This weekend I will be test driving an LLY that I might be buying. Its a 2005 Silverado 2500HD DD/ALLY 2WD. I was wondering what I can do when I drive it to possibly identify any problems. Is there anything I should be listening/looking for specifically? Thank You

Have it inspected by a shop that you trust before you buy it. As for the test drive, any warning lamps on, does it turn over with a normal sound/speed. does the shifter feel move with ease as shift cables seem to get stiff. does it idle nice, does it smoke alot when applying the trottle, any shakes at speed, apply the brakes from 50 mph to 0 a few times, any brake pulsation, does all the features the truck have work, is there lots of play in the steering wheel at rest without the tires moving, does go down the road nice and straight. have a look under the truck, are there any major leaks, they all have damp spots here and there, but drips hanging could be a issue. How about service records, go over those as well. take a peek at the rotors through the wheels, rusted, how about the back side of the rotors, rusted?, apply the e-brake, does it hold?, check the rear backing plates for oil as axle seals can fail, check the tire wear is it a normal wear patteren, noce and even or close to it. Ask if its ever been hit, what he used the truck for and if he is the orginal owner.....if ya need more just ask...

Isnt there an overheating problem with the llys

Have it inspected by a shop that you trust before you buy it. As for the test drive, any warning lamps on, does it turn over with a normal sound/speed. does the shifter feel move with ease as shift cables seem to get stiff. does it idle nice, does it smoke alot when applying the trottle, any shakes at speed, apply the brakes from 50 mph to 0 a few times, any brake pulsation, does all the features the truck have work, is there lots of play in the steering wheel at rest without the tires moving, does go down the road nice and straight. have a look under the truck, are there any major leaks, they all have damp spots here and there, but drips hanging could be a issue. How about service records, go over those as well. take a peek at the rotors through the wheels, rusted, how about the back side of the rotors, rusted?, apply the e-brake, does it hold?, check the rear backing plates for oil as axle seals can fail, check the tire wear is it a normal wear patteren, noce and even or close to it. Ask if its ever been hit, what he used the truck for and if he is the orginal owner.....if ya need more just ask...
Damn, what can I add? Let us know how you make out.

Only when pulling heavy and its only some, its hit and miss it seems, at my dealer we have yet to see one, but location has alot to do with that i would suspect.

Besides all the engine/tranny/drivetrain, Take a GOOD look behind weather striping(doors area), under the hood, firewall, and underneath the bed to see if it's been painted. Good signs for a previous reck. If it's a good dealer, they should offer you a CARFAX report, no charge to you. If not, DIY and see if there was any previous problems before. There is a VIN check service here, I would utilize it just to make sure. Smell all the fluids you can and rub them between your fingers to check for foreign material or burnt smell. I took 3 hours to look at my truck, drive it, look at it, drive it... And every little thing I found wrong they fixed. Just my .02 for a 30,000 investment.........Good Luck bro!! And I hope you get it!:thumb:

Thanks for all that have replied, all very good tips. I have ran a carfax on it already and it was clean. Very Low Miles. I've driven it once and it seemed to me like it ran great. Much better than the other one I drove. I did the VIN lookup on the forum and all looked good, with no warranty work performed. It is GM Certified, if that means anything these days. If the dealership wants to sell a truck on sunday, I will be bringing it home. Hopefully they want to deal, especially with the economy being so bad. I want to take it on a test drive on the expressway because I read somewhere that if you floor it from about 45 mph and it hesitates before it shifts it could be one of the bands slipping. Anyone ever heard of this?

Bands ? I was under the impression it has clutch's and steel's .:rolleyes:Thanks for all that have replied, all very good tips. I have ran a carfax on it already and it was clean. Very Low Miles. I've driven it once and it seemed to me like it ran great. Much better than the other one I drove. I did the VIN lookup on the forum and all looked good, with no warranty work performed. It is GM Certified, if that means anything these days. If the dealership wants to sell a truck on sunday, I will be bringing it home. Hopefully they want to deal, especially with the economy being so bad. I want to take it on a test drive on the expressway because I read somewhere that if you floor it from about 45 mph and it hesitates before it shifts it could be one of the bands slipping. Anyone ever heard of this?

Thanks for all that have replied, all very good tips. I have ran a carfax on it already and it was clean. Very Low Miles. I've driven it once and it seemed to me like it ran great. Much better than the other one I drove. I did the VIN lookup on the forum and all looked good, with no warranty work performed. It is GM Certified, if that means anything these days. If the dealership wants to sell a truck on sunday, I will be bringing it home. Hopefully they want to deal, especially with the economy being so bad. I want to take it on a test drive on the expressway because I read somewhere that if you floor it from about 45 mph and it hesitates before it shifts it could be one of the bands slipping. Anyone ever heard of this?

There will be a delay, they all do it its the nature of the allison, there is no bands. Expect it.

Ok no bands. Sorry I am used to my 4L80E in my old 6.Slow. So a slight hesitation is normal. Anything else???

Like anything there is always risk, go with what you know, check all that you can and then go with what your gut tells you, i bet its right!!!....post pics of your new truck when/if you get it, good luck!

find a lbz

better intake
better cooling
6-speed
more horses

lbz will turn out to be the best model,imo