2011 Chevy Silverado Heavy Duty Gets More Powerful and Efficient Duramax 6.6 [Archive] - Diesel Place : Chevrolet and GMC Diesel Truck Forums

: 2011 Chevy Silverado Heavy Duty Gets More Powerful and Efficient Duramax 6.6


Administrator
02-10-2010, 02:56 AM
http://www.autoguide.com/gallery/d/147431-3/Picture+1+18-27-05.jpg

The all-new 2011 Chevrolet Silverado Heavy Duty models might not look all that new and there's a good reason for it. With tight budgets at GM as of late, the Silverado HD team was given limited funds to build the truck and so they chose to put the money where those who really need a heavy duty truck will appreciate it most. Aesthetically, the only real changes to the 2011 model are a new chrome bumper, a "power-dome" hood and a revised grille. Changes to the rest of the truck, however, are significant.

For starters, new Silverado HD models sit on new frames and come with an optional all-new 6.6-liter Duramax V8 and Allison 1000 six-speed transmission. The truck's base tow rating is now 16,000 lbs, while a 3500 crew cab/long box can pull up to 20,000 lbs. For the record, that's 2,400 lbs more than the RAM 3500 and 1,200 lbs more than the 2010 F-350 – although no 2011 F-350 stats are available. Maximum payload is now 6,335 lbs, well above both the Ford and Dodge, although (again) Ford claims segment-best payload… but that was before the new Silverado HD was unveiled.

With wheelbases ranging from 133.6 inches to 167.7 inches (depending on how you order your truck), along with wider front and rear tracks, the new Silverado HD delivers a smoother ride and better handling.

Chevy hasn't given any new performance stats on the all-new 6.6-liter Duramax diesel, but has said it expects segment-best torque. The block itself is a carry-over from the past model but the majority of moving engine parts are new, as is the entire fuel system. NOx emissions are also down 63 percent thanks in part to an exhaust after treatment system that is used because it won't interfere with the engine's ability to create power. The Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) used in the process does require refilling every 5,000 miles. In addition, the new engine is B20 biodiesel capable.

Chevy says the engine has been tested to 200,000 miles under extreme conditions, using what the engineers refer to as a "95th percentile" customer.

As for the new Allison transmission it has been strengthened to work with the added torque of the new engine and features an optional exhaust brake, Power Take Off and a Driver Shift Control (DSC). It's also designed to work with the new Duramax engine to give improved fuel economy by 11 percent and Chevy says to expect a fuel range of 680 miles on the new 36 gallon tank.

In addition to the fuel economy improvements, Chevy claims improved acceleration with Duramax/Allison combo, resulting in a 0.3-second improvement to 60 mph and a 0.5-second improvement in the quarter-mile for a rating of less than 9 and less than 16 seconds respectively.

A new front suspension with forged steel upper control arms and cast iron lower control arms is also a part of the 2011 package with the new front independent suspension now delivering a 25 percent improved front axle weight rating. The new 6,000 lb rating now means a snow plow can be used on all 4WD cab models equipped with the snow plow prep package. In addition, rather than a single torsion bar like on the previous model, the 2011 gets five different torsion bar rates for five different gross axle weight ratings, allowing height adjustability in accordance with the weight of a snow plow or other accessory.

As for the rear suspension, the leaf springs are now 20 percent wider, helping to improve the truck's rear gross axle weight rating. Now 2500 models are rated to 6,200 lbs, while 3500 models get a 7,050 rating for single wheel or 9,375 of dualies. The new rear suspension is also designed to reduce wheel hop.

We could probably go on forever discussing the upgrades to the new 2011 Silverado HD, so we'll try and wrap this up with a few more important things you should know. For 2011 the brakes are larger, measuring 14-inches at all four corners while the swept area of the brake pads has been increased with 13 percent more area covered on the front rotors and 17 percent more covered on the rear. Gone are 16-inch wheel fitments, with 17s now the new base wheel, while 20s can be had on the 2500HD. Safety equipment includes StabiliTrak and Trailer Sway Control on all single-rear-wheel models as well as a new Hill Start Assist feature, that holds the truck for 1.5 seconds when leaving a stop on a hill. Chevy also says that under heavy load it has reduced noise vibration and harshness (NVH) by as much as 30 percent.

