Ask DS 2004 Chevrolet 2500 HD Questions

[sadie1]

I looked at buying one today. Actually just went to look at a trailer a man had for sale, but I really need a diesel truck as well, and he had this sitting in his driveway. Its a 2004 2500HD crew cab 4 wd truck with leather(I don't know if that makes it as LS or what). Its got 134,000 miles on it and I really need some advice on if these are good trucks or not. I know the Fords from that time period had some issues and this one has an allison trans. and was looking for any advice on these things.

[southernfire97]

I have an 03 with 170k on it and I havent had any trouble. I pull my tractor on my gooseneck and it weighs right at 15k lbs. I do know that those years had a lot of injector trouble, but as of yet, I haven't had any. Mine is an extra cab 4wd with duramax and allison. You won't have any trans. trouble. Those allisons are bullet proof.

[duramax]

No bias here, but there isn't a version of a Duramax that has had 1/10th the trouble the 6.0 or 6.4 Powerstroke had. Check if it's a LB7 or LLY engine. You can tell by the #'s in the vin. If the 8th digit is a 1, it's a LB7. If it's a 2, it's a LLY. They switched to the LLY in 2004.5. It had a bit more power than the LB7, and different injector set up curing the problem that some LB7's had issues with. Only minor complaint I've ever heard from LLY's is if you tow really heavy, they tend to run a bit hot. It went back to it being the first engine they put a Cat on, and the problem is fixed by putting a free flowing exhaust on it. The LB7 is still a great engine. Either way, get someone to run the VIN to see the service records. If it's an LB7, look for if the injectors were replaced. You can also take it to a dealership and they can do a balance test on the injectors with a diagnotics machine. Those are the only things you need to be aware of on those engines.

[huntersmky]

I've got an 05 LLY Duramax and I love it. i'm averaging 19.7 miles to the gallon hauling my 4 wheeler and trailer loaded down and 21 mpg empty with 305 mud tires. I did like duramax said above and put a 5" pipe on it and deleted the catalytic converter. It's got way more power than I need, but I am enjoying it, especially the power and fuel mileage. If it has the LB7, I wouldn't fool with it. I did my homework before I purchased mine.

If you can get it for around $14-$16, then buy it. I got a great deal on mine with 112k miles on it

[SWAG]

I have an 03 Duramax with 365,000 miles on it. Went through the injector fiasco early on but have not had any trouble with it since 100,000 miles or so. Had a head gasket leak just recently and just got that done.

[sadie1]

Thanks guys. I bought it but needed to hear from a few people that would know if they were not good trucks.

[duramax]

You'll be very happy with it.

[South Woods]

Ya'll know anybody that will replace the head gasket on a LB7 on the cheap? After 300,000 miles mine decided to blow out.

[Deltaquack]

I have an 03 Duramax with 365,000 miles on it. Went through the injector fiasco early on but have not had any trouble with it since 100,000 miles or so. Had a head gasket leak just recently and just got that done.

Definitely getting your money's worth.......I have an 11 duramax. I hope it can get that many miles.