looking at a 2006 duramax

[F-250 diesel]

hey guys, my dads looking at a diesel and is stuck between the ford, dodge and chevy...is ford still having alot of problems? i heard they are with their EGR valves getting clogged alot. havent heard alot of bad things about the dodge/cummins, but the 6 speed is nicer than the 4 speed auto. so what im trying to ask is how do you guys like your trucks? what kind of mileage are you getting out of them and have you had or heard of any problems with them?

thanks alot

steve

[Shawn T]

So far, so good. 3500 miles. I went from an 03' LB7 to 06' LBZ. Through 52,000 miles the LB7 was flawless. I sold it to my brother and he loves it. As for the LBZ, it is a monster. Can definately feel the 60 HP, 130 ft-lb difference over the LB7. Only time will tell if it is as durable. I have not heard a wink of trouble with them on this forum. As for the 6-speed Allison. Mixed on it. Love the extra overdrive, needed it. The mode select is just a lazy man's way of moving the column shifter. Also, grade braking is only active when in tow haul mode, compared to full-time with the previous 5-speed and when in mode select, grade and cruise braking are disabled. As far as MPG. Mixed highway and town is about 15 MPG. The best I have seen on the highway is 19.3. Freeway speeds (75-85 mph) will still cost you, even with the 6-speed. At 80 mph, I only see about 17.5 MPG. It will get better with time. This was the case with my LB7. It is a 3/4 ton pickup with 360 HP. I am 110% satisfied with it.

[Tuf Toy]

All 98 miles of my '06 extended cab have been thoroughly enjoyable (although I do have a set of Bilstein shocks on the way to improve the ride) The 6.5 TD in my H1 does not compare in any way to the Dmax, I have good friends with the 2006 Cummings and 2006 Power Strokes. I'd take the Dmax with the Allison 6 speed any day over the Ford or the Dodge. Although any of the 3 would make my old clanking 6.5 TD look like a boat anchor. Now if I can only get a Dmax and Allison set up in my H1 it would be the dream machine.

[Machine]

Now if I can only get a Dmax and Allison set up in my H1 it would be the dream machine.

 

 

You can, It's called the H1 Alpha, and it's becoming a nice collectors piece.

 

"Arriving in dealerships in early 2005, the H1 Alpha delivers more power, more torque, and enhanced on- and off-road capability, with significantly improved fuel economy. GM’s award-winning Duramax 6600 (6.6-liter) turbo-diesel engine and Allison 1000 five-speed automatic transmission give the H1 Alpha dramatic performance improvements and add to the H1’s legendary off-road capabilities."

[Tuf Toy]

I'm quite familiar with the Alpha , and it's original selling price of $145,000. (Could buy 3 new 2500 Dmax's for the price) Took 10 years for AMG and GM to get the H1 (Real 1) all prefect and then GM Killed it off, left a real sour taste in all H1 owners mouths about the GM relationship.

[Diesel Jay]

I went from an '04 F350 6.0L/TorqShift to an '06 GMC LBZ/Ally and couldn't be happier. The Ford excelled in terms of ground clearance and interior room, but everything else about the GMC has been comparable and/or superior, especially the engine/trans combination. With the LBZ/Ally, I have more power, a better transmission that holds gears far better, and better fuel mileage.

 

- Jay

[skidont]

I have been GM my whole life and always planned driving GM THEN I got a call from a dodge dealer with this - 2007 mega cab 6.7L , 6 speed auto, $33,500 + tax or 2007 Gmc crew cab , 6.6L allison auto my GMS price $38,300 + tax . the dodge dealer got my attention with life time warrenty (bumper to bumper) for $2200 more as long as I own the vehicle . I am GM but at what price

[Bobslob]

I have been GM my whole life and always planned driving GM THEN I got a call from a dodge dealer with this - 2007 mega cab 6.7L , 6 speed auto, $33,500 + tax or 2007 Gmc crew cab , 6.6L allison auto my GMS price $38,300 + tax . the dodge dealer got my attention with life time warrenty (bumper to bumper) for $2200 more as long as I own the vehicle . I am GM but at what price

 

The life time powertrain warranty has lots of fine print, and it doesnt apply to diesels.

 

And our d-max was great before we chipped it, and now its unbelieveable... and thats only on a 65 hp. tune.