Finally, let's not forget the standard engine, a 6.0-liter Vortec V8 and six-speed 6L90 automatic transmission. With no output numbers yet available, Chevy does claim roughly 90 percent of the engines torque will be available from 2000 rpm and that it will allow for a 13 percent increase in fifth-wheel towing for a total tow rating of 14,700 lbs.

More: 2011 Chevy Silverado Heavy Duty Gets More Powerful and Efficient Duramax 6.6 and Allison Tranny (http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2010/02/2011-chevy-silverado-heavy-duty-gets-more-powerful-and-efficient-duarmax-6-6-and-allison-tranny.html) on AutoGuide.com

jtaylor11
02-10-2010, 03:02 AM
Yeap....That does it. I'm going to get one of those front bumpers. Probaly going to run into something and get my paint & body guy to order one.

theunderlord
02-10-2010, 03:04 AM
Haha, I was thinking; "i wonder how fast I can order those new front brakes?"

DURAtotheMAX
02-10-2010, 03:12 AM
Haha, I was thinking; "i wonder how fast I can order those new front brakes?"

oh you can order them as soon as the new HD's hit the dealer lots. Not gonna be of much use to you though because the lug pattern is different than the 2010 and older trucks. ;)

jtaylor11
02-10-2010, 03:12 AM
Haha, I was thinking; "i wonder how fast I can order those new front brakes?"

Somebody said that they will have a different lug patteren. Might have to change alot to get em under there. Be nice though.

theunderlord
02-10-2010, 03:14 AM
Why they change weird crap like that, seems silly. Oh well.

jtaylor11
02-10-2010, 03:17 AM
Yeah I still can't figure out why someone would want to change something like that.

theunderlord
02-10-2010, 03:22 AM
Can you imagine how many threads on bolt pattern that'll be posted in the next year..

ugggghhhh.

that bumper does look way better than the current NBS one.

carhauler
02-10-2010, 12:10 PM
So , How long before they offer the Exhaust brake as a dealer installed upgrade? ( ya know not voiding a warranty kind mod)

dowork82
02-10-2010, 12:23 PM
The truck's base tow rating is now 16,000 lbs, while a 3500 crew cab/long box can pull up to 20,000 lbs.

Now thats sweet

It's also designed to work with the new Duramax engine to give improved fuel economy by 11 percent and Chevy says to expect a fuel range of 680 miles on the new 36 gallon tank.

18.89 mpg. Pretty damn good despite the dpf and def
wonder much it will be to add the dmax vs the 6.0, $10,000?

jeazor
02-10-2010, 12:31 PM
Looks like they are building a 3500HD shortbed crew 11500GVW!!! Sweet

corrado-correr
02-10-2010, 01:17 PM
more news today,

http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.brand_chevrolet.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2010/Feb/10chicago/0210_chevy_silveradoHD

fristoes05LLY
02-10-2010, 02:08 PM
Where are you gonna find "Diesel Exhaust Fluid" at, is this gonna be available at gas stations or would you have to go to the dealership to refill that tank.

corrado-correr
02-10-2010, 02:33 PM
Where are you gonna find "Diesel Exhaust Fluid" at, is this gonna be available at gas stations or would you have to go to the dealership to refill that tank.

Dealerships, major truck stops, ... I would imagine it will become more common in time.

TAYLORJ814
02-10-2010, 02:42 PM
Its About Time Chevy Upgraded To A Larger Fuel Tank.

towdog333
02-10-2010, 02:46 PM
I do like the new bumper, what an improvement ove those dumbbell end caps

fristoes05LLY
02-10-2010, 02:46 PM
I wonder how much its going to cost? They better do it soon if its gonna to be released this summer.

