a Edge box on my 2002 for 65000 miles now and got along very well, is there a good one to put on this LBZ that might help its mileage. Power on this one I'm really not too worried about yet. The guy that had it before me did have a box on it but I don't know yet which one it was, I'm trying to get in touch with him now.

I've gone from a 2002 standard cab LB7 to this 2007 LBZ LT3 CC and my gosh what a change. I ordered a 2008 but the axle strike screwed that up . . . I may be better off with no emissions crap anyhow.

Tell me about boxes!

Have had mine since Feb 07. Lease back from Shaw...on the Blackfoot. WAs stock at 52k km. Am now sitting at 144,000 of which 12,000 was towing. Other than the intermediate sterring column (which I think damned near everyone with a GM truck since about 1998 has had), and a glow plug recall, no issues. AWESOME truck. goes like a bat when it needs to....trailer on/off notwithstanding.

Best advice I might offer is: Add 2ndary Oil Filtration, Add 2ndary Fuel filtration, Block the EGR, add a Transgo Jr. (fairly easy DIY and likely good to about ~450 hp.?). All Fluids - Synthetic, Forget about KnN filters (NFG for Diesels...stick to OEM or use an AFE), CAI is probably a waste of $$, Do use an additive and prefferably one that is BioDiesel based (U can get it at the Truck stop Shell on 50th and Barlow). Stick to OEM fluid filters too...cheap fleabay stuff is just that, Cheap.

Keep in mind that when you go to buy, get the VIN and come here and get it checked out in that section. You will likely get an answer within 48 hrs or less. Pretty Kewl that..!!

This is likely the best automotive forum on the net with some pretty bright, innovative, knowledgeable people that are willing to help and pass on their knowledge to you. Welcome..fellow Calgarian.!

cheers,

stk

Have had mine since Feb 07. Lease back from Shaw...on the Blackfoot. WAs stock at 52k km. Am now sitting at 144,000 of which 12,000 was towing. Other than the intermediate sterring column (which I think damned near everyone with a GM truck since about 1998 has had), and a glow plug recall, no issues. AWESOME truck. goes like a bat when it needs to....trailer on/off notwithstanding.

Best advice I might offer is: Add 2ndary Oil Filtration, Add 2ndary Fuel filtration, Block the EGR, add a Transgo Jr. (fairly easy DIY and likely good to about ~450 hp.?). All Fluids - Synthetic, Forget about KnN filters (NFG for Diesels...stick to OEM or use an AFE), CAI is probably a waste of $$, Do use an additive and prefferably one that is BioDiesel based (U can get it at the Truck stop Shell on 50th and Barlow). Stick to OEM fluid filters too...cheap fleabay stuff is just that, Cheap.

Keep in mind that when you go to buy, get the VIN and come here and get it checked out in that section. You will likely get an answer within 48 hrs or less. Pretty Kewl that..!!

This is likely the best automotive forum on the net with some pretty bright, innovative, knowledgeable people that are willing to help and pass on their knowledge to you. Welcome..fellow Calgarian.!

cheers,

stk

well thanks for all the useful info man, however im not from calgary, im from east centeral alberta, closer to camrose and wetaskiwin, i know about air filters and already plan on doing the ppe airbox mod and do not ever plan on using an oiled filter on a diesel, as for additives, i dont really think they make a difference, well maybe bio one's will, but i dont live very close to calgary(its about a 3hr drive)
i have aquired alot of knowledge about diesels over the last 2 years, i owned a 2005 dodge 3500 and was a member of another diesel forum and i joined Diesel place just to try and expand my knowledge of the LBZ and the allison, ive already learned alot in a short period of time:)

thanks for all you've told me, anyone else care to share their experiences with their LBZ good or bad...?

btw Steakman, have you seen any good deals on SLT gm's or LT3 chev's down in calgary? and are you going to the AAB(annual august blackout) at castrol raceways in edmonton this year?

Just got a 06 LBZ couple days ago,owned a 02 dura lb7 the LBZ stock feels like my lb7 with a small tune in it.Also had a 05 cummins for a little while it wouldnt have a chance with this LBZ.You wont be dissapointed.

im just looking forward to the allison, i know the duramax is good but its hard to top that cummins grunt and sound, i just hated the transmission in it, and i hear the six speed alli is super smooth and confident, and all i need is a trans-go jr to be able to handle what i kick out at it

my dodge was tuned so a stock engine wont impress me much but we shall see!

What are the specs on the truck you are looking for?

i want an 06, 2500, chev LT3 or LTZ, GM SLT, 4x4 lbz, any colour but white is ok