Hi everybody this is my first post and i have lots of questions so any help would be much app. I have never owend or worked on anyhting diesle but I am a chevy guy so i always wanted a Duramax so here goes.

1. what years are the best as far as having the least amount of problems
2. what engien is the best ive heard alot of good thing about the LBZ
3. whats some of the warning signs to look for when buying
4. is 100,000 miles alot on a diesle motor i heard there just breaking in
5. how much harder if any are they to work on than gas motors and what are the
differances

I know thats alot to ask at one time but im stoked about geting one and i dont know if im geting in over my head. thanks for the help

 

1) All duramax trucks have similar problems (weak tie rods, intermediate shaft, gov-loc diff) The 06-07 models would be my pick and the GMC or Chevy is more of styling choice (I prefer the GMC).

2) The better of Dmaxs is the LBZ which is late 06 to early 07. Have stronger bottom end then previous generations. Also the 6 sixth gear was added to the beefed up tranny. Also is the last years of manual transmission option. Finally there's no DPF to worry about.

3)Mileage, any signs it has been driven hard, alot of the signs can easily found during a test drive. (excessive smoke, engine noise, shift smoothness, steering play)

4)The engines are just getting broken in at 100k. The rest of the truck is up to how it was taken care of. Like my 05 has 150k with no major mechanical problems. I've seen some go over 200k with no problems.

5) As far as Duramaxs are concerned they are alot more complicated then your old 350 chevy. By far the Cummins is one the easiest diesels to work on. Dmaxs are not to much harder they just have stuff all over motors. But with a good service manual and the knowledgeable folks on here and other forums. You should be fine.

If I left anything out I'm sure someone will add it.

And Welcome to DB.