Just out of curiousity, what was the main reason why you decided to spend the extra $6K to buy the Durmax/Allison (for those with the Allison) option in your Chevy/GMC truck?


For me it was a simple matter that I wanted a strong, "reliable" truck that was capable of frequently pulling my enclosed m/c trailer without the trans falling out on the highway, like the trans did in my 2002 Avalanche. I wanted a truck that I could reasonably expect to get 10 years of work out of if I took care of it.


I don't have any particular loyalty to any particular brand, but I'm just not a Ford guy, and I've owned 4 gas-powered Dodge trucks - never again. I briefly considered buying a Dodge because of the Cummins motor, but the problems they've had with their transmissions quickly turned me off to them.


For me the technology associated with the Duramax and the Allison (and the fact that neither are built by GM) did it for me.http://dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Thumbs%20Up.gif


So, for those who'd care to pitch in, what was the one major factor that put a DMax in your driveway?


Chris in NC

No brand loyalty here either. I believe that the Dmax/Alli is the hottest combo out right now. Its amazing the power you can get out of this engine with a few simple upgrades. That and we already have a Ford. We are also looking into getting a Cummins 600 in the near future.

No brand loyality here, http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif but the reason I bought the D/A was it was not a F**D, nor a Dodge, nor a Toy, nor and TiT**, http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Throw Up.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Thumbs Down.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Throw Up.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Thumbs Down.gif but a real truck, with the best engine/trans combo, the best looks, the best ride, well, just could not see going second fiddle.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

Besides, it wears a bowtie, and I collect them.
http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

Wife wanted us to buy a 5'ver. The new 5'ver was way too much for the '98 Chevy 1/2 ton that we had, so had to get new truck to pull the 5'ver. Don't ever let the salesman tell you your current ride can pull it. I kept telling him NO F%&$#%G WAY, but was over ruled by the wife. Before we got home from the first trip with the 5'ver, the wife was telling me we needed a different truck. GEE, GO FIGURE.


Since I would be getting a new tow vehicle/daily driver, I wanted a diesel for the pulling power and fuel economy. The new truck had to be a true crew cab, so that ruled out the Dodge. Looked at the Ford 6.0L and the Chevy Duramax. Was not real comfortable with the Ford because of all the problems they were having with that first year run of the 6.0Lhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Throw Up.gif.


The sticker on the Chevy was about $3K more than the Ford. After the $3,000 rebate, $2,500 built up on the GM Card, $500 fuel tank settlement certificate, $500 conquest program (wife has an Explorer) and an extra $300 promotional deal with the GM Card, it was a no brainer. There was no way Ford could even come close to that dealhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif.


Got the LT, so you can't get the 6 speed in that trim. Besides, with my wifes disability a stick was out of the question if she ever had to drive it.Edited by: Darin Billing

I got mine because I was missing my old diesel truck. I chose the dura/alli combo because it's the best combo out there. Plus GMC definitely has a nicer interior than the Dodge or Ford with more options too! However, I really like the styling of the OUTSIDE of the Dodge, but the inside looks like one of their minivanshttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Throw Up.gif


Also, the resale value of a diesel will be better than a gasser.

This is my third Diesel!!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif My first Duramax!!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gifhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ermm.gifhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cry.gif


I guess you can say I am a Ford guy....and proud of it!!! But with that being said I was not at all impressed with the new 6.0L they need to work the bugs out of them, and big bugs they are.


I bought the Duramax thinking it was bug free, having been on the market for a few years. But as it turns out they also have injector problems. The big difference between Ford and GM diesels with the problems(injectors) that I can see as a guy off the street. After the first year of the 6.0L Powerstroke and all the injector problems they came out with a major fix for the '04s, it was a redesigned fuel filtration system. It is too early to tell if fixed the problem. At least they are trying!!! GM on the other hand has not really trying to fix anything....more like they are living with the problem reather than trying to fix it.


No matter what, there are the die-hards out there. And no matter what GM or Ford can do no wrong. Just like the Rep. or Dem. no matter who is running if they are a Rep or Dem then that is there man.....no matter how bad a leader they are.