DURAtotheMAX
02-10-2010, 03:10 PM
So , How long before they offer the Exhaust brake as a dealer installed upgrade?

never. they exhaust brake wasnt originally designed/tested/R&D'd to work with the LMM.....so I 99% gurantee you they arent gonna spend millions of dollars testing a "retrofit upgrade" version to the LMM, an outdated design that is no longer manufactured. Yeah, its lame and I know it "sounds like it would be easy, wtf", but the reality is its not, look at it from GM's point of view.

ben

theunderlord
02-10-2010, 03:12 PM
I wonder how much its going to cost? They better do it soon if its gonna to be released this summer.

80K fully loaded.... that's my bet.

DURAtotheMAX
02-10-2010, 03:52 PM
80K fully loaded.... that's my bet.

yeah right, is that a frikkin joke?????

60k fully loaded, with everything is my guess.

theunderlord
02-10-2010, 04:16 PM
should have been more obvious with my web sarcasms.... :D

DaveK
02-10-2010, 04:20 PM
So , How long before they offer the Exhaust brake as a dealer installed upgrade? ( ya know not voiding a warranty kind mod)


Under the trailering info, they do state that there is an available exhaust brake system. Hopefully that's correct.

DURAtotheMAX
02-10-2010, 04:33 PM
should have been more obvious with my web sarcasms.... :D

ahhh alright, I see now. :D :p:

I was gonna say...80k!! :eek:

DURAtotheMAX
02-10-2010, 04:34 PM
Under the trailering info, they do state that there is an available exhaust brake system. Hopefully that's correct.

yes...I think it comes standard on all dmax's that have cruise control (so basically every dmax except for the bare bones work trucks)

kilo6490
02-10-2010, 05:19 PM
i need one

mtjasper
02-10-2010, 05:43 PM
That new bumper looks great!

thmsfraz
02-10-2010, 06:17 PM
I want the new bumper,I wonder if it will fit on the lmm

DURAtotheMAX
02-10-2010, 06:27 PM
I want the new bumper,I wonder if it will fit on the lmm

probably have to make custom brackets due to the frame difference...

fristoes05LLY
02-10-2010, 09:19 PM
Welp by the time Ill pay this one off they will have a better truck out lol, I wonder how much the Urea is gonna cost?

DURAtotheMAX
02-10-2010, 10:00 PM
about 2.50/gallon.

the tank is 5 gallons, and lasts about 5,000 miles. So basically you are spending an extra 13 dollars every 5,000 miles. Cost will be a non-issue. If you are spending 50k+++ on a diesel pickup truck you will be able to afford the urea no problem. ;)

ben

fristoes05LLY
02-10-2010, 10:16 PM
Now im sold haha now i just need to pay off my current truck.

aprr454
02-10-2010, 10:36 PM
Looks like 3.73 is still the only option for a rear end.

DURAtotheMAX
02-10-2010, 11:22 PM
Looks like 3.73 is still the only option for a rear end.

which is perfectly fine IMO.

4.10's are ridiculous when you have 700ft lbs of torque. Nobody needs them unless you are running 37"+ tires. All that would accomplish on a stock-size-tire truck is crappy fuel economy and more wear on the engine and drivetrain due to higher rpm's.

ben

cowboy56
02-10-2010, 11:54 PM
Bumpers won't fit. The grill is a couple inches shorter than grilles on the current trucks.

jtaylor11
02-10-2010, 11:57 PM
Guess we`ll have to swap out the grill too. :D

DURAtotheMAX
02-11-2010, 12:00 AM
Guess we`ll have to swap out the grill too. :D

you'll have to swap hoods too...

jtaylor11
02-11-2010, 12:05 AM
I can see the differences in the grills but not the hoods.

bobbss
02-11-2010, 12:33 PM
I wonder how much its going to cost? They better do it soon if its gonna to be released this summer.
A dealer told me last night about $7,000.00 higher but he was trying to sell me a 2010 so lets hope he is full of sh!t-:t.I've also heard $5,000.00 several times.:mad:

ejc1214
02-11-2010, 12:55 PM
Did he tell you when they are coming out? I was told that dealers can order March 8 but did not know when they would deliver.

