Weak front end?? [Archive] - Diesel Place : Chevrolet and GMC Diesel Truck Forums

: Weak front end??


Oldman
05-27-2004, 01:59 PM
A friend is thinking of buying a used D-Max. A friend of his told him not to. The email he received says:
Basically the entire front end was worn out 42,000 miles. The upper and lower ball joints, control arms, pitman arm, steering sector shaft U-joint, inner and outer wheel bearings, both front hubs, brake pads and tires had to be replaced. The parts used are way to light for the weight of the Duramax engine and Allison transmission (3500 pound rated) the same as in a light duty ½ Ton truck. The parts are way to light for the weight they are carrying. There was another identical model in the shop with mine needing nearly all the same parts. My sister's truck (3500 series dually) and one of my nieces are having the same problems, both of their vehicles are 2003's. Shelly's truck a 2001 is in for the second time, 53,000 miles. Good Engine and transmission, lousy front end. In my case with the extended warranty, they covered one hub, one side inner and outer axle bearings, tie rods, ball joints, they would not cover the tire , brakes, alignment, or the other side parts because they hadn't gone completely out yet. They would not covet the steering gear box, because only one of the bearings had gone out.
Happy No! But the choices are much better with the others. I think dollar for dollar, the best, most reliable light truck is the Toyota. They are compatable to all standard size trucks now. Ride wise the Chevrolet is best, quietest, but dependability!!!!
Comments??

CStone
05-27-2004, 02:02 PM
Wonder if the friend had his front TB's cranked 4"... That would certainly 86 the front end, from what I've read.

hoot
05-27-2004, 02:09 PM
Strange. I would have expected to see more of this on the forums but I don't. Mine had 74,000 on it when I traded and it seemed to be still tight. I had max cranked bars and always ran larger tires.Edited by: hoot

Diesel Power
05-27-2004, 02:23 PM
i just turned 40k on my last trip and everything is tight.. torsion bars are craked up a bit and i've had 285's since it was 2 weeks old.. and i drive it hard in corners...

DMax_Doug
05-27-2004, 03:09 PM
77,000 miles and counting, green keys installed and cranked up, and no front end problems.


Not that problems didn't occur on somebody's truck somewhere, but there would be plenty of discussion here and elsewhere if broad patterns of failure were present.


Just my $.02 worth.


Doug