Me on the other hand I love Fords....but if it is not the right truck for me then I am not going to buy it! If the person is not going to be a good leader then I am not going to vote for them!


I like the Duramax that is on our driveway, but will I buy another one? It just depends what is on the market when I am looking for a new truck.


Edited by: NoWake200

Because I wanted one. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Wink.gif


I wanted 4x4 and better fuel economy produced by the diesel engine. I only tow 2000 # to 5000 # trailers.


I love the Allison and the amenities of the LT package.


Corsair

I bought it because of the dealer. I've only owned Chevies but was seriously considering a Dodge or a Ford before I bought this one. The new powerjoke scared me away from buying a Ford (plus their dealership is awful) and the Dodge dealer near me is a joke too. The GM dealer I deal with is great and that goes a long way with me.





Reason I bought the dmax is because my '02 2500HD had the 6.0 gasser and the cold start knock drove me nuts. The only reason I bought IT was because there were no duramax/ZF's available at the time.Edited by: Camstyn

I went Dodge (360 gasser) to a F250 PSD for mileage reasons. When the lease was up on my Ford I bought a 2003 1500hd witht he 6.0 and was terribly disappointed with the mileage and towing performance. I've had the LLY for a few weeks and just pulled a 16' enclosed snowmobile trailer loaded to the gills with sleds and fishing equipment and got a round trip mileage of just under 17. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

I bought my DMax for trailer towing. I'm on the lighter side with a 32 foot travel trailer, but I didn't want to have the struggle any more. I had a Chevy 1500 ext-cab with 5.3L and 3.73 axle. When towing I had to run in 3rd gear and in a long hill it would shift to 2nd at about 4500 rpms with a 5-10 mph decrease in speed. The truck was fast and fun to drive without the trailer, but it was like a boat anchor when hooked up. It pulled it, but long term something was going to break. My uncle had a 6.0L gas 4.10 axle combination in a 2500HD crew and he talked of running in the 4000 plus rpm range in a long hill, but with no loss in forward speed. I knew that wasn't what I wanted.


Therefore my options were 8.1 or DMax. Both required the ally trans, so that had to be bought either way. So in terms of MSRP you're looking a like $1000 for the 8.1 vs $5100 for the DMax, less at invoice. I considered the cost difference for the initial investment, ongoing operating costs (there are pluses and minuses in both columns) and then figured if I bought the 8.1 and wasn't happy with it, there was $2000 plus in tax, plus depreciation to trade again. So I figured to go with the DMax as the king of hill and haven't looked back since.

I previously had a Toyota Tundra. That truck would pull my 30' travel trailer quite well (~7,000 lb). The only problem was my three kids were squished in the back. Since the wife told me to get a bigger truck (green light alert!), I decided I would get a diesel since I know several people that tow with diesels. Plus, I might get a bigger trailer :-> Since I had absolutely no problems out of Tundra in the two years I had it, I wanted a reliable truck. After reading a lot, talking to friends that had lots of experience in diesel trucks, I decided to go with the GMC. The main issues were , of course, the engine and transmission. A friend with a Dodge noted that while the Cummins was probably better, that the Allison was by far better than the Dodge transmission and that the Duramax was at least in the same ballpark as the Cummins. He strongly recommended that I stay away from the Ford since the new diesel (6.0) had not been proven. (I have another friend with a 6.0 and he has had nothing but problems.) Plus, the Dodge interior is smaller - the wife didn't care for it.

All in all, I decided on GMC. So far, I am very happy with my decision. Price was not really an issue since they were all somewhat comparable.

I bought the Dmax because I Need a Diesel for towing and my 2003 6.0L PSD was a lemon return and I dont like Dodge trucks so I had no choice other than the Dmax.... But a damn good choice it has turned out to be!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif

I thought the DURAMAX was built by GM, using parts from various manufactures, including GM. Anyway in my book its a good engine and the Allison tranny is the ideal match up. Would like to see A CAT matched to the Allison .

It was the best truck available at the time.... D***e had nothing new (still the 24V Cummins) and F**d was in their last year of the 7.3L.


I needed a truck that could pull a 10,000lb 5'ver, with four kids, comfortably.


