Lifted Duramax owners [Archive] - Diesel Place : Chevrolet and GMC Diesel Truck Forums

: Lifted Duramax owners


3500dmax
10-05-2003, 10:01 PM
What type of MPG are you getting? Also state your lift height and tire size along with any gear changes and power mods. Edited by: y2kboti

3500dmax
10-07-2003, 11:06 PM
Come on fellas three days and zero replies. I know a hand full of you are running lifts and for those of you that aren't, well the same question still applies for those running torsion keys and larger tires.

DMAX2DAMAX
10-07-2003, 11:45 PM
y2kboti,


I have cranked my TB's and I'm running the H2 chrome rims with 35" tires. I recalibrated my speedo with the Quad and run the 70HP tune. With 2500 miles on mine I got 18.5MPG on a recent 400+ mile trip @ 70-80MPH. I jsut returned from a 2000+ mile trip @ 70-80MPH but don't have access to check my mileage as I'm out of town on business but will post when I get home and can add up the fuel receipts. I suspect a slight increase in MPG. We'll see!


2DAMAX

KTDURAMAX
10-08-2003, 11:50 AM
13 mpg in-town......17 highway. 35" tires 6"lift....

DMAXDiva
10-08-2003, 12:59 PM
Well, I'm new to this forum but some of you may recognize me from TDP...I run a 6" ProComp lift with 37's. The last time I calculated mileage, city driving was 12.6 and highway was 15.3. That's down from pre-lift numbers (running 285's) of around 16 city and 21 highway! Yep, if you're looking to stay frugal on fuel, don't even consider a lift. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ermm.gif


DMD

hoot
10-08-2003, 01:05 PM
Welcome Diva.... I see it didn't take long from when the last guy mentioned your name till you joined. You are at least the second lady (if that's good with you) here with an HD.

I would say wind resistance of the higher truck and the larger tires together do a number on fuel consumption. Edited by: hoot

Professor
10-08-2003, 01:07 PM
Diva,


Glad to see you made it over here. How are the Chubby RKII bars working out?


Hey Nick, Hoot... How about a Harley forum? I'll run a quart of #2 though it occasionally if that will make you happy...ok, ok, OK, never mind, enough off-topic . I'll shut up now.


Edited by: Professor

DMAXDiva
10-08-2003, 01:22 PM
Hoot:


Thanks for the welcome; yeah, BassinRver sent me an e-mail today about this site, so I had to check it out...and yes, the combination of lift and tire size/weight has really really pulled her down. I run the Hot Juice at level 3 for daily driving (I'm a little afraid of level 4 with the modified driveline angles..I sure don't want to experience any sickening snapping sounds from underneath!).


Professor:


I just LOVE the new Chubby bars...they've made a tremendous difference! To be honest, I've been considering selling the Road King since I got the new Chopper...guess I'm getting bored with it. Hmmm...may have to do some engine mods to it too!


DMD

Diesel-N-Dust
10-08-2003, 08:23 PM
Well, I'm new to this forum but some of you may recognize me from TDP...I run a 6" ProComp lift with 37's. The last time I calculated mileage, city driving was 12.6 and highway was 15.3. That's down from pre-lift numbers (running 285's) of around 16 city and 21 highway! Yep, if you're looking to stay frugal on fuel, don't even consider a lift. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ermm.gif


DMD








D M D What have you done to correct your speedo?





My truck is being lifted right now as we speak, I will have it back by tomorrow P.M.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif I have a predator to correct the speedo.

DMAXDiva
10-08-2003, 09:48 PM
D-N-D:


I had the dealer calibrate for 285's (which was the tallest tire they could accomodate at the time)...haven't done anything else yet. If I remember correctly, the effective gear ratio has also been dropped to around 3:30 from the stock 3:73, which has also had a huge impact on performance. Honestly, the 90hp level 3 setting is a must for daily driving; without it this truck is a total slug now!


I may have to look into a Predator as well...please let me know how things work out with your new lift. Good luck!


Hey; I just noticed that you live in Cypress...any chance 4WParts is doing your lift?


DMDEdited by: DMAXDiva

Diesel-N-Dust
10-08-2003, 11:21 PM
D-N-D:


I had the dealer calibrate for 285's (which was the tallest tire they could accomodate at the time)...haven't done anything else yet. If I remember correctly, the effective gear ratio has also been dropped to around 3:30 from the stock 3:73, which has also had a huge impact on performance. Honestly, the 90hp level 3 setting is a must for daily driving; without it this truck is a total slug now!