A dealer told me last night about $7,000.00 higher but he was trying to sell me a 2010 so lets hope he is full of sh!t-:t.I've also heard $5,000.00 several times.:mad:

RLJ676
02-11-2010, 01:03 PM
Looks like 3.73 is still the only option for a rear end.

I thought I had read 4.10 would be available, but maybe just for the gasser.

bobbss
02-11-2010, 01:06 PM
Did he tell you when they are coming out? I was told that dealers can order March 8 but did not know when they would deliver.
No,he was trying hard to get me to buy one last night and that I'd be better off with a 2010.

Coolbreeze
02-11-2010, 01:36 PM
No,he was trying hard to get me to buy one last night and that I'd be better off with a 2010.

That is his job---- sell off the lot.

I will remain on the sidelines for a long time. Truck sounds nice but I really wonder if we have started to put too much stress on the DMAX bringing it to 700 ft-lbs stock torque.

Guess the front end upgrade is out of the question though huh. If Ben says they changed the bolt pattern are the hubs, knuckles and everything else changed? Oh well I just don't have to spend money which is directionally correct anyways.

bobbss
02-11-2010, 02:09 PM
That is his job---- sell off the lot.

I will remain on the sidelines for a long time. Truck sounds nice but I really wonder if we have started to put too much stress on the DMAX bringing it to 700 ft-lbs stock torque.

Guess the front end upgrade is out of the question though huh. If Ben says they changed the bolt pattern are the hubs, knuckles and everything else changed? Oh well I just don't have to spend money which is directionally correct anyways.
Yes,I know,and don't blame him.I just wish I knew if he was right or not.lol!:D

MGlickLBZ
02-11-2010, 02:17 PM
Where are you gonna find "Diesel Exhaust Fluid" at, is this gonna be available at gas stations or would you have to go to the dealership to refill that tank.

I wonder if they will start adding directional signal fluid as well?

bobbss
02-11-2010, 02:18 PM
I bet with the new ones looking so good,alot of people will wait for them,so if they don't run out of 2010s to soon,you should be able to get a good deal on them.

Carl Lassiter
02-11-2010, 03:50 PM
I will remain on the sidelines for a long time. Truck sounds nice but I really wonder if we have started to put too much stress on the DMAX bringing it to 700 ft-lbs stock torque.



That's still not an especially high specific output compared to European diesels so it should be fine. Anyway, the guinea pigs can test the MY11 trucks and I'll wait for the the MY12s.

As regards the rear end, I agree with Ben that 3.73s is more than fine unless people feel the need for 37s, which some do. GM have stated that they are looking into offering both 4.10 and 3.42 rear end ratios like Dodge offer but when I order my truck it will be with the 3.73s.

Overall, it seems Govt Motors is doing a good of listening to our complaints and this new truck sounds tremendous. 3500 4x4 Dmax shortie for me.

DURAtotheMAX
02-11-2010, 07:00 PM
That is his job---- sell off the lot.

I will remain on the sidelines for a long time. Truck sounds nice but I really wonder if we have started to put too much stress on the DMAX bringing it to 700 ft-lbs stock torque.

Guess the front end upgrade is out of the question though huh. If Ben says they changed the bolt pattern are the hubs, knuckles and everything else changed? Oh well I just don't have to spend money which is directionally correct anyways.

thats why all the necessary hard parts in the engine have been redesigned/strengthened.........

aprr454
02-11-2010, 09:07 PM
As regards the rear end, I agree with Ben that 3.73s is more than fine unless people feel the need for 37s, which some do. GM have stated that they are looking into offering both 4.10 and 3.42 rear end ratios like Dodge offer but when I order my truck it will be with the 3.73s.

.

I feel it would be nice for a 4.10 or 4.56 option for guys like myself that are in and out of the woods as much or more than on pavement. 15,000-25,000 lbs trailer in the mud takes some effort to get going. If 75% of my driving was on pavement I'd order the 3.73s for sure.

shep
02-11-2010, 09:09 PM
Yeah I still can't figure out why someone would want to change something like that.

That makes about as much sense as ford's recent patterns, you know that 8x metric whatever BS and the 7 lug f250.