This truck met all those needs and then some.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif

I thought the DURAMAX was built by GM, using parts from various manufactures, including GM.


Isuzu - which is 'owned' by GM - so I guess in a way you could say... oh, you know... http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gifEdited by: NCMax

It was part of my five year plan to find a diesel truck and a camping trailer for it to tow. When I started looking I assumed I would buy a Dodge for the Cummins. Then a friend bought a Ford and liked it very much. I started hearing about problems with Dodge transmissions, brakes and front suspensions. I began looking harder at Fords. The 7.3 was long in the tooth and I kept hearing of "cackle" issues, though my buddy's truck didn't seem to suffter from it. I did notice, though that the Fords were very heavy and didn't have that great a payload capacity. I heard of the new Duramax coming out so I decided to wait for reports on those. Of course the initial reviews were raves and everyone seemed to concede that the GMs had the best interior, best ride, and the best transmission; they were also lower, which is a plus for me. I wanted 4wd and after 17 happy years with IFS in a 4wd configuration in my 4Runners, I started giving the GMs a really close look. The more I learned, the better they sounded. I read the posts on thedieselpage religiously and finally took the plunge. I got a GMC because I simply like its appearance better. For my pains I got a terrific looking truck with a great engine, a terrific trany, and that's capable of hauling a ton of sh...stuff in comfort while delivering very good fuel mileage. And, it's just plain fun to drive.

Earlier this month I fulfilled the balance of my plan by buyng a new travel trailer to hitch to the truck. Now I just need some time to play.

TC

Cause all the cool kids do .... http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif


Oh wait that's smoke .... http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Disapprove.gif





Diesels are where the torque is ,I'm GM loyal and I'm not afraid to admit it ,for now....


Mac http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Wink.gif

Because Mac did! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif


On edit:


My neighbor has a C*****S, my brother has a Powerjoke, living in the gas world I liked the way both of them towed and the mileage. Being a GM nut I started doing some research. I stumbled upon a forum called the "Dieselpage", after lurking for a long time I decided that the Duramax was for me. Then alot of the interesting people at that forum left and came here. Then I got the mod bug....1st one box....then another....and another.....http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Wacko.gif...I'm nuts I tell ya.... nuts!


But I love my truck!


Edited by: Trippin

I am GM loyal as well and proud of it! This is the 11th GM product I have owned since 92. I wanted a Duramax since they came out but like many I was unsure of the extra cost. Ended up buying too big of a camper for my 01 gasser so I just HAD to get a duramax. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clown.gif In the end I am extreamely happy and wish I would have done it sonner.Edited by: Max Power

I had 88 Subarban with a 5.7 towing a 10,000 trailer loaded with leather (We sell leather at Motorcycle shows) As long as we were on flat ground it was ok but, going uphill was a joke. I would hit that hill at 70 mph and by the time I reached the top I would be doing 10 mph. I cried for 3 years I needed a diesel. I don't like F**ds so that was out. I looked at dodge because I liked the cummins but , when I sat in the rear seat I was turned off. I needed a full size rear seat for the kids and I couldn't see them in that dodge for 3 to 4 hours. Also I didn't like the drivers seat just wasn't me. When I sat in the Silverado I just knew it was me. The back seat was full size so that was it I ordered it and not sorry I did. I'm still waiting but it won't be long now. Been a Chevrolet man for a long time.

I got a Duramax for a lot of reasons. Some of my customers showed up with them and i liked them, the back doesn't sag at all with my golf bag http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif. Steve Cole was racing one and i enjoyed working on it (actually i enjoyed driving it). TRIPPEN bought one (Guy, i hope you have a better reason then you stated). BIG DIPPER said he would kick my butt if i didn't buy one (now thats a damn good reason to buy one). Kidding aside, the Duramax is the best damn truck i have ever owned. Didn't know it would turn out that way, but it did. My Duramax makes me feel fuzzy all over.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif Thats right, i'm pimping for GM. (I only pimp for products that i know are good)


mike

I bought this truck for a lot of reasons but the biggest influence was... my grandpa built a 1968 Kenworth in 68' and he put the Allison in it... well 36 years later, that Allison has over 3 million miles on it, with just regular maintenance (fluid and filter change) and he also said the Duramax was the future of diesels... not bad for a man that is die hard Furd... and I have also had two other Chevrolets that I really liked

