I finally found that ever elusive, perfect, used D/A. I just wanted to say thanks to all those on this forum for helping me learn what I needed to look for on a used LB7. Also special thanks to GMCSID and DmaxAllitech for putting up with my incessant nagging about running VIN's. It was really helpful guys. One question I have, does anyone know what the capacity of the standard oil pan is on the Allison? I was going to just change the filter and pan fluid, need to know how much to get. This truck is absolutely amazing in almost every way compared to my 99 frod. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif I look forward to continuing to read and learn from this forum.

I just did mine last week,it took 9 qts.I think I read it took 10 qts,but mine took exactly 9.Checked several times & its on hot mark.

I think they are rated to take 10.5, but as long as its not running dry you will have plenty of time to take a spin and re-check the really hard to read dipstick.

I finally found that ever elusive, perfect, used D/A. I just wanted to say thanks to all those on this forum for helping me learn what I needed to look for on a used LB7. Also special thanks to GMCSID and DmaxAllitech for putting up with my incessant nagging about running VIN's. It was really helpful guys. One question I have, does anyone know what the capacity of the standard oil pan is on the Allison? I was going to just change the filter and pan fluid, need to know how much to get. This truck is absolutely amazing in almost every way compared to my 99 frod. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif I look forward to continuing to read and learn from this forum.





My neighbor just traded his 00 PS for a 04 Silverado D/A... Looks like a trend eh?http://dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif

Seems to be alot of swapping going on, local dealership has several fords on the lot now and that many less GMC's. Things that make you go hmmmmmmm..

Pinetree,

Congrat's on the new wheels. If I might ask, do you mind sharing any of the details on the new ride? I'm in the market myself, shopping for a used Dmax. Options, Miles and price. would help to relate at what I'm seeing.

Thanks,

HookemEdited by: Hookem_9

I to am looking for a good used Dmax. I hate to ask this and I should know from being here on the forum a long time. But when your not in the market for a truck their are some things you just don't pay attention too. Anyway what do I need to look for in a used LB7. I have already looked at one and the warranty history was longer than my arm so its still on the lot. To bad to because it was just what I was wanting.

Greg

Greg, look for an LT or SLT(GMC) trim package. I know that not everybody likes leather buckets but that is the only way to get full control of the DIC, (Through the steering wheel controls). The fully optioned LT or SLT package is the only way to get those controls. The seat warmers are nice in the winter too. This is the first vehicle with seat heaters and I just love them. My wife's jeep has leather interior without seat heaters and those seats can get real Cold.


Also, if you plan on carrying more than 2 adults, go with the crew cab. I'm still getting used to the length of a CC/LB but I have not regreted getting either. The room is nice, the extra bed space is great, and having the rear audio system for the daughter is a blessing. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif


Oh, and I need to thank you for sending the rock guard for my filter. I didn't ask but you sent it anyway. Thanks! That's why I keep you at the top of my goto person for shopping list. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

You can get the full DIC controls with an LS package (or SLE), mine has them. On the window sticker it has to have the steering wheel radio controls option.

What is the DIC controls? I have not done much home work yet as you can tell.





Greg

They are steering wheel controls for your truck data. Where your digital odometer/tripmeter is, it will also display how much oil life is left until you're due for your next change, your average mpg, instant mpg, average mph, a timer, and a few other goodies. It's really nice to have, I use mine all the time.

DIC stands for Driver Information Center. All the GM trucks have them but you can't access alot of the features like trip computers that measure fuel consumption, MPG, miles driven trip, annual percentage of trip milage to yearly milage, etc. Some people could care less, but I'm an anal type who likes extensive records. There is some other toys too but I don't know the difference between the fully equipped steering wheel and the regular one.


Camstyn is correct, you can get the steering wheel controls as an option on the LS trim package.


However, if you want leather seats and dual zone automatic climate control, LT package is the only way.


Greg, swing by a chevy and or a GMC dealer and pick up a brouchre on the Silverado/Sierra trucks. That will give you a good place to at least know what things come with what trim packages. Plus, the 2004 books come with a CD so you have a little more in-depth shopping experience.


If I was going over your way to see my Nephews, I'd bring you my book. I'm only 4 hours away you know.

The one I just bought has a little over 60k mi. But mostly highway miles, (previous owner was a traveling salesman). I love the fact that you can see the hours on these trucks when shopping for a used one. I looked at several with under 40k miles that had similar hours on them. That helped me decide that the 60k was ok in this particular case. This pickup was on the Chevy dealers lot at $31,500. I got a good trade on my Ford (and I couldn't sell it on my own for more) so I am figuring a cash deal would have been around $29 or so. It is an LT, which,as already stated, is very nice and on the used market it doesnt' cost much more ($1500 or so) than the LS. Thirteen months old. Original sticker was $46k


In my area, this was a great deal. I've been seriously looking at pickups for about four months and Duramax's for the past two. This is one of those classic cream puff trucks. Single older guy owned it and I doubt anybody ever sat in the back seat. No scratches even in the bed. Turnover ball was installed just because, It still has paint on the ball iteself. Looks like it might have been used one time. If the odometer said it had 10k miles I would totally believe it. Its in that nice of shape.


Check on the warranty list. I think that's helpful. If you can swing it, try to find an 03. Especially if you are looking at the LT package. They have a little better seats and some nice little options. IMO, anyway.


Good luck. And BE PATIENT. Good used Dmax's are pretty rare. At least in W. Montana, N. Idaho and E. Washington.

YEs I am not in a big hurry. The reason I don't have the 01 I looked at is because of all the warranty work that had been done. It had one injector replaced a few months back and the truck had 34K on it. How do you get to the hour meter? I guess I will swing by the dealer and picjkup a book. I hate dealerships. I drove through the local on the other day to see what they had which was nothing. All I did was ideal through and a damn saleman was on his way out. I think I might go the aution route but not sure yet.





Greg

The DIC is only on the 03 and newer.


Get a crew cab! Unless there is a specific reason not to. You will love the extra space. Not to mention the extra resale value.

Greg,


To see the hours with the truck off, push and hold the trip reset button for 4-6 seconds. The DIC will then display the hours on the engine. The reset button is at the upper right quadrant of the instrument cluster. It's a black post looking thing.

Hey Pinetree nice to see you finallly got yourself a new ride. I just got mine deleivered this morning....i washttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gifhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif....tho its not great view, its the pic for my avatar.... Im exicited about the next 6-7 yrs at least ...
Hookem & Landuy- My Truck showed up w/exact 24k. Its an LS, but in my eyes its load...(im pretty easy to please) The slickest thing has got to be these power extendable mirrors...cool as hell.It gots brand new 285 tires, put on at the dealer.... I paid 29k. It was more than id orginally plan to spend, but i liked dealing w/this dealer(family friends) so i can look out my front door, and start yelling if they tried to pull a fast one.. all the warrantys i got w/it too bad just made it to good for me to pass up....
conrats again p-tree...now we need some pics....

st_pinetree, careful when you start filling. Mine only took 8 qts both times I've changed it.