I may have to look into a Predator as well...please let me know how things work out with your new lift. Good luck!


Hey; I just noticed that you live in Cypress...any chance 4WParts is doing your lift?


DMD





Kevin @ BNC offroad is lifting my truck I am going w/ the 10" 3rd.coast custom lift. http://3rdcoastsuspension.com/ (http://3rdcoastsuspension.com/)

3500dmax
10-08-2003, 11:39 PM
Well, I'm new to this forum but some of you may recognize me from TDP...I run a 6" ProComp lift with 37's. The last time I calculated mileage, city driving was 12.6 and highway was 15.3. That's down from pre-lift numbers (running 285's) of around 16 city and 21 highway! Yep, if you're looking to stay frugal on fuel, don't even consider a lift.
Welcome aboard. Not frugal but I was hoping the Duramax wouldn't loose that many MPG like my 1/2 ton did. Wishful thinking I guess. Only thing is you said you were getting 16city/21 highway. That's impressive considering most guys are getting closer to 16-18 highway.


I would say wind resistance of the higher truck and the larger tires together do a number on fuel consumption.
Definitely! All you have to do is compare DMAX2DAMAX's MPG vs. the lifted crowds.


Kevin @ BNC offroad is lifting my truck I am going w/ the 10" 3rd.coast custom lift. http://3rdcoastsuspension.com/ (http://3rdcoastsuspension.com/)
You should have checked out Bulletproof Suspension (http://www.bulletproofsuspension.com). I take it 3rd Coast Suspension is just a spin off of Whiplash and Full Throttle.

Diesel-N-Dust
10-09-2003, 12:12 AM
You should have checked out Bulletproof Suspension (http://www.bulletproofsuspension.com). I take it 3rd Coast Suspension is just a spin off of Whiplash and Full Throttle.


I looked into all of the big lifts, Bullet proof, CST, Full throttle etc. etc.


The bulletproof and cst are a bit pricey.I got a real good deal on the 3rd coast.


Good eye, the 3rd coast kit is a 'hybrid' of the full throttle and whiplash kits, but it is a lot more stout, the 3rd coast kit weighs 100# more than a full throttle kit.


The other reason I went w/ this lift is it is made locally and it has a lifetime warranty, so if I have any problems the shop is close by.

3500dmax
10-09-2003, 12:26 AM
Yes both of those companies are expensive, can't argue with that.

Best of luck with the new lift.

Wickedsprint
10-10-2003, 12:56 PM
Diva, who is your front bumper made by, looking for something along those lines.

lvcatfish
10-10-2003, 03:30 PM
03 gmc 8000 miles never finished a tank without the lift kit.


6" procomp, 315's and best mileage to date is 14mpg (12mpg avg)


Stock gears + anxious and listening regarding speedo correction!

DMAXDiva
10-10-2003, 04:48 PM
Diva, who is your front bumper made by, looking for something along those lines.


Hey there Wicked:


That's a RanchHand front-end replacement on my truck. If you're looking for something absolutely bulletproof, it's the ticket. Heavy though; be prepared for an extra 300 + pounds on the front end (I torqued the torsion bars before install, and the bumper was on when I lifted the truck).


One word of advice...do NOT bolt driving lights to the mesh grille; I bolted a big pair of Hellas on and soon found out what vibration will do to that relatively light-gauge grille screen! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ermm.gif Luckily, the lights didn't fall off, just dangled by the wiring...Don't worry though, the rest of the bumper is unbelievably stout.


Hope that helps...


DMD

Diesel-N-Dust
10-10-2003, 11:55 PM
Here it is, I got it back yesterday!


http://www.tmdnet.com/mark/hulkstruck/handjob3.jpg

Diesel-N-Dust
10-10-2003, 11:58 PM
03 gmc 8000 miles never finished a tank without the lift kit.


6" procomp, 315's and best mileage to date is 14mpg (12mpg avg)


Stock gears + anxious and listening regarding speedo correction!








The Predator will correct your speedo. It will correct up to a 44" tire

Diesel-N-Dust
10-11-2003, 12:01 AM
Another pic.


http://www.tmdnet.com/mark/005.jpgEdited by: Diesel-N-Dust

3500dmax
10-11-2003, 04:13 AM
13 mpg in-town......17 highway. 35" tires 6"lift....

6" ProComp lift with 37's...city driving was 12.6 and highway was 15.3...pre-lift numbers of around 16 city and 21 highway!