When the Duramax/Allison first came out, GM sent me a brochure in the mail with pics and specs of the new trucks...It was love http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Heart.gif at first sight! The prices however, were more than I wanted to pay. I needed a crew cab truck because my family was growing and I was running out of room for carseats fast in my '88 silvy reg cab. I was origionally looking at used PSD's due to cost reasons, but when GM lowered the interest rates after 9-11, my wife and I decided to get my "Dream Truck".


I have always been impressed with the Allison tranny, They are all we use in our fire apparatus, and the have been outstanding.


I wanted a diesel for fuel economy, towing power and longevity. I plan on keeping this truck for many, many years. I got 14 years and 170k miles out of my old Silverado with very little trouble along the way, and I plan to get at least 200k miles out of this truck, hopefully even more than that.


I am tickled pink with this truck!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif And I still, after 2-1/2 years of owning it, catch myself peeking out the window to look at it sitting in the driveway, and looking back at it and smiling, as I walk away from it in a parking lot.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Embarrased.gif


I see people eyeing my truck from time to time as I drive by, and get the occasional thumbs up from total strangers. That just makes me smile that much more! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif


The truck pulls like a mule, rides like a dream, and looks great to boot!http://dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Thumbs%20Up.gif What more could you ask for?





I love my truck!!!!!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Wink.gif


Kevin

I wanted a truck that would pull my 5th wheel up a 6% grade in the middle of August in 5th gear. I got what I asked for. Later! Frank

I need to replace my mason dump that was totaled last october. was going to get a 6.0 gas but it was sold befor i got my insurace check. Dealer located the truck in a pool. I didnt want a disiel becaus i hated how loud there where, but the durmac changed my mind. on that

Main reason "Just Cause I Wanted It"


Also, I am 30+ years GM loyal and I've tried all the gassers and wanted to try a diesel, so I bought my my JD tractor.


It was love at first "smell". I love the smell of diesel. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif


Seriously, I wanted a truck that could pull stuff and do it with style and comfort. Duramax does that and more. (IMHO)

I just wanted a new toy to play with. Then I had to add all those extra parts everyone has to keep up.

I bought my first diesel in 1999, a 2-door Tahoe 1500 6.5TD. Sunk about $7000 in options into it to increase engine durability and reliability (okay, some performance too!). After 3 years and over 100,000 miles, it was "acting up" and I was looking at an inevitable injection pump replacement. Still loved the truck and had every intention of keeping and driving it for a much longer time, but along came a 0% APR on this Duramax and I was smitten! The Duramax out of the gate was everything that a light diesel should be and more! Now after 80,400 miles and 29 months I'm planning on driving this truck for 10 years and 500,000 miles! Only 19 payments left!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

Because it's the BEST!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif


And I deserve it!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif

Because I wanted a diesel but more importantly wanted one done right ~ was ready to purchase a 6.0L gasser then someone said the DuraMax was engineered by the Japanese ~ Quickly dropped the gasser deal and got the DuraMax. Edited by: ShumDit

Well,..........I DIDN'T http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ermm.gif

But have been interested in Diesels for the past 7 years or so, mainly due to their performance potential. Kept telling myself that when my '90 454 needs replacing, I'll get a Duramax.

Well,.....That time came this past month. Factory incentives, GM Card Bonus, Upfitters allowance, all persuaded me to do it NOW. Started to really crunch options/$ and their values to ME.

I just could not make that $7,000 option of a D/A work for me realistically and on paper. I own a Lawn Maintenance Company, and make about 8-10 stops/day. Drive maybe 1 mile between stops at most. Truck barely warms up. I didn't want to do this cycle on an engine that NEEDS to warm up to become thremally efficient. I put approx 5,000 miles per year on a truck. Plus I'm normally only towing 6,000 lbs.