Looks like it will open up the market on adapters.

jtaylor11
02-11-2010, 09:13 PM
That makes about as much sense as ford's recent patterns, you know that 8x metric whatever BS and the 7 lug f250.

Looks like it will open up the market on adapters.

Didnt Ford have a 7 lug 1/2 truck too. First time I saw one, I thought I need to relearn how to count again.

Islander1123
02-11-2010, 09:42 PM
my stock lmm sure feels faster than 9 sec 0 to 60...

DURAtotheMAX
02-11-2010, 10:37 PM
I feel it would be nice for a 4.10 or 4.56 option for guys like myself that are in and out of the woods as much or more than on pavement. 15,000-25,000 lbs trailer in the mud takes some effort to get going. If 75% of my driving was on pavement I'd order the 3.73s for sure.

what????????? 4.56's?? Are you joking? Hows 80mph top speed and the shittiest fuel economy on the planet sound to you?

sounds good to me, order 'em up.

I wouldnt worry about that 25,000lb trailer because the truck is only rated to tow 20,000lbs. Put it in low range if it really causes issues... the low first gear of the allison and 700ft lbs of torque is all the power you are going to need, and then some. Trust me.

ben

Anth
02-12-2010, 04:28 PM
what????????? 4.56's?? Are you joking? Hows 80mph top speed and the shittiest fuel economy on the planet sound to you?

sounds good to me, order 'em up.

I wouldnt worry about that 25,000lb trailer because the truck is only rated to tow 20,000lbs. Put it in low range if it really causes issues... the low first gear of the allison and 700ft lbs of torque is all the power you are going to need, and then some. Trust me.

ben
why do you bash on some of these guys so bad, all the guy said was an option for HIM, not for YOU. Maybe that kind of gearing would work for HIM, i can understand if some of these guys would like an option to choose from. And yes the guy did say 25,000lb i guess you have never pulled or put just a little more on than what was called for.

badabing1512
02-12-2010, 05:37 PM
why do you bash on some of these guys so bad, all the guy said was an option for HIM, not for YOU. Maybe that kind of gearing would work for HIM, i can understand if some of these guys would like an option to choose from. And yes the guy did say 25,000lb i guess you have never pulled or put just a little more on than what was called for.

Because theres very few people that would ever want a 4.56, gm would never consider it.

Anth
02-12-2010, 05:51 PM
I'm just saying they guy was just wanting some options, i know maybe not a 4.56 but i can understand if someone would like a choice. b/c all people do differents things with these trucks, and I dont feel like you need to make him sound like a dumb sh## for wanting something different.

mmangels22
02-12-2010, 06:25 PM
4.56 just seems like a really low gear to use knowing that this engine/trans combo can tolerate up to 20k with whatever the stock gearing is. If you wanted to get some more why not 4.10s? I am sure Ben (DuratotheMax) was trying to help.

Anth
02-12-2010, 06:34 PM
I understand what you are saying.

aprr454
02-12-2010, 10:01 PM
what????????? 4.56's?? Are you joking? Hows 80mph top speed and the shittiest fuel economy on the planet sound to you?

sounds good to me, order 'em up.

I wouldnt worry about that 25,000lb trailer because the truck is only rated to tow 20,000lbs. Put it in low range if it really causes issues... the low first gear of the allison and 700ft lbs of torque is all the power you are going to need, and then some. Trust me.

ben

First, the fuel economy is a non-factor for me since I buy my trucks. I get 6-10 pulling now and 12-15 highway.

Second, I've never been over 75mph. So again, a non-factor.

And lastly, you've got 17,000 more posts than I do so you must know what I need and do with my truck so I'll just shut up and trust you.

greif03lb7
02-12-2010, 10:11 PM
isnt 456 gears what the f-450 has? alot of ppl that tow heavy and keep her at the speed limit would like 4:56 gears.

Carl Lassiter
02-12-2010, 10:21 PM
isnt 456 gears what the f-450 has? alot of ppl that tow heavy and keep her at the speed limit would like 4:56 gears.

