Sure am glad I found your guys' forum! terrific info. I went to the dealership this last weekend to build my new truck, haven't put in the order yet. I'm ordering the 2500HD with the Duramax and Allison tranny. I'm getting the locking rear end and it seems if it only comes in the 3.73? Anyways besides the power mirrors and trailering options is there any options i should be adding or does anybody have suggestions on options they wished they had added. I'm not doing the leather, have it on my current 2000 z71 1500 and not really impressed. This is my first diesel and after reading some of your posts i'm getting pretty excited! Any help would greatly appreciated!!! Thanks!

I wished I'd put the secondary fuel filter on sooner. I waited till 6k. Also the extend cab roof lacks support and pops/buckles in the wind. The extra cab has support.

Check the rear diff and ALL fluids AT THE DEALER. They shorted all my fluids and the rear diff by half. Its very common. (man that made me mad)

Drain the rear diff fluid at 500 miles to get break-in chips out of it.

Run a good additive like stanadyne/primrose 405.

Break her in easy.......

I love the power extending mirrors. and I won't own a truck without 4x4

Definately consider 4x4, also XM, and DIC controls on the steering wheel. The last two are options people seem to want to add after they have their truck. Don't be someone that regrets it later. At least look at a truck with them and without them.

Get every option. You are spending so much already for the D/A combo, it's crazy to not get everything.


Our truck arrives at the dealer this Friday. We got GMC, SLT, EC, LB, 4x4...well, everything except the side steps. Probably should have gotten them too, but with a fifth wheel and a toolbox in the back, I wanted to get some that extended from wheel to wheel, and GMC doesn't have them.


I would have liked to NOT get the leather seats, but there were other options (heated seats, center console, and more) that only came with the SLT. They will look real pretty when new, but will soon start to wrinkle. Poor quality leather compared to other makes of vehicles.


ON EDIT: you could get the bucket seats and floor console with the fabric seats.


Repeat: get every available option. With incentives ($4,200) and GM Suppliers Certificate (thank you Steve) ours was about $40,118...about $10k off of MSRP.


Edited by: Rollin' Thunder

Great info , I must of forgot to mention I'll definitely have to have 4X4. When you mention the secondary fuel filter, does that mean ther is an inherent problem with the fuel system of diesel fuel? I agree the leather is cheap, my 2000 1500 is already wrinkled up and starting to crack and out here near Las vegas it gets way to sticky in the summer. Anyways the dealer is offering it for $36, 131 with my trade in and $2500 rebate. I think that sounds about right?

The inherent problem is the fuel itself. It is full of particles. As a result, most feel a secondary, finer filter is needed to make the system more robust for long term.

Some people have had injector failures. Its a very high pressure system (23K psi) and if you have any dirt in the fuel it sandblasts the injectors. Also the government has told fuel makers to remove most of the sulfur (lubricant) out of the fuel. So you have to add a lubricant (additive).

The additive does more then lubricate (keeps rust out of system) as well. Read some more posts here about that issue.

Oh and a set of injectors with pump is about 7000 dollars installed (if they do it correct the first time). So its wise to protect them. I doubt if I will keep this truck past the 100K engine warranty. Who has an extra 7k laying around they want to dump into a warranty issue.Edited by: problemchild

Again, more great info. By the way, how many miles can you expect out of a Duramax? Everyone keeps telling me it's in excess of 200K? Is that about right?

Also, does anyone know where to get those GM supplier cetificate.?

XM - love it
DIC - love it
Cab lights - love 'em
Long Box - love it
Bose stereo - so so

As for injectors, GM has a TSB to change out all 8 injectors now if even one has a problem, so that's good. And if you pay for the change (after your warrenty is up) they are guaranteed for life, according to another post.

Mine had better last a long damn time..... ;)

Current certificates are only good until 3/31/04. Maybe they will extend the deal, but we'll have to wait and see. If you were getting one off the lot right now, i'd mail you one, but it looks like your ordering...


Good luck with your new truck. Every option is a good one, just pick what suits you!

Coyzter, Sorry if I am hijacking your thread, but this I am in the process of ordering also and figured I could just tag along with you!


I am planning on ordering in the next day or two. I have lurked on this site for quite a while and have learned a lot from all the posters. Thanks for sharing all of the information and making the decision easier for me.


I plan on ordering a '04 GMC CC, SLT, Standard Box, D/A, Fire Red w/ pewter interior, DVD, and XM radio.