So, I will take that $7,000 and use it as I see fit. I just couldn't justify $7,000 to basically Hot-Rod a truck (only benefit of the D/A that I saw while running through my choices).


The 6.0 4L80 is PROVEN. With the 4.10 gears and it only weighing 5250lbs, its plenty spunky for me.

Cause the new gas engines suck. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Throw Up.gif Sure they have power but they make it like a 4 cyl sport bike. I hate hearing all the racket at 14k rpm towing up a bump. The diesel is so much less stressful, fifth gear whole time on highway. Get a new program and "fa get about it"http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif

Don't think I'll ever buy another gas engine. Well, maybe in the sport bike.

Cause the new gas engines suck. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Throw Up.gif Sure they have power but they make it like a 4 cyl sport bike. I hate hearing all the racket at 14k rpm towing up a bump. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Shocked.gif

HOLD ON! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cry.gif

Let me call up the dealer and see if I can take my 6 Liter back! I'll just tell them what Stizo said. They'll understand....right?

No............Wait...........I actually disagree Stizo. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Angry.gif

Hmmmm.....No racket either. Smooth as can be shiftin' at 5300 rpm.


But, hey, thanks for making my day!
http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif

Number 1 Reason....Pic explains it all


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/C6D_42590262.jpg

Cause the new gas engines suck. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Throw Up.gif Sure they have power but they make it like a 4 cyl sport bike. I hate hearing all the racket at 14k rpm towing up a bump. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Shocked.gif

HOLD ON! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cry.gif

Let me call up the dealer and see if I can take my 6 Liter back! I'll just tell them what Stizo said. They'll understand....right?

No............Wait...........I actually disagree Stizo. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Angry.gif

Hmmmm.....No racket either. Smooth as can be shiftin' at 5300 rpm.


But, hey, thanks for making my day!
http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif

Ok, maybe I am exaggerating a little. My father has a 6.0L that I've towed quite a bit with it and it's not bad. The DMax just tows much better on the highway IMO. Quieter, much less shifting and the fuel mileage is uncomparable.

Ltrain, do you refer to your rig as "the Ltrain" ? That thing looks pretty damn big http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Shocked.gif

case i had to have the biggest baddest ride around.... and cause i love to spend money i havent made yet... 3 more yearshttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ermm.gif

The chevy dmax is my first diesel, liked it better than the others. it was purchased mainly to pull our 9000 pound jayco 5r. SWEEEEEET ! i look at it as the right tool to do the job. http://dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif

Always been Chevy fan. Ever since I started working on diesels I knew that was the way to go. The company I work for runs 14 F450's and they ride like sh!+!!! They also go through trannys every 30 to 60 thousand miles. Friends don't let friends drive Dodges, so that only left me with one choice. The ride and cab comforts are real important because I put 40k a year on the truck. GM has the best ride and interior by far, and also the best transmission. Did a little quick math the other day and the fuel savings over a gas motor carting around 11,300 lbs pays for the added expense of the Dmax in 2 1/2 years!!!

Number 1 Reason....Pic explains it all


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/C6D_42590262.jpg


I'd say that's reason enough... Nice rig ya got there, sir. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Thumbs Up.gif

thanks NCMax.......i love it, its a 37ft GOLDRUSH....


Anybody lookin to buy a car trailer....save your money and buy the GOLDRUSH, they are the best, smooth towing, easy handling, and damn best all around trailer......PERIOD.

We have several "farm trucks".


'77 K20 camper special, bored 400, 6 mpg empty, only used to pull equipment out when nothing else we have will get there.


'78 Ford Ranger XLT, 390ci, don't know what kind of mpg it gets - odometer broke A 96k, was my grandfather's truck, several of my cousins learned to drive in it and driver instruction is all it is used for anymore, gets about 200 mpq(miles per quart-oilhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif). We also store feed in the bed.


'84 K20, 454, sucks gas about the same as the '77, used to pull and haul when the dmax is not available, beat all to hell.


'96 f350 srw, 7.3 'stroke, falling apart, used to pull when the dmax is not available.


'00 3500 dooley, 454, dump bed, gets about 10 mpg empty, rarely empty, used the most when dmax is not available.