No, it has 4.30 gears. There used to be a 4.88 option but it needed the engine detuning and was a poor seller so was only available for MY08. F450 is rated to tow 24,500 for what it's worth. The 6.4 engine isn't up to and even if the new 6.7 proves better, their weakening the F450 for MY11 (losing the 10lugs, Dana S110 rear, 600lbs lighter etc)

badinblack
02-13-2010, 01:19 AM
It has to be marketable for people as a whole, not a small segment. I am all for the 3.73 and the 4.10, but I think the 4.56 is more than what GM can offer and not be a special order option. You have to realize that those trucks would just "sit" on the dealer lots hoping for that small segment to come around -and- want the particular options that 4.56 truck had in it.

Its tough to please everyone, so you just have to strive to please the majority.

I do think they should offer a 4.10 though.......

jeazor
02-13-2010, 09:15 AM
4.10's for sure especially for people who want to run a larger tire it kindof offsets the gear. 3.73's are nice for the 245's but not much more.

DURAtotheMAX
02-13-2010, 10:45 AM
4.10's for sure especially for people who want to run a larger tire it kindof offsets the gear. 3.73's are nice for the 245's but not much more.

why should GM account for people who are going to modify their trucks and run them outside of the parameters for which they were designed?? That makes no sense at all. You would be running almost 500rpm higher than 3.73's. What is that going to do for you...the dmax sweet spot is about 1900rpm or so. With 3.73's you're roughly at the 2000rpm at 70mph or so....which works out perfectly. If you are running over 2000-2100rpm on the dmax, you are making less peak torque and wasting fuel.

3.73's are perfect for the factory size tire. When is the last time you saw someone posting that their LBZ or LMM felt underpowered stock? The LML's are going to be a LOT more powerful...

The only guys you see upgrading to 4.10's are the guys running 37's. And if you want to run 37's, then thats your problem of swapping to 4.10's. GM has no reason to be responsible for aftermarket stuff and whether the stock parts will work with it.

I think this is totally another case of people going with their "gut" feeling (because their "1997 dually gasser had 4.10's and it was a towing beast" or some crap like that), which is incorrect. I have NEVER seen ANYONE post that they "bought their stock truck, kept stock size tires, wasnt happy with the power, so they swapped to 4.10's and noticed a huge difference"

But if you guys really think GM made a stupid decision, go buy yourself a nice ford or dodge, im sure they would be happy to sell you 4.10's. Not worth complaining. They arent going to offer higher than 4.10's with the LML's when they come out this summer, and they never wil...

ben

jeazor
02-13-2010, 11:02 AM
4.10 as an option to those who want it no big deal cant see why it matters to you??? Maybe you should go buy a new 1/2 with the 3.08 gears, now how smart was that??? Go drive one of them with a 6 speed auto now they suck!!! But ofcourse GM knows what they are doing and built those because everyone wanted one.

JJKJ
02-13-2010, 02:03 PM
When I first thought about the question, I thought why not make a 4.10 available? Shouldn't cost GM anything because they already offer it in the gasser so it'd be a simple swap. Then I got to thinking about all the other stuff that would go along with the swap. Engine programming, trans programming, and I'm sure stabilitrack would somehow be affected. Yea, I know people swap gears all the time with aftermarket programmers without worrying about all those other parameters, but that's the diff between being an OEM and an aftermarket. An OEM has to make sure everything works in sync. Not saying it isn't possible to do with aftermarket and get acceptable or good results, but OEMs are held to a higher standard.

I'm guessing GM weighed the cost of making the option available and decided it wouldn't make them money. If it would, I'd think it would be an option. We all know it comes down to the bottom line.

DURAtotheMAX
02-13-2010, 03:11 PM
When I first thought about the question, I thought why not make a 4.10 available? Shouldn't cost GM anything because they already offer it in the gasser so it'd be a simple swap. Then I got to thinking about all the other stuff that would go along with the swap. Engine programming, trans programming, and I'm sure stabilitrack would somehow be affected. Yea, I know people swap gears all the time with aftermarket programmers without worrying about all those other parameters, but that's the diff between being an OEM and an aftermarket. An OEM has to make sure everything works in sync. Not saying it isn't possible to do with aftermarket and get acceptable or good results, but OEMs are held to a higher standard.

I'm guessing GM weighed the cost of making the option available and decided it wouldn't make them money. If it would, I'd think it would be an option. We all know it comes down to the bottom line.

:exactly:

excellent post, all great points!

ben

boardhoarder
02-14-2010, 10:52 AM
I would like to see more DMAX's in the the WT configuration. I don't need a 2500HD TownTruck with LaZBoy Pleather seats, I can roll down my own windows, push/pull the locks, and shift a lever into FWD. When you have kid's, you hunt, cut firewood, and trapes through the woods, carpet sucks for those activities.

All i need is power and towing capacity for work. Will that set guy's like me back $50 or $60K? If so, I'll wait until about 2016 and find a good used one with 75K miles like I did with my '05 and get it for almost half price.

Any one else on board with me or am I the only curmedgeon?

DarthDiesel
02-14-2010, 01:35 PM
GM cant justify 65-70k without packing the truck full of goodies. If you are looking for a truck wilth a Dmax to heavy haul with an interior you can hose out buy a GMC Topkick.

shep
02-14-2010, 01:36 PM
I would like to see more DMAX's in the the WT configuration. I don't need a 2500HD TownTruck with LaZBoy Pleather seats, I can roll down my own windows, push/pull the locks, and shift a lever into FWD. When you have kid's, you hunt, cut firewood, and trapes through the woods, carpet sucks for those activities.

All i need is power and towing capacity for work. Will that set guy's like me back $50 or $60K? If so, I'll wait until about 2016 and find a good used one with 75K miles like I did with my '05 and get it for almost half price.

Any one else on board with me or am I the only curmedgeon?

I like it. That combo shouldn't be hard to find though...just think of all the fleet trucks out there sold to utility co.'s, county and city departments, etc. I almost bought one from a big fleet dealer in Nashville so I don't see why you couldn't.

One of my favorite things on my truck is the manual 4x4 shift lever. To me, it's more rewarding to pull a lever to engage 4x4 than pushing a button.

I'm surprised there has been more complaints about gear ratios than this jacked up bolt pattern. It's gotta easier to swap a ring-pinion to get what you want than trying to come up with the parts list needed to change to 8 on 6.5.

DarthDiesel
02-14-2010, 02:51 PM
40 grand for vinyl and a shift lever....really?

boardhoarder
02-14-2010, 03:46 PM
DarthDiesel - 40 grand for vinyl and a shift lever....really?

I understand what you are saying. I'm just not into tricked out trucks. Tricked out muscle cars from the 60's and 70's yes; trucks, no. To me a tricked out truck has a winch, PTO, utility boxes, power, torque, and towing capacity. Along with cloth seats, a simple radio and a black vinyl floor. It's just that I use a truck in harsh environments and all the fluff and frill is a &itch to keep clean. I have most all the fluff and frills in my '05 and I spend too much time keeping it looking decent. I gave up on keeping it looking new. $40k is a lot of money. But it beats the $50k+ that loaded DMAX's sell for here in WV. I did look into the 2500HD gasser from a fleet dealer. It was pretty much what I wanted, only the 6.0 is a fuel hog and doesn't pull the 12K trailer all that well. I still need the economy, power, and longevity that a diesel provides for daily driving; not to mention 3 kids who are each into different sports.

The Allison is an awesome transmission. I do miss that third pedal when boring through the muddy back roads of WV. Many times, a stick shift would have been much better. However, I don't see that happening anytime soon.

Carl Lassiter
02-14-2010, 04:42 PM
40 grand for vinyl and a shift lever....really?

I'm with Boardhoarder.

I custom ordered my truck specifically because I didn't want the leather/navi/faux wood that all the trucks on the lots seem to come with. Would rather have dual alternators and cab lights.