6" procomp, 315's and best mileage to date is 14mpg (12mpg avg)

These numbers are a little discouraging http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Disapprove.gif In looking at the numbers it seems like wind resistace plays a much larger role than many of us thought. Just compare DMAX2DAMAX to the others, he's running 315s but without the big lift.

Truck looks good Diesel-N-Dust.

DMAXDiva
10-11-2003, 09:57 AM
D-N-D:


Wow...your truck looks terrific! Are those Welds? (Mountain Crushers perhaps?) Great wheels...


I'll be looking for you on the Houston freeways...you'll be hard to miss!

Diesel-N-Dust
10-11-2003, 10:31 PM
D-N-D:


Wow...your truck looks terrific! Are those Welds? (Mountain Crushers perhaps?) Great wheels...


I'll be looking for you on the Houston freeways...you'll be hard to miss!











Yes they are weld evo series "Renegade". I got tired of polishing aluminum on the last truck.


Diva you can see me coming from a mile away!

hoot
10-11-2003, 11:28 PM
Are they chrome plated?

Diesel-N-Dust
10-12-2003, 12:11 AM
Are they chrome plated?





yes they are chrome plated, and have a 5 year warranty.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif

3500dmax
10-12-2003, 02:41 AM
IH what color is your truck considered?Edited by: y2kboti

Diesel-N-Dust
10-12-2003, 03:11 PM
IH http://www.fullsizechevy.com/forum/images/smilies/deal.gif (http://www.fullsizechevy.com/forum/showthread.php?s=80c7e65c6f47d22aa637203b34b86866& threadid=80189&perpage=15&pagenumber=1) what color is your truck considered?


I knew you would figure it out over time Bryan!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif


The window sticker says "special order" I am trying to get the correct paint code so I can color match some parts. I was told by another dealer it is the same as the corvette.It is a factory G.M. color.





BTW good luck w/ the purchase of an '04 you are making an excellent choice in trucks, you will not be disappointed w/ the Duramax. I love mine more everyday!

3500dmax
10-12-2003, 04:10 PM
Here is the paint code on your truck. I got it off the GM Fleet website.

9W3 Paints, solid (MSRP = No charge) Wheatland Yellow

We've got an '02 and an '04 in the family so I know first hand what they can do and your right I definitely won't be disappointed. Just not sure whether I want to throw another 6" CST or BP lift on it or not. Have you figured out what type of mileage you are getting?

DMAX2DAMAX
10-12-2003, 05:46 PM
y2kboti,


I just totaled up my receipts to get the total gallons for my trip to, from and around Carlisle, PA last week. I did get a slight increase as I expeceted/hoped. I went a total of 2127.5 miles and used 109.2 gallons of fuel with the Primrose additive from George of AV Lubes. If my math is correct that comes out to 19.48MPG! http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/15/15_4_105.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001) I'm pleased with that and may even get another slight improvement as miles increase. I now have just over 5700 miles on it and from what I hear it can still improve up to 10,000 miles or more. It also continues to feel stronger and smokes the tires easier and I'm only on the 70HP tune. I love this truck!!http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/201.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001)


2DAMAX








http://www.smileycentral/sigpc=ZSzeb010 (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb010)Edited by: DMAX2DAMAX

Camstyn
10-12-2003, 07:48 PM
I've got a 2" lift (green keys, 2" blocks/shackles on the back) with H2 wheels/tires (315/70R17 on 17x8.5" wheels) and I averaged 16MPG on a 4600 mile trip to Oklahoma and back.. FWIW I was cruising at 85MPH, averaged 69MPH for the complete trip. Normally I get 20-23MPG but the speed limits here are only ~60MPH.

Diesel-N-Dust
10-12-2003, 09:17 PM
Here is the paint code on your truck. I got it off the GM Fleet website.

9W3 Paints, solid (MSRP = No charge) Wheatland Yellow

We've got an '02 and an '04 in the family so I know first hand what they can do and your right I definitely won't be disappointed. Just not sure whether I want to throw another 6" CST or BP lift on it or not. Have you figured out what type of mileage you are getting?



Thanks for the info. Botihttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif


I have not been able to figure out my mileage yet. as soon as I do I will give you a shout.