Couple of other newer 1/2 tons that are mainly used for light duty around the farm.


All of the above trucks have earned their keep and have served us well(except the XLT). None of them can run with or pull with the dmax. And none of them can get the mpg's of the dmax. The 3500 comes close pulling-wise, but the dump bed limits its use w/a gooseneck.


I needed a pulling machine and now I have one.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif Now I just need to find me an enclosed trailer to pull 3-4 bikes to Sturgis. Ltrain, does GOLDRUSH have a website?

Diesel for Fuel economy, longevity and easy power, GMC wrapper because it was the nicest truck IMHO (ride, turning radius, looks, interior). That added up to Duramax/Allison..... Plus the 6.0 power stroke problems had me worried and I just wouldn't consider a Dodge with a 6 popper..... didn't even look at them. I know the Cummins is a great engine, but not good enough to give up what the GMC had to offer. Edited by: srode

One word, power.


I didn't really need a truck, could have used a van or suburban better, but the dmax isn't available in either. So being a power junkie, I went for the DMAX truck. The part I like best is the ability to increase horsepower and torque for a few hundred dollars. Okay 700 dollars, but that is dirt cheap power compared to hotrodding a gasser.

I wanted a dieselfor mileage and power, I have no desire to tow, I just like slapping a programmer on and having 400 hp to race the ricers with and the 4wd to get me unstuck in the muck if I need it.

I wanted a new truck and I do a lot of driving on the interstate between Nebraska and Colorado and diesel is usually 20-30 cents cheaper on I-80 and I-76 through here, so added with the better fuel mileage over a gasser it won't take to long to pay for itself. Plus nothing screams testosterone like a diesel.

We needed a truck that we felt was dependable and had plenty of power (see sig for the trailer). Being GM loyal (no reason other than they have NEVER let me down, knock on wood), the only choice was gas or diesel. With the torque, horsepower, mileage and upgrade potential, it was pretty odvious to us since we plan on keeping it 15+ years.

Longevity of power train, Mileage, and I keep them about 15 years! This is one that will last!

I haul an 8k load (my rock buggy, trailer, and supplies) up and down the mountainous South West. The less than 2 hour drive from Phoenix to Flagstaff is something like a 6000 ft increase in elevation, up and down the whole way. Then add in Phoenix to New Mexico, Phoenix to Utah, Pheonix to Colorado, etc... I did a few trips with a gasser and wanted to get out and push on some of the grades. The 11 hour trip to Moab suddenly became 7 hours without excessive speed. That alone justifies the upgrade to me... The hot rod performance, gas mileage and (hopefully) longevity are just gravy...

No American brand loyalty here. I am a Toyota man but Toy doesn't let us have their diesels. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cry.gif I needed a truck for both towing and commuting. The big block gassers were out cuz of the mileage. I like the Cummings but it doesn't come with a decent front end or tranny. I briefly considered Ford but, once again, no tranny. The Allison is what really sold me. Finally a diesel pickup with a tranny that can handle the power.

The color matched my Corvette. ;-)

Well ive loved diesels since my dad got his first one (i remember) It was an 88 or 89 6.9 f250 Ford. Had 3 mroe since then, they have all been great trucks. Just something bout the power/torque and feel of a diesel..http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif driving them all day on the farm and loving it helped to...
Now came the time i want/could buy a diesel, i was set on prolly a 99-02 reg cab p-stroke. Around here price is right, and tons to choose from.
Then some friends of our family, who own a chevy dealership and had a d-max on there lot. It was a bit out of the $$ range, but i figure no harm in taking one out for a spin....From the minute we pulled onto the rd, i couldnt get over this truck. Engine felt real strong,shifted like a dream, no hesitation, and ride (i thought i was in a caddy) and how quiet it was. You still knew it was a diesel, tho not as loud as ford, and crazy quieter then the cummins. Ive also been a fan on chevy interior. seems much more friendly then then the rough & tough ford, love chevys 4x4 on the fly system, if im stuck i dont want to be getting out and fussin w/hubs..
The d-max i took was also a ext cab shortbox, and i could hardly tell the difference form our reg cab fords. Backseat is crazy roomy.
I was mesmorize after that testdrive, i started doin more research on them, found this forum, and liked almost all that i heard. Took a couple more test drives of said d-max, and decided just monday that its my next truck. Still a bit more than i wanted to spend, but i figure if this diesel is as good as the fords, than i got nothing to worry bout for the next 6-7 yrs 125k at least. So heres to the start of somehting new....

