I've got an '02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 EXSB with the 6.0L/A4

I had a '98 Chevy dually 4x4 EXLB with the 7.4L/A4 prior to this truck. I promised myself I'd never have another gas motor, but I couldn't afford the diesel when I bought the '02 in April of '03.

Now it's time to step up to a REAL motor so I'm looking at the '06 or maybe '07 GMC Duramax/Allison combo.

Here are a few questions I have if someone could help me out:

I "must" purchase new to recieve my $3,000 off through my GM card, use the www.fightingchance.com (http://www.fightingchance.com/) "fax attack" negotiations, etc.

Do the '06's have catalytic converters? Does this hinder power much/any? Are there fines for removing a cat off a diesel? Are there any year diesels that require a smog check yet?

It seems that GM is offering two different Duramax engines right now, although their designation codes are not handy to me. Is that JUST the difference from the auto/manual?

A 2500HD 4x4 crew cab short bed... is the bed the same size/length as the 2500HD 4x4 EXSB? 6.5 feet long, right? I've seen some GMC trucks (1500's I think) that are CCSB that look really short. The 6.5' bed I have now is sometimes too small, but I think the long bed will be too long for me needs and daily use.

What size fuel tank does the shortbed have? Is there an option for a larger fuel tank?

I "built" a vehicle on GMC's site, but there was no place to choose rearend gear ratios. I drive a LOT on the freeway and usually at high rates of speed so I'd rather have 3.73 then 4.10's for mileage. I don't tow anything rediculously heavy (flat bed car hauler with car = about 6,000-7,000lbs.

I'm sure I'll have more questions so any help/direction is appreciated.

Can't wait to make the switch to diesel and reap the rewards.

Thanks for your help in advance.

Brian

I've got an '02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 EXSB with the 6.0L/A4


Here are a few questions I have if someone could help me out:


Do the '06's have catalytic converters? yes Does this hinder power much/any? Are there fines for removing a cat off a diesel? Not much power loss for the average user. Alot of people remove them but then you may have warranty issues. Are there any year diesels that require a smog check yet? depends what state you live in.

It seems that GM is offering two different Duramax engines right now, although their designation codes are not handy to me. Is that JUST the difference from the auto/manual? If you get one built it will have the RPO code LBZ which is the only current diesel engine offered

A 2500HD 4x4 crew cab short bed... is the bed the same size/length as the 2500HD 4x4 EXSB? 6.5 feet long, right? I've seen some GMC trucks (1500's I think) that are CCSB that look really short. The 6.5' bed I have now is sometimes too small, but I think the long bed will be too long for me needs and daily use. When I bought my '05 the 1500's had a shorter "shortbox" than the 6.5' that came on the 2500HD's. That's why I settled on the HD - to get the longer "shortbox"

What size fuel tank does the shortbed have? Is there an option for a larger fuel tank? IIRC 26 gallon tank is the only option. There is aftermarket ones that are available though.

I "built" a vehicle on GMC's site, but there was no place to choose rearend gear ratios. I drive a LOT on the freeway and usually at high rates of speed so I'd rather have 3.73 then 4.10's for mileage. I don't tow anything rediculously heavy (flat bed car hauler with car = about 6,000-7,000lbs. On the 2500HD diesel option only comes with the 3.73 - gas only comes with the 4.10

Thanks for the detailed answers...

I live in California... The land of smog and CARB. So I'm guessing that we might have smog on the "new" diesel trucks? The country seems to follow the "trend" that we set out here. :(

I don't need every single last HP/TQ out of the truck, so leaving the cat/s on doesn't seem like a horrible thing, especially to reduce the chance of having any warranty issues or roadside smog check issues. (Yes, here in Sacramento they are cracking down HARD on modified vehicles... not sure about trucks though.)

More on the two diesel RPO codes... So an early '06 on the lots might have the "old" engine, but anything built now will have the "new" engine? How do I determine which engine it has? A letter or number in a certain position in the VIN, right?

Good to know that the 2500HD has the "fullsize" short bed, compared to the tiny "short beds" in the 1500's.

As for the gears, I thought that some of the diesels had 4.10's? They all have 3.73?

The fuel tank... I guess 26 gallons will be enough. My '02 6.0L gets 11.2mpgish and I'm ALWAYS filling up...

Thanks again.

Go with the long bed (a real truck) and it comes with a 34 gal. tank.

Go with the long bed (a real truck) and it comes with a 34 gal. tank.

Well in Northern California (Sacramento area/Bay Area) a truck that big really is a nuisence. I wouldn't utilize the full bed that often and it would be a waste of space, extra weight to carry around (=ing worse mpg) and parking would be a PITA, even at home.

I guess I'll just have to make do with a "pretend" truck...

Prior to 9/01/05, GM built the trucks with the LLY engine, then began phasing into production the LBZ. I don't believe they are building anymore LLY engined trucks. My '06 has a LLY pulled from stock for production on 8/24/05. You can check the VIN on any truck you are looking at. If the 8TH digit in the VIN is a "2", that truck has the LLY engine.