I know the mpg will get better as the truck "breaks in"

3500dmax
10-13-2003, 02:18 AM
DMAX2DAMAX and Camstyn those numbers are more encouraging...not sure if I'll be able to stop myself from lifting it!?!?!? http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Confused.gif

IH what size wheels and tires are you running? Another thing I am intersted in the the amount of power loss when upgrading to larger tires on the Duramaxs. You know what setup I am currently running and the 4.56s helped but the PJs are so big and heavy it takes a little gas to get her going. Does it feel the same with the Duramax or does the additional torque really help out. I know the lift is new but do you see yourself regearing in the future?Edited by: y2kboti

Camstyn
10-13-2003, 04:21 AM
There is a noticeable loss in power, the truck doesn't have the zip it had with the pizza cutter 245/75R16's on, but it still feels plenty strong. I don't plan on regearing any time soon, and I'm not going to go out and buy a power box unless I find a hell of a deal on one at the same time as when I've got some money burning a hole in my pocket..

DMAX2DAMAX
10-13-2003, 09:06 AM
FWIW, I was not able to spin, let alone smoke, my original tires without the box. I only had 2500 miles on it at the time and power was increasing but had not reached a level capable of spinning the tires, stock or 315's. I was able to smoke the 315's immediately with the 70HP tune. I can't wait to see what it will do on higher tunes but I will wait until I have gauges!


So, from the seat of my pants perspective, the only real difference I noticed in power was when I added the box not the tires. If you lift or add bigger tires I'd include the cost of a box in the budget!


2DAMAX

Jeli
10-13-2003, 02:27 PM
Straight highway mileage is 20.5 to 21. With the bigger tires if I do a lot of city driving the mileage is down more than stock. I agree with Camstyn on power but we are running ZF's so we are the minority.


I'm not heavy footed but with the 245's I found it hard to go around a corner from a dead stop without the inside tire chirping a bit. When I took the 245's off you could see the difference front to back after only 18K. The new setup doesn't do it so the tires should wear less. FWIW I just returned from a trip to Europe. Even after driving 100+ mph in a turbo diesel car that seemed to have a lot of power stepping back into even a stock Dmax is a whole different storyhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

Diesel-N-Dust
10-13-2003, 06:48 PM
DMAX2DAMAX and Camstyn those numbers are more encouraging...not sure if I'll be able to stop myself from lifting it!?!?!? http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Confused.gif

IH what size wheels and tires are you running? Another thing I am intersted in the the amount of power loss when upgrading to larger tires on the Duramaxs. You know what setup I am currently running and the 4.56s helped but the PJs are so big and heavy it takes a little gas to get her going. Does it feel the same with the Duramax or does the additional torque really help out. I know the lift is new but do you see yourself regearing in the future?





Boti, I have 36" x 14.50" sts on 16x10 welds, I am running the Predator on level 2 (65 H.P.) the truck will spin the tires at will, It accelerates effortlessly (tons of torque) I really do not see a need to re-gear unless I go up to a 38" tire.My buddy has an 8.1 h.d. on 36" P.J.'s w 410's and I will leave him in a cloud of smoke! (that really cheeses him off and he gets 6 mpg) I am going to try level 4 tomorrow(120 H.P.) just too see what it is like.Edited by: Diesel-N-Dust

3500dmax
10-14-2003, 09:02 PM
...I am running the Predator on level 2 (65 H.P.) the truck will spin the tires at will, It accelerates effortlessly (tons of torque) I really do not see a need to re-gear unless I go up to a 38" tire.
IH for 10" of lift the 36s look very proportionalhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif Have you driven without the Predator hooked up? Now way could I leave a Duramax stock but just for conversations sake?Edited by: y2kboti

Diesel-N-Dust
10-14-2003, 09:32 PM
...I am running the Predator on level 2 (65 H.P.) the truck will spin the tires at will, It accelerates effortlessly (tons of torque) I really do not see a need to re-gear unless I go up to a 38" tire.



IH for 10" of lift the 36s look very proportionalhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif Have you driven without the Predator hooked up? Now way could I leave a Duramax stock but just for conversations sake?





Thanks for the compliment Boti,No, I have not tried it stock, Once you get one of these programmers you will not want to go back to stock.


Boti, you cant leave your new d-max stock! It wouldnt be you without at least 6" of lift!

3500dmax
10-14-2003, 10:41 PM
Well I am still a few months out so all this is talk or research for the time being. However with that said I can guarantee it won't be left stock. I'm thinking something similar to this but 35s instead of 37s, Duramax in place of his 8.1, crew cab and long bed of course.

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/684_drquim01.jpgEdited by: y2kboti

Diesel-N-Dust
10-14-2003, 11:34 PM
Nice truck, Is that a 6" CST ?

3500dmax
10-14-2003, 11:48 PM
Yes 6" CST with 2" torsion bar lift. There is another company coming out with a sweet 6" lift for the HD trucks but it will not be available until SEMA at the earliest. Edited by: y2kboti