Wow, looks like i jsut typed my life story....sorry for rambling...im just exictied about the new truck coming home soon...

I need a new truck to replace the one that was totaled from some lady too old to know the differnce between the brake and gas pedel at a Red light. need to get better gas mileage (8 to 10) then my other dump

Lawnboy,





WARNING WILL ROBINSON, OFF SUBJECT DIVERSION:





That picture under your name looks suspiciously like a Snapper zero turn commercial mower. If so do you use one? If so have you had transmission trouble with yours?





Thanks,


Bob

While it may look like it, its far from a Snapper!

Exmark Lazer Z 27hp LC Engine.

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/B1D_largelazerZLC.jpg

Ok, Now I see.





I have a Snapper. When buying it I noticed that it had a Kohler engine and Eaton transmissions. Well, many of you know that Eaton makes some heavy duty stuff. I figured it would be good. ..........NOT.





In three years they've put five transmissions in it. It was done under warranty but the warranty has expired.





I love it though because it has a joystick as opposed to the typical two lever system. I don't know why more manufacturers don't use the joystick design, it's GREAT.





But those awful Eaton transmissions.

Needed to pull an 11,000 lb. 5th wheel across the country,


Interior far superior over F*rd and D*dge with ample space and DVD entertainment system for 3 children in the back with crew cab.


Alllison and Duramax was the hot combibation when I bought,


GM Credit card rebate $2700 and 0% finance for 5 years,


Quiet sounding diesel over the others,


Independent suspension up front for smooth ride and low entry height,


Integrated dually fenders instead of tack-ons,Only negative is the wheels look cheap compared to F & D

I really wanted one of these http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/E79_ZD18f_top.jpg


But I got one of these instead


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/7C1_TANK.jpg





Then I bought the Duramax to feed my need for a diesel.


I can't decide whats more fun; cutting my 2+ acres of grass with the TANK or driving the DMAX.

I got my D/A because the 6L gas doesn't like to tow 14-15,000# that well.


Get the rpm at redline and it did OK.


Hopefully get my LLY soon and finally be able to give it some juice/sixgun or ???

I got my D/A because the 6L gas doesn't like to tow 14-15,000# that well.



http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Confused.gif
Thats why its rated to tow a MAXIMUM of 10.5K http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ermm.gif

For me, it was time for a new truck the 01 Suburban 8.1 was due to be replaced with 60,000 miles and I have a 32' travel trailer weighing 11,000 lbs and my friends race program was being stepped up another notch and I am resonsible for towing the trailer (28' Haulmark Edge and race car equipped) so it was time for a DMAX!! Absolutely love the truck and the power and fuel milage and even wife says it's a joy to drive and she drives it with the trailers attached too!! Hammer Down!!

I got my Duramax with Allison because it is my dream truck. :)


I have had several Chevy's including my 94 6.5 diesel dump truck.


I bought my truck before I got married, so I didn't have to put it past the boardroom. But the main reason I got it was for pulling tractors on my 26ft flatbed and my cargo trailer around. I also like how I can give rice burners a run for their money when I turn up my Juice :)


I am looking forward to my first long trip pulling a trailer and car next weekend. I am not worried at all, based on what I have read here. :)

Needed a truck, always liked diesels, had $4200 in my GM card account, and they gave me a bonus $1000 in my GM card account if I bought something out of stock by the end of the month. Then there were all these other GM incentives.


Heard about the big depreciation write off for 6000 lb and over vehicles in business use.


Thought of 20 mpg in a vehicle weighing about 7000 lbs was terrific (would never buy a 9 mpg gasser as my heart would break with each fill-up).


And then there was this nicely loaded blue crew cab short bed at a dealer I would drive past, and the dealer was willing to "deal".


That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

I really wanted one of these http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/E79_ZD18f_top.jpg


But I got one of these instead


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/7C1_TANK.jpg





Then I bought the Duramax to feed my need for a diesel.


I can't decide whats more fun; cutting my 2+ acres of grass with the TANK or driving the DMAX.





I have 2 Kubotas they run good but leave sh*t lines Last grass cutter I bought is a Toro Z

I wanted to build a big bad a$$ truck.

ZTR is definitely the way to go, my mowing time was cut in half with Cub ZTR. When I buy any tool, I try to get the best quality product that I can afford, at the best price available. Just about any of the commercial grade mowers are as justifiable to me as a HD Pick-up.


My current truck was one of the dealer newspaper attention grabbers. I jumped at the opportunity to upgrade from my 2000 6.0L 2500 due to the invoice pricing by the dealer, combined with the rebates from GM last summer.

Well let me start off by saying that I do have product loyalty to GM. I did drive through the F**D lot and am very happy nothing caught my eye. Once on the Chevy/GMC lot it not only caught my eye but just about everything else,(I love this truck). My son has a V-10 Excursion, my son-in-law has a F-350, 4 door w/Powerstroke. They had almost convenced me to go to the dark side with them but then my better judgment took over and I stayed with GM. Boy I love this truck.

I've always had Chevy's and GMC's except for 4 years ago when I bought a Ford. I liked the way it looked and it had everything I wanted. I did always feel that it handled rather oddly. Well, when I was ready to buy my '04, I went back to test-drive a GMC. WOW! The difference in the handling and comfort was extraordinary! that's why I bought the GMC. As for the D'Max/Ally, I got those so I could easily and safely pull our new Toy Hauler RV. It's 36' long and will probably weigh close to 14,000 pounds when it's fully loaded. Everyone said get a diesel so we did. I must say, it does take some getting used to.

My last daily driver was a MBZ ML430... Needless to say, it sucked at towing. I also blew out a $5k transmission in 75k miles or so. After $9k in repairs in one year, I knew it was time for a new vehicle. Since I no longer need a "client hauler" I decided to get a 3/4T truck.


I wanted to be able to tow my Toyota rockcrawlers and a forklift (not at the same time). I would've preferred a Toyota Diesel, but they don't make a 3/4T nor a diesel in the states.


The Allison is what sold me on getting the Chevy, since my previous two autos both went in low mileage (due to my abuse). If it wasn't for the Allison, I'd probably end up w/ a Dodge CTD.


I waited for the LLY over the LB7. I was concerned about the injector issues and took the gamble on the LLY. The LLY was/is an unknown as far as reliability in the long run. I do have one problem w/ my LLY. The check engine light has been on due to a glow plug controller issue which GM is resolving (search glow plug in the LLY forum for my thread).


Otherwise, I'm happy w/ my choice. I do plan on putting on a box as soon as one comes out. It's hard not to since it's only a few hundred for quite a bit more power.

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I wanted a new Ford F250 but a truck similar to the one I got was a $1000.00 more to trade and it cost a little less. The reason I wanted a Ford as my 99 GMC had a lot of problemshttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Angry.gif. Everthing was fixed und warrenty but who likes to sit at the dealers all day. I did have to spent over $700 on some that went wrong with the antilock brakes. So far this Chevy 2500 Duramax has been great!!!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Embarrased.gif


Tom</TD></TR>
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Because both my dodge trucks took a crap on me before 80,000 miles. I wanted something I could be proud of. Plus after driving a bombed D-MAX I realized it was superior!!!!! Watching tv in the crew cab is nice also.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif

Simple


I Get my PAY Check From GM





Also I wanted a truck I can get 200,000 plus miles like I got out of my 1992 1500 pickup. (5.7 Engine) At $2.00 per gal the gas was not an option.

Torque! Cheaper fuel. My '92 Z71 step-side was needing something all too often and have been a Chevy guy for a long time. I'm hoping the 3/4t will last longer, so the test is underway. IFS, too. Better rear seat - it is larger and has more shape and contours for comfort of the rear passengers. Full-size rear doors - so that eliminated the Dodge.


Marc