Last year I bought a new 4x4 Chevy 1/2 ton 5.3. Got a heck of a good deal. Then went and bought a new 5er. Yep, you guessed it, 1/2 ton wasn't big enough. I then went a few weeks ago and traded it in on a 2004 2500 extended cab 4x4 D/A. It is a 2004 with 9,000 miles. I am totally new to the Diesel picture and I am wondering what concerns or preventitive maintance I should do. All I now is that I love the truck and it pulls the 5er like a dream. If you ever see me, I'm the one drivin' down the road with with a big @@S smile on my face pulling the new 5er with my two dogs and Mrs. Camper at my side.

Rod

Congratulations and welcome!

IMO, you should consider running a quality fuel additive--one that pumps up the lubricity of your fuel and consider secondary fuel filtration. These trucks run good, but some have had some fuel system related problems and I believe that GMs position has been that they are caused by contaminants in the fuel, so extra filtration might go a long way in helping with the contaminants. I suggest a fuel additive because I believe our European engineered fuel injection system will enjoy greater durability from slicker fuel and the added cetane and corrosion inhibiters are a bonus.

Do some key word searches on secondary fuel filters/filtration and look for discussions on the sometimes controversial subject of fuel additives. Lots of info here, lot of knowledgeable people too!

Roddy,

An '04 with only 9000 miles? Shoot, she's barely broke in! ):h

Go get a 12 pack of your favorite beverage, plan out a few hours, and, using the wonderful search feature on the upper blue bar, find info on any topic you can think of.

Since you're towing, I'd recommend spending time in the towing/trailering section.

Any ?? you have about your truck have probably already been answered by the lunatics here, and there is an absolute boatload of info here!!!!

When it comes to filters and additives, tires or accessories, there is a lot out there and it's just up to you what you want to do.

Welcome to the Place!!!!! :ro)

Tom :eek:

Welcome aboard Roddy,
When it comes to getting all the goodies there are many good vendors here.
Hope you get a good allowance.......;)

welcome aboard.. that truck isn't even broken in yet.

.....It is a 2004 with 9,000 miles. I am totally new to the Diesel picture and I am wondering what concerns or preventitive maintance I should do.

Rod,

Per the rear axle manufacturer, the rear end fluid should be changed around 5,000 miles. It uses a synthetic. Some of the members have reported low fluid levels. The GM brand is called Grape Juice because of the smell and runs around 27 bucks a quart from the dealer. GMDieselTech.Com (a supporting vendor) has a better price. Capacity is near four qts. Do a search on "gear lube" to find out about other options, but be prepared for an all day reading session.

Per GM, the external Allison spin on transmission filter should be changed around 5,000 to 7,500 miles. You can buy it at the Allison dealer or a supporting vendor here for about 9 bucks. GM wants about 26 bucks for the same filter.

GM says to change the fuel filter at 15,000 miles. Based on photos of cut open fuel filters posted on this site, it would be prudent to change it at 10,000 miles. Be sure to use the new double pleat design. The AC Delco version is part number TP1298A. (The old AC Delco number is TP1298.) You can buy it from a supporting vendor here for around 30 bucks or for about 44 bucks at most GM dealers.

GM has an A/C accumulator upgrade for trucks made before June, 2004. It will significantly improve the A/C cooling.

GM just released a recall on many of the 2004 HD trucks for a brake booster issue. GM appears to still be in the process of updating the vehicle records by VIN number, so it may not show up yet if the service dept does an inquiry.

You may start hearing a clunking sound in the front part of the truck. This is the intermediate steering shaft rattling. GM has issued a couple of versions of a TSB to fix this. One is to replace the shaft if in stock. If not in stock, then they grease it.

Starting around March or April, 2004, GM switched to synthetic gear lube for the front axle. If it has a black vent cap, then it is conventional oil, if the vent cap is white, then it is synthetic. If you refill with synthetic, then you must upgrade to the white vent cap.

The owners manual is confusing on the required transfer case fluid. It states Dexron III for the manual transfer case and Autotrac fluid for the automatic transfer case. The automatic transfer case is the full time four wheel drive systems on the half tons. It is not available on the HD series. The "electric" selector transfer case option available on the HD series is still a "manual" transfer case and uses Dexron III transmission fluid. Many use Mobil 1 synthetic ATF (Dexron III replacement).

As a side note, GM made a mid-year Duramax design change in model year 2004 to meet the new Federal emission standards for diesels. The original engine is called a LB7. The newest version is known as a LLY. The change took place starting in the begining of January, 2004. If the eighth digit of the VIN number (starting from the left) is a "1", it is a LB7 engine, if the eighth digit is a "2", then it is a LLY engine.

These are the major items that I can recall. Hopefully others will add any that I left out.

You might try posting the VIN number in the "Ask the Techs" topic area. The very knowledgable GM Techs that contribute here have been very good about posting service historys on specific vehicles.

I would suggest you update your signature with details on your truck. It will allow the other members to give you a higher quality, specific response to any future questions you may have. It is also good to include your location so others know what temperature your truck operates in.

Good luck with the truck.

Thank you for all the advice and help.


Rod

Welcome aboard!

Enjoy your D/A!!

BH, thats the most comprehensive maintenence detail I've seen other than from DmaxalliTech. :ro) 5 stars!!!!

Tom ):h