Just picked up a shiny new 2004 LB7 3500 Dually Crewcab 6.6L diesel w/Allison tranny. It has about 80k miles on it, so I'm wondering what maintenance stuff I should do to it. The dealer only did an oil change, and I don't know what else would have been done to it by the previous owner. This is also my first diesel truck, so I have a few questions...

a) Are there different 'grades' of dielsel to watch out for? (in Canada)
b) should I be adding anything to the fuel (detergents?!)
c) starting/stopping secrets I need to know about? (glow-plugs...)
d) Anything else you guys can suggest for a n00b.

TIA.

a) Not sure up North
b) There are plenty of additives that many will recommend...or do a search there's alot of reading on that topic, what's the best, what is junk, etc. I think it's a sticky in the maintenance and fluids section?
c) Let the glow plug light come on, and start it. There is alot to read regarding shut off procedures too...most idle for a little bit then shut it off without worry.
d) Change all your fluids for peace of mind. I'd suggest reading up on the LB7 injector issues, as well as the pump rub concern. Other than that, congrats and enjoy the truck!

a) Are there different 'grades' of dielsel to watch out for? (in Canada)
You'll need to switch to winter blend when it gets colder. Don't have to worry about looking for it, the stations will switch over. Expect to see a decrease in mileage when it switches over.

b) should I be adding anything to the fuel (detergents?!)
Search. I use stanadyne but everyone has their favorite. As mentioned check the Fluids section.

c) starting/stopping secrets I need to know about? (glow-plugs...)
Wait till the glow plug light goes off, then start. Other than that no real secrets.

d) Anything else you guys can suggest for a n00b.
Switch to synthetic oil, at least in the winter. Plug it in when it get cold (less than 0 degrees F). Probably want to change the fuel filter right away also.

Other than that, enjoy it...

when you change the spin on trans filter, use the Allison trans filter only. there's a thread and pics showing a Allison filter and a different brand with the magnet attached. different brand the flow holes are covered. that can't be good for flow.

Thanks guys. I'll definitely be doing the tranny flush to synth after reading all the forums instructions lol. Should I replace the inside filter while I'm at it? I'm guessing I have a shallow pan stock...

I'm not finding anything on a specific Allison tranny filter... ACDelco ok?

I picked up an 03 2500 myself this spring with 50K.

So far I drained and refilled both axles with Mobile synthetic, drained and refilled transfer case with Mobile 10w-30 synthetic, drained and flushed and changed out cooling system, replaced both T-stats and refilled with new Dex-Cool coolant, changed out engine oil with Rotella oil and Mobile 1 oil filter, replaced the drive belt with Good year Gator Back, replaced both idler pulleys, replaced belt tensioner pulley bearing with a US made bearing and relubed the drive shaft splines. Also replaced alternator.

I didn't have to do any of these. I did only for a belt squeal I once had now its history. My truck is the smoothest running 03 duramax. Everything on her is like new, no scratches, no dents, its a mint truck that got a deal on that I couldn't pass up.

Thanks guys. I'll definitely be doing the tranny flush to synth after reading all the forums instructions lol. Should I replace the inside filter while I'm at it? I'm guessing I have a shallow pan stock...
'm not finding anything on a specific Allison tranny filter... ACDelco ok?
filter in pan i don't know about.
no, use the allison filter. i looked for the thread i spoke about before and i couldn't find it. had pictures and was very informative. it was a comparison some one did on their own. i think they used allison, autozone and another brand filter. one or two of the pics that were very revealing was the magnet did not cover the small holes on the allison filter. i get my filters at a local Mack Dealership. $8 or $10 each. can't remember eaxctly and no receipts around the garage. i buy em' 3 or 4 at time. hope this helps.
dave

First off, WELCOME to the site.

And go with what has been stated above. Do you have $ wheel Drive? If so do not overlook the transfwer case fluids, and it takes DEXIII ATF or 5W-30 Synthetic motor oil.

Also, up at the top of the page, on the right side thare is a "search" Button, use that, because just about any questions you may have have been asked before, so start there in the future.

Again, WELCOME to this addiction!

Congrats on the purchase, the guys already covered everything i had in mind to do. Now change all the fluids and enjoy your new to you truck.

First off, WELCOME to the site.

And go with what has been stated above. Do you have $ wheel Drive? If so do not overlook the transfwer case fluids, and it takes DEXIII ATF or 5W-30 Synthetic motor oil.

Also, up at the top of the page, on the right side thare is a "search" Button, use that, because just about any questions you may have have been asked before, so start there in the future.

Again, WELCOME to this addiction!

LoL... if everyone used the search function, this site would die due to noone having anything to post... re-asking questions is a great way to make sure newcomers see the great tips and info on the front page ;)

And yea, I have the 4 wheel drive. Dually ftw ;) Thanks for all the tips guys. I think I got a good list of fluids and parts to get me started... Time to get dirty.

Do you have $ wheel Drive?

$ wheel Drive? Is that after the transfer case pump rub happens? :p: