Thought about getting a used Dmax. Prices are around 27-29,000, with an average of 45,000 on the odo. Add taxes to that price.

A new Dmax would be $33,000. That is with taxes. That's with rebates, incentives, and GM discount.

A 2500 HD would be around $23,000 + tax.

I test drove the Dmax, & liked it, other than the sound. I'm wondering if the difference in better fuel economy justifies the $10,000 more. That will buy alot of fuel.

I plan to put a 6" lift on the truck & 35's, so I know my FM is going to suck.

Would I be happy with a non HD 2500? That would be even cheaper. What to do, what to do...

The truck will see towing in the summer (to the tracks), and plowing in the winter. What would you do? I'm still undecided.

 

Out of all the options you listed, I would pick the new Duramax.

Just plan on keeping it for a while. Plus, your mileage won't take such a dive as compared to a gas engine when you lift it and start running those big *** tires.

 

having been around them alot, i'd say go with the duramax. the 6.0 is a terrible performer and not great on fuel. the 8.1 isn't bad, but even worse on fuel. the duramax is damn powerfull and going to be more in january. with a meare programming change it's almost 400hp. i'd say go for it or you'll regret it later. consider a gear change for tires that big though.

 

Bigger tires on a truck with the Allison tranny (Dmax or 8.1 gas) is problematic. Read all you want about tire/trans issues at http://www.pickuptruck.com go to the GM forums. It has a handy search feature.

Not sure, but plowing is an issue for the Ali-Maxers too. Search that too!

The Ali-maxers were designed for one thing.....the economical hauling of heavy loads on the highway, most often via trailer.

HTH,

RRRR

 

First what I would do is sell the Damn Silverado to James (ME).
then I would find something else to drive because you sold your Silverado to James (ME).I also have a 94 Cavalier with no windshiled and no driverside door glass that I can cut you a deal on if you need a daily driver. $300 bucks.Runs and drives just needs a little TLC

James
(ME)

 

Since you tend to go through cars & trucks fast enough to never change their motor oil I'd say be sure you buy something on the lower side of the depreciation curve. I'm seeing some nice late nineties Suburbans & crew cab trucks selling for $11,000 these days. Plenty strong enough to pull an enclosed car trailer, and sure-fire proven at snowplowing.

DuraMax is nice, but is it really $20,000 nicer?

I'd imagine you could buy a decent optioned '97 Suburban 4x4, AND an enclosed trailer with work area for the cost of the used DM truck. That would give you a convenient place to store the car during the winter, too!

Did you see Dan Baber's setup? Classy, though he needs to invest in some more tiedowns for the barbeque.

 

Two of my good friends have 02 GMC trucks both xcab shortbox 4wd. 3/4 ton HD one with the 8.1 and one with the max with no load the 8.1 with 35" tires gets about 11 - 12 mpg and the max gets around 20mpg now pull a 32' 5th wheel and the 8.1 drops to around 8mpg and the max gets 14 to 16. And along with the gas differences the Max will smoke the 8.1 in a drag race.

 

I would go with the Duramax. You may pay a little more now, but if you've ever pulled something with a gas motor then pulled it with a diesel you'll know why. Plus most places around here, anyway, are cheaper on Diesel then unleaded fuel. Also the last 2 t&t's at Stanton there was a 4 door duramax there running in the 12's. Best pass I seen was a 12.34.

 

Gutlass,
Are you talking about the red 4 door?? that was up there last Sunday?? I have that one on tape and i heard he ran a11.80.I don't have that on tape so I don't know if it is true but I do have 3 or 4 of his 12 sec passes on tape.That is just crazy.

PS. SELL THE SILVERADO TO ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

James

 

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