Diesel 1/2 Tons

LaserBlueZ71 · February 1, 2014

Does it make sense? Absolutely.

The problem? $$$$

As it sits right now, even half ton gas trucks are too much money. Really stop and think about it. Right now, guys are paying $50,000 for gas 1/2 ton trucks. Fifty, thousand, dollars, half of 100 grand!

If they were to add a diesel option to half tons, the loaded gun that would kill it is dollars. Suddenly, an already overpriced 1/2 ton, becomes close to the price of a 3/4 ton with a 6.6 in it. I think it would be a hard sell to convince consumers to purchase a 1/2 ton truck, not even fully loaded, at diesel 3/4 ton prices. At this point, myself, I would choose the bigger 3/4 ton every time. If the prices are close to the same, you get WAY more truck in the 3/4 ton.

From a mechanical point of view, in order to make sense, the specs would have to be right. Even a 4.5L Duramax is probably too much engine for the 1/2 tons. I can see people doing serious frame/drivetrain damage with a diesel engine like that between 1/2 ton frame rails. Maybe something around the 3.8 or 4.0L mark, a mini Duramax. Even IF they did that, you still need a stronger transmission to handle the diesel torque loads, and you still need an emissions system, DPF and Urea. The required emissions equipment alone would cost thousands to add, never mind the engine and transmission upgrade themselves.

I think a diesel 1/2 ton is a good idea, but it has a lot of obstacles. First and foremost is pricing. If GM could stop being so proud, and drop 1/2 ton prices by $10,000, they could sell a diesel 1/2 ton tomorrow, for what they are selling a gas 1/2 ton for today, and still make money.

Mossyoakglock · February 2, 2014

Holden already has the diesel in their Colorado over in Australia so it should be easy to but it in the US version and the 1/2 ton trucks pretty easily. They have had those over there for a while now too so I think there is a market for them.

SarahsGMC · February 2, 2014

These 2014s are only 50k because of all the unnecessary nonsense they come loaded with every one I've talked to that's been driving them as a company truck (outside of the internet) absolutely hate all the bells and whistles.. If gm would stop with the ridiculous traction garbage and millions of sensors for everything the trucks wouldn't be so horribly overpriced.

Sent from a truck in a field

j-ten-ner · February 2, 2014

These 2014s are only 50k because of all the unnecessary nonsense they come loaded with every one I've talked to that's been driving them as a company truck (outside of the internet) absolutely hate all the bells and whistles.. If gm would stop with the ridiculous traction garbage and millions of sensors for everything the trucks wouldn't be so horribly overpriced.

Sent from a truck in a field

I think they put all this stuff in so they can justify the price.

so long

j-ten-ner

SarahsGMC · February 2, 2014

That's what I'm saying you're paying for a bunch of nonsense.. I'd rather have an old square body with manual windows over these 14s.. My 06 sle is the newest I'll go anything after that I dont think I could deal with.

Sent from a truck in a field

Prokopchuk_9 · February 2, 2014

I'll take a loaded lbz over any new truck

MikeNH · February 2, 2014

I'll take a loaded lbz over any new truