Which duramax to get??

[TiredFarmer]

I am looking at upgrading my truck to one with a Duramax/Allison combo. Currently I pull my GN flatbed with tractor and bush-hog mower around (total wt of truck/trailer/tractor/mower is about 22500lbs) with my 03 2500HD with the 6.0/4L80 and 4.11 gears. Loaded mileage sucks, so I am shopping for another truck.
What I think I need is a 3500 Dually with the Duramax/Allison combo and 4.11 gears. From reading some on dieselplace, I have decided against getting a 6.5TD I have found two potential trucks and now I want some opinions from others here:
Truck A: 03 Silvy 3500 LT, 4x4 Dually (LB7?) has about 151,000 miles for $18,900

Truck B: 05 Silvy 3500 Work Truck, 4x4, flatbed dually (LLY?) has about 278,000 miles for $16,900

Flatbed is a non issue, both are 4x4 (desired) duallys. OPINIONS, Comments, thoughts all appreciated.

[WildChevys]

i'd take the LB7 over the LLY. it's only slightly more and has half the miles.

[92k1500chevy]

i'd take the LB7 over the LLY. it's only slightly more and has half the miles.

Agreed, I'd take the injector issues over the possible overheating. LB7 is a great motor. You can't go wrong with either one but I would take less mileage as well. Also, ALL Duramax's came with 3.73 gears from GM, up until the LML I believe but I'm not for sure.

[TiredFarmer]

Thanks GUYS. i JUST FIGURED THE ONE TON WOULD HAVE THE 4.11 SINCE MY 2500HD WITH TOW PACKAGE DOES...

[CarolinaHD]

id keep looking, try and find a lbz they have the 6 speed transmission. no duramax came with 4.10s from the factory, however the newer ones can be ordered with 4.10s in a chassis cab configuration.

[WildChevys]

Agreed, I'd take the injector issues over the possible overheating. LB7 is a great motor. You can't go wrong with either one but I would take less mileage as well. Also, ALL Duramax's came with 3.73 gears from GM, up until the LML I believe but I'm not for sure.

i have an LML and i have 3.73s

[1995mudslut]

DAMNNNNNN 3500's sell cheap as hell around here you can get one under 100k for 17k

[Mark13]

I'd probably take the lb7. You may be happier finding one with a 6 speed manual behind it if that's more your style, you can't go wrong with either the 5 or 6 speed allison though. The lb7 and lly trucks will have the 5 speed allison, the lbz (06+), lmm, and lml trucks have the 6 speed.


The only suggestion I'd have although out of your price range is an lbz with a good tow tune. The turbo braking is awesome. I'm sure a similar tune is available for the lly trucks (never been in one towing), however the lb7's do not have a VGT turbo so your outta luck there. It's no engine brake like in the larger trucks but it's still a whole lot better then only service brakes. Most of the time doing local hauling I rarely need my brakes to slow down to about 15mph unless it's a quick stop or traffic is heavy. Most of the time coming up to a traffic light from 60 I can just let off the throttle and let the truck slow itself down, that's weighing in at similar numbers to what you see now.

Also being a dually I'd suggest a flatbed, reaching over dually fenders for everything sucks. No more just reach over the bed rail to grab anything.

[TiredFarmer]

Thanks so much for everyone's input. No I'm not set on getting one of these two - isn't like I have to act this week. Another thought I was considering would be the fuel usage (MPG) when not towing. Doesn't the LB7 get better mileage than the newer LBZ and LMM. Actually, I would like to win a lottery and get me an LML with the 6 spd.......
Mark, Hadn't thought about 6spd over 5 spd issue THANKS.

[Mark13]

Thanks so much for everyone's input. No I'm not set on getting one of these two - isn't like I have to act this week. Another thought I was considering would be the fuel usage (MPG) when not towing. Doesn't the LB7 get better mileage than the newer LBZ and LMM. Actually, I would like to win a lottery and get me an LML with the 6 spd.......
Mark, Hadn't thought about 6spd over 5 spd issue THANKS.

In most cases an lb7 will beat any of the other model dmax's in fuel mileage. The 6spd is nice, I wouldn't turn a truck down just because it's a 5spd though. For driving on the highway it's nice but most local stuff it's not a big difference.

[Stratosman]

Truck A due to options and mileage, much better truck IMO

[Chriscon7]

LBZ ftw. better electronics, external injectors and vgt.

[TiredFarmer]

Ok guys, I found another one I really like. 2001 3500 dually 4x4 LT. It has 205700 miles and just got new injectors, glow plugs, fuel rail and sensors. Guy spent about 5700 on top end. Asking $14900. No rust or body damage. Has rhino liner and b&w turnover. Opinions?

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[06_6.6]

I would go with the LLY. The LB7 getting better mileage is BS btw. I have an 06 LLY (same as LBZ mechanically, still runs LLY tune) and I get 17 mixed with idle time as well. Boss does the same driving and averages 13. He's got 120k miles I've got 341k miles.

[actionjacksonbn]

lb7777

[TiredFarmer]

Still haven't upgraded. Found an 09 SRW 3500HD with 199,800 miles 4x4 for $20000. Test drive went well so I'm going to see what bank says! Like the HP and Torque numbers on the LMM.

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[Jmac72]

Check out these guys.

http://www.midwestdieseltrucks.com/

[TiredFarmer]

I've seen some of their trucks on Nashville Craigslist.

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[Jmac72]

They have a pretty good selection.I have a few freinds that have bought trucks from them.Most are from Texas,higher mileage.The ones I have seen look pretty nice,and most of them are all stock.

[TiredFarmer]

Thanks. I'll keep them in mind. Banker wants me to wait and get some things paid down first, since this past year has been a lot of required purchases for the farm.

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