What about the auxilary battery, 145 amp alternator, skid plates? Is there anything that I am missing? I plan on adding the assist steps and bed protection after taking delivery. Dealer price seems high!


I have narrowed down to 3 dealers and am waiting for final $ and trade in value, before making a decision. Are there other discounts, freebies, or add in's that a dealer can provide? What am I missing? This is worse than my first son!


Thanks in advance for all your comments!

No problem JD! Nassdmax I am just wondering exactly what certificate everyone is talking about? Is it a rebate or something. And does anybody now if you can get the 4.10 as an option? I plan on changing rim/tires to 285's as soon as I get it. When I put 285's on my 1500 it changed the final gear ratios considerable... or will that even be an issue with the Duramax? What's everybody else doing with tire changes??

I just came back from the dealership after ordering mine. Yes, the 4.10s are available with the D/A. I'll second the Bose so-so opinion. Just stick withe the base stereo, the Bose isn't worth the $700 or so it costs. The redundant radio controls are nice, and allow you to program the power drivers seat for two separate driving positions. They also allow you to access all of the Driver's Info. Center features. The PCM can be reflashed for 285s, but they will alter your final drive ratio a little. They told me 8-10 week wait, but possibly only six.

jdhankins, I think the aux battery option is for gassers. The duramax comes with two batteries. Regarding the 145A alternator, you will have to decide if you need it. I ordered my truck with the dual 105A alternators.


Also, to jdhankins and coyzter, IMHO, you can never have enough space, so go for the crew cab with long bed.

I ordered mine with the dual alts as well. Mine is a Chevy CC ,LB, K3500 SRW in GO GO GERTIE GREEN.


ROB

I don't see the option for the dual 105 alternators??? I will have to ask dealer.


I have been thinking about the Standard vs. Long bed, but have never had the Long bed.


How about the DVD player? Is it worth the extra $ for kids? Do you have to wear the wireless headphones or are there speakers also? I didn't see much adjustment in tilt/twist of the screen?

I got the DVD for my daughter and it's the only think on the market that keeps from yappin my ears off...takes after her Mom. Calm down, I'm just kidding. Seriously for the kids it's great for long trips. It has game ports on the back and yes you have to listen via the wireless head sets, at least that's what I'm telling here. No adjustment for twist only the angle, but the view seems to be ok for all three seats in the Crew cab.
Mine, I got all the options they offered on a 3500 crew cab White

Get every option. You are spending so much already for the D/A combo, it's crazy to not get everything.


Our truck arrives at the dealer this Friday. We got GMC, SLT, EC, LB, 4x4...well, everything except the side steps. Probably should have gotten them too, but with a fifth wheel and a toolbox in the back, I wanted to get some that extended from wheel to wheel, and GMC doesn't have them.


I would have liked to NOT get the leather seats, but there were other options (heated seats, center console, and more) that only came with the SLT. They will look real pretty when new, but will soon start to wrinkle. Poor quality leather compared to other makes of vehicles.


ON EDIT: you could get the bucket seats and floor console with the fabric seats.


Repeat: get every available option. With incentives ($4,200) and GM Suppliers Certificate (thank you Steve) ours was about $40,118...about $10k off of MSRP.








Your truck is very similar to the one I picked up last week. Do not feel bad about not getting the step bars. The GM units are not stainless, and will rust out in a few years. I like the Luverne step bars because of a rubber insulater they use for the frame support bracket. I ran into a vibration issue when using bars that had a regular steel support bracket from the bar to the frame.

I just got my 2004 and traded in a 2003 duramax . Since this is my second one I got it with everything that I wish I had on the 2002. NUMBER 1 was Electronic climate control. ONLY $195. & worth much more not to have to constantly fiddle with the air to keep it comfrotable. Also don't get it without the steering wheel control buttons. I personaly wanted the Cab lights too as they make it look a lot better and easer to see at night. I then added running boards rather than the tubes that I had on the last one. The boards offer more protection from mud and dirt on the bottom of the doors and rocker panels. I love my Fold A Cover and kept it from my 2003 to reinstall on the 2004. Then I added window deflectors and a bug shield and a double pinstripe on the side. I also installed a back up beeper And two very bright additional back up lights under the rear bumper. I will be getting a Walnut wood grain dash kit installed next week to brighten up the inside. Also I think upgraded shocks are a must. I am ordering Rancho 9000 adjustables for mine. Well thats my dimes worth. I hope it helps you. Edited by: Durabill