O.K.
New to the forum, but have been reading for a while. I finally got a 2003 2500HD 4x4 ext.cb 6.6duramax, with allison(I think), 68k. I was hoping someone could tell me if all come with allison or if there is a way to tell to make sure for reference.
Any thing I need to do to make towing a 9k fifth wheel a snap. It's bone stock and if thats all I need then thats fine. Should I change the filter since I just got it our is it like the old diesels and has some kind of pump filter. Haven't had a diesel since 1986 so its like a new toy to study up on. I have had a k35004x4 dually for years with a 454 that this one is going to replace.
J

If it has an automatic, then it will be the Allison 1000....there's not another automatic tranny option available with the Duramax in the pickup trucks. Our 5er weighs in at 10K dry and has a GVWR of 12K, my truck is bone stock and I don't have any problems when towing.

I'd also recommend you go ahead and change the fuel filter now and then keep on top of that maintenance item in particular. I change mine every 10K and the next change I'll be going with the new style, double-pleated fuel filter.

Thanks bluenote, just trying to catch back up on the diesel thing, and I see all of the edge/predator items just checking to see if they make a real difference on the daily driver. And don't worry I will take the 10k change to heart my 86 diesel would drop to about 4psi if I didn't change it about every 10k.
Thanks
j

i would go a step further and change all fluids, gives yo a starting point for keeping track of the maintenance items, fuel filter, oil, both diffs, trasnfer case and tranny.

for towing, you will need a brake controller if you do not already have one.

once you get all that done, look into secondary filtration and a quality fuel additive, good preventive medicine.

the edge juice works great on the LB7s (MY 04 and below) I run mine on level 2/3 and experience an increase in mileage also.

have fun

Thanks Ski1,

Good advice, what do you recommend for secondary filt. and what additive
J

Agree with ski1 on changing all fluids and filters from the bow to the stern including brake fluid. Adding any performance enhancing items, your call.

I would say on a stock truck a FM 100 that comes with a lift pump plus added filteration is pretty deccent bang for the buck. I got mine from reliable industries, I think Mark at hucksdorph diesel hdiesel.com sells stanadyne stuff too, duno if there is another here vendor that sells stanadyne?

I would agree, to change all of your fluids. rear end front end ect. Also change the spin on trany filter. Dont forget about the magnet on the top of it, make sure one is there. I change my trany spin on at least every 10k. Also running a good additive isnt a bad idea either.

Performance stuff isnt needed for you but lotsa fun. Thats your call. The juice is a very good box for an daily driven towing duramax

there are several quality filtration kits available, I run the cat pre OEM (nicktane), replacements are $16 and 15K miles. Rat lover mentioned another good kit. do some searches on these and others liek the JK mega, racor, etc and its best you decide which fits your needs the best, ie, local replacments/parts, ease of install/use, etc.

as for additives, i run primrose 405 and 409. I have also run FPPF total power, my truck idles better with the primrose so I have stuck with that. GM endorses stanadyne and many here run it with good results. it is a debatable topic, but I like emulsifying additives, simple version is encapsulate the water and harmlessly pass through the combustion system versus dropping the water out and collecting it at a filter, just seems like water sitting in the filter has a better chance to cause problems such as rust.

in any case, I would suggest many searches on these topics. I initially purchased small quantities so I could test out how they worked, not so easy on the secondary filter but you will get enough opinion here to help you out.