I always get gray too though so the neighbors don't realize my truck's a new one. :D

wingnut96
02-15-2010, 02:03 PM
Dang, I recently ordered the Banks Speed brake and new Technicooler last month and now they come out with something like this. Maybe I can sell it all since it's still in the box waiting to ship from the supplier. Maybe I can get a refund. A couple of grand towards this new truck would sure help out. Once again it comes down to whether I want to sell my 23,000 mile 2005 dually. Either way a truck would be sitting while I work overseas. Might be better to get a used MY2011 or 2012. Nice truck though and I'm looking for the long term reviews. Sure would suck to see the market flooded with older trucks and drop the value on them even further. Such is life I reckon. Can't take it with you.

DarthDiesel
02-15-2010, 03:29 PM
I understand what you are saying. I'm just not into tricked out trucks. Tricked out muscle cars from the 60's and 70's yes; trucks, no. To me a tricked out truck has a winch, PTO, utility boxes, power, torque, and towing capacity. Along with cloth seats, a simple radio and a black vinyl floor. It's just that I use a truck in harsh environments and all the fluff and frill is a &itch to keep clean. I have most all the fluff and frills in my '05 and I spend too much time keeping it looking decent. I gave up on keeping it looking new. $40k is a lot of money. But it beats the $50k+ that loaded DMAX's sell for here in WV. I did look into the 2500HD gasser from a fleet dealer. It was pretty much what I wanted, only the 6.0 is a fuel hog and doesn't pull the 12K trailer all that well. I still need the economy, power, and longevity that a diesel provides for daily driving; not to mention 3 kids who are each into different sports.

The Allison is an awesome transmission. I do miss that third pedal when boring through the muddy back roads of WV. Many times, a stick shift would have been much better. However, I don't see that happening anytime soon.


I hear ya bro. I would buy a topkick.

Carl Lassiter
02-15-2010, 04:34 PM
The Topkicks/Kodiaks are sweet trucks but threading one down a shooting lane or parking in a multi story- fugedaboudit:eek:

DarthDiesel
02-15-2010, 04:39 PM
^Trudat.

DZZ71
02-16-2010, 01:52 AM
Haven't been on this site for about 2 months and figured i would take some time off DTR and read up on the new LML. This site hasent changed a bit! lol people always getting bashed for saying somthing wrong haha just like high school.

phazar
03-07-2010, 02:57 AM
more power and torque and better fuel mileage, never see that before.

duramaximizer
03-07-2010, 11:21 PM
If they just ported the heads better would help that much. It's not rocket science. :p:

Road Boss
03-08-2010, 09:02 PM
That is nice lookin' dually! I wonder what the GMC version looks like?:D

Carl Lassiter
03-09-2010, 12:31 PM
That is nice lookin' dually! I wonder what the GMC version looks like?:D

It's took a step back with the smaller grille. For the LMMs I much preferred the GMC styling but when I upgrade I'll be going with the Chevy next time unless there's further change for MY13. They did great job integrating the bumper and lower air inlet far less awkwardly than the LML GMC.

http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2009/11/spied-2011-gmc-sierra-3500-heavy-duty.html

DarthDiesel
03-10-2010, 09:17 PM
^^ Have to see in person to make that call

Potent68
03-11-2010, 03:46 AM
It's took a step back with the smaller grille. For the LMMs I much preferred the GMC styling but when I upgrade I'll be going with the Chevy next time unless there's further change for MY13. They did great job integrating the bumper and lower air inlet far less awkwardly than the LML GMC.

http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2009/11/spied-2011-gmc-sierra-3500-heavy-duty.html

My sentiments exactly. I love my 2008 GMC 3500 SRW. But that grille on the new body style is horrible. If I were to upgrade at this point it would be to a Chevy.

Tom

dmax3500
03-14-2010, 10:07 PM
i'd like to see 3.23 gears,these trucks make enough power to tow anything,lets get the econamy up when empty

PFlorenzano
05-04-2010, 09:50 AM
My sentiments exactly. I love my 2008 GMC 3500 SRW. But that grille on the new body style is horrible. If I were to upgrade at this point it would be to a Chevy.

Tom

Just change the grill!. I'm sure the aftermarket will have something available.