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07-23-2004, 03:15 PM
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#1
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Aluminut
2004 25' Safari
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, Illinois
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,477
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Calling all Duramax/Allison owners
I was wondering, I've heard all the great things about this engine/trans combo, but was wondering if there are any issues/problems that anyone has encountered...particularly with the newer engines that came out this model year (2004).
Any oil consuption issues out there?
Thanks in advance.
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07-23-2004, 03:29 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
Pittsfield
, Maine
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,108
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Duramax/Allison
Silvertwinkie:
I thought that you had gone with the Ford??? In any event, I've now rolled over 15,000 on my D/A, with quite a few thousand towing my signature AS, and I'm still in love! The dually is very stiffly sprung. Rough on secondary roads but a real joy on the interstate. Towing fuel consumption is about 11.5 mpg and non-towing about 17.5. Both of these figures are for mixed conditions but probably favor highway conditions. No oil consumption problems.
__________________
Cracker
2003 GMC 3500 D/A, CC, LB, 4x4 and 2000 Airstream Excella 30. WBCCI 7074
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07-23-2004, 05:51 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,486
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I have the new LLY engine in my '04 2500hd 4X4. In 10,000 miles, it has needed only an oil change. Not only does it not use oil, the oil doesn't even turn black.
After repeated checks I can say I am getting something a bit better than 20 mpg in highway use. Just over 16 around town.
Mark
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07-23-2004, 09:07 PM
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#4
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Contributing Member
2018 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Austin (Hays County)
, Texas
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,164
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Terrific
I don't have the latest version (missed it by a couple of months), but the engine/transmission combo is the best I have ever driven in a truck.
The transmission never has a hard shift when towing, regardless of grades. The shift-down of the transmission in tow/haul gives quite good engine braking for a diesel.
I get 19-20 when not towing and 15-16 towing the 25 Classic. I tow in OD with tow/haul engaged. On interstates, I sometimes can go for hours without it ever shifting out of OD.
Negligble oil consumption, never have had to add any in 12000+ miles, about 80% of that towing. Oil stays nice and clean. Seldom smell diesel fumes, only occasionally on wet morning starts and sometimes with wind behind at low speeds when the engine is cold.
Can't say I need the extra torque of the new version except for bragging rights.
__________________
John W. Irwin
2018 Interstate GT, "Sabre-Dog V"
WBCCI #9632
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07-23-2004, 10:36 PM
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#5
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Aluminut
2004 25' Safari
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, Illinois
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,477
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Thanks Cracker, Mark and John for the great input on the Duramax/Allison combo. I was a bit concerned about oil consumption, but I have yet to hear any real negs about the combo. I've been reading thedieselplace quite often and so far it's a hell of a ride.
Thanks again.
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07-24-2004, 04:35 AM
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#6
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4 Rivet Member
2013 31' Classic
Crossville
, Tennessee
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 461
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I lovemone too........
Silvertwinkle,
about the only thing I could add would be that, of all the trailers Airstream offers, not a single one needs the dually for towing. The 2500 is a much easier ride, and with the D/A may be the premier tow vehicle. Mileage is great, and in my configuration, (crew cab/8' bed) it rides like a dream everywhere.
jerry
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07-24-2004, 06:45 AM
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#7
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Rivet Master
2004 30' Classic
Johnson City
, Texas
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 591
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Purchased May 31, 2003. Now have >44000 miles on D/A, and > 25000 pulling Classic. Changing oil every 7500 miles per schedule, plus transmission filter. Following GMC service guide recommendations for scheduled maintenance, including complete transmission fluid/filter change at 30000.
Need to add about 1/2 quart between oil changes. Otherwise, no unscheduled maintenance required.
Mileage 10-12 mpg pulling Classic, and 16-18 mpg without. 1-2 mpg increase after adding SnugTop shell. Can highly recommend the shell for many reasons beyond the mpg increase.
Highly recommend the combo to anyone needing 3/4 ton tow vehicle.
73/gus
__________________
Gus - KR4K : Mary - K5MCL
2004 30ft. Classic
2017 Infiniti QX80 Limited
ProPride 3P/Prodigy P3
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07-24-2004, 07:40 AM
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#8
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Aluminut
2004 25' Safari
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, Illinois
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,477
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Jerry/Gus...thanks!
Eric
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07-24-2004, 08:16 AM
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#9
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Contributing Member
2018 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Austin (Hays County)
, Texas
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,164
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One thing more ...
The latest engine with 590 ft/lb torque only delivers full torque in gears 2, 3, and 4. Great for accellerating from a stop sign or climbing hills. In first gear and when cruising in 5th, torque is limited to 525#, same as the previous engine (mine). The 5th gear clutch pack in the Allison is the most critical part of the driveline and will not take repeated applications of 590# of torque. The first gear limitation may be more for limiting wheel spin or protecting other parts of the driveline.
__________________
John W. Irwin
2018 Interstate GT, "Sabre-Dog V"
WBCCI #9632
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07-24-2004, 09:19 AM
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#10
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Moderator Emeritus
1972 31' Sovereign
High Springs
, Florida
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 2,311
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I posted in your original thread, but in a nutshell, no problems in 10 mo., 22,000 miles. No oil consumption, using Mobil Delvac 1300 15W40.
__________________
ARS WA8ZYT
2003 GMC 2500HD 4X4 D/A Ext. Cab
Propane Powered Honda EU2000i
Lots of Hot Sauce!
Air # 283
WBCCI 1350
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07-24-2004, 09:20 AM
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#11
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3 Rivet Member
1975 Argosy 26
Villa Ridge
, Missouri
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: 1964 24' Tradewind
Posts: 162
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If Ford people are impressed...
My dad bought a used 2001 2500HD LT 4x4 extended cab with the D/A combo last year with 22,000 miles and then proceeded to put 70,000 miles on it in less than 8 months delivering trailers for an RV transport company. Despite the fact that over 1/2 of those miles were pulling 4K-12K pound TTs and fifth-wheels, he never had the first problem with the truck. In fact, beyond new tires and scheduled maintenance, he didn't do a thing to it. He totaled the truck in a bad ice storm while pulling a fifth-wheel through Wyoming but walked away without a scratch. We had the truck in our garage in St. Louis for a month while the insurance company figured out what to do, and despite the fact that the cab and bed were crushed, the truck ran perfectly even after a month of not running at all when it finally left on a rollback.
He averaged 13-17 pulling depending on the load and the conditions and 21-24 empty on the highway. We're Ford people, but that truck impressed us so much with its economy, stoutness, and comfortable ride that we're considering looking for a used one as a commuting truck from our rural home to the city.
__________________
Both Alex, my Argosy, and I are kids from Versailles, Ohio!
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07-24-2004, 11:59 AM
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#12
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Rivet Master
2006 28' Safari SE
Currently Looking...
Colorado Springs
, Colorado
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 703
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Hi Silvertwinkie, Check out the Diesel Page Forums. I have read reports of problems with the new LLY engine. I have an early 2004 LB7 engine and have had no problems or oil use in 7100 miles (many towing the AS). I have been getting 12 - 13 MPG towing the 25' trailer and I'm not even close to being broken in. I also have a Snug Top Shell (UNI filter and Banks 4" Monster exhaust). The Allison transmission is amazing in tow/haul mode. That and the power extending tow mirrors have made towing fun.
Cheers,
Ken
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4CU Charter Member
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07-24-2004, 02:52 PM
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#13
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Rivet Master
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,486
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Quote:
Originally Posted by silverback
Hi Silvertwinkie, Check out the Diesel Page Forums. I have read reports of problems with the new LLY engine.
Ken
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I have read of problems with the original Duramax. And the Allison transmission. And the GM manual transmission. And the 6.0 Powerstroke. And the 7.3 Powerstroke. And the 7.3 non-turbo Navistar. And the 24 valve Cummins. And the 12 valve Cummins. And others.
Mark
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07-24-2004, 03:06 PM
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#14
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Rivet Master
2006 28' Safari SE
Currently Looking...
