I will be looking at an '01 HD LT crew cab 4x4, it has the 8.1 allison combo with about 92000 miles, no heavy towing, has towed a fifth wheel some. What are some signs, noise that I should look, listen for to help make sure I'm not buying some one else's troubles? Owner claims he took it to a dealer for inspection and needed around $1000.00 in just routine maint. Says he will fax me a copy of the inspection. I think I can get it for $15000.00 Can you tell the gear ratio from the vin #1GCHK23G81F149062? I'm hoping to make this truck last for a year or two until I can get another new duramax. Thanks for any help.

Check the codes in the glove box, that will tell you what your gear ratios (GT4 = 3.73, GT5= 4.10) are and if you have a locker (G80).

The earlier 8.1L ate a little oil, apparently there was a fix with longer and/or sealed intake manifold bolts.

DEWFPO

Well the guy backed out on me...:mad: May have been a good thing. I might just go ahead and buy the '05 if'n I can talk my financial planner in to it. :D