Colorado Springs
, Colorado
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 703
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Quote:
Originally Posted by j54mark
I have read of problems with the original Duramax. And the Allison transmission. And the GM manual transmission. And the 6.0 Powerstroke. And the 7.3 Powerstroke. And the 7.3 non-turbo Navistar. And the 24 valve Cummins. And the 12 valve Cummins. And others.
Mark
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Mark, It's probably a safe bet that the thousands of happy and satisfied LLY owners aren't doing a lot of posting. I'm glad to hear yours is solid.
Ken
__________________
4CU Charter Member
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08-10-2004, 06:21 PM
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#15
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
Pittsfield
, Maine
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,108
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Dually
Quote:
Originally Posted by steelbird312
Silvertwinkle,
about the only thing I could add would be that, of all the trailers Airstream offers, not a single one needs the dually for towing. The 2500 is a much easier ride, and with the D/A may be the premier tow vehicle. Mileage is great, and in my configuration, (crew cab/8' bed) it rides like a dream everywhere.
jerry
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Steelbird312:
I couldn't agree with you more about the dually being "overkill" for an Airstream. I was originally thinking "5th-wheel" until the Airstream caught my eye (---got the "horse before the cart" thanks to a sweetheart deal!) I love the stability of the dually on the interstates - but I'm trying to devise a way to tame the "harshness" on secondary roads. I'm open to any suggestions short of trading the dually in.
__________________
Cracker
2003 GMC 3500 D/A, CC, LB, 4x4 and 2000 Airstream Excella 30. WBCCI 7074
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08-10-2004, 07:33 PM
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#16
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4 Rivet Member
2013 31' Classic
Crossville
, Tennessee
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 461
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Ride Harshness
Cracker,
I made an air suspension system myself for my last truck, and it worked fabulously. I'm fortunate to have the knowledge to do so, as well as the equipment.
Now, I hope I'm not breaking rules here. Pull this up and look at it.
http://www.campingworld.com/browse/p...=SRCH&tcode=37
This is very similar to what I had done myself. It completely replaces the metal springs. It rides very well, and is expensive, but it meets your requirement of ' short of trading my truck'.
I DO NOT recommend the installation techs at Camping World, (nor do I say not to use them) as I think it's just like any other shop-it depends solely on the specific person assigned to work on your truck. He may be reliable- he may not be.
Hope this helps,
jerry
Oh, by the way, ride harshness as well as load capabilities can be further adjusted by using different capacity air bags-made by Firestone.
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08-10-2004, 08:26 PM
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#17
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Rivet Master
1959 26' Overlander
Putnam
, Connecticut
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,064
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Word from Canadian source is a duramax / allison suburban is on the table. time line unknown. Stepping down the engine and redesigning the transmission for a smaller unit to fit the hump. Just a guy at the rally. may knows what he is talking about or not. Anyway I think I'll just hang on to my 96 5.7 a little longer.
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08-11-2004, 04:16 AM
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#18
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4 Rivet Member
2013 31' Classic
Crossville
, Tennessee
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 461
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Suburban Duramax?
3788,
Anything in the world is possible, I guess, however, since the Allison that's used in the truck is NOT made specifically for this truck, but rather is used in so many vehicles worldwide, I doubt the reality of a trans redesign. I also doubt the downsizing of the Duramax. It already will fit the vehicle, and it is now the smallest, yet powerful , reliable deisel out there. Powerstroke went smaller, and had bunches of problems BEFORE they got it right. GM has it right already- they would be better served to redesign the floor of the vehicle.
But we cannot forget, the Suburban's biggest use is to haul kids, not pulling Airstreams- even though we want to think so
jerry
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08-11-2004, 06:42 AM
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#19
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Aluminut
2004 25' Safari
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, Illinois
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,477
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Well, the Tahoe and Sub are to be redesigned in 2006 or 2007. I would think that if they did it, that would be the timeframe.
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08-23-2004, 08:03 PM
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#20
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Rivet Master
1959 26' Overlander
Putnam
, Connecticut
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,064
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They are to depower the duramax so it doesn't twist the new smaller allison around the burb. Problem is the hump isn't big enough. Just rumors...
did i mention i love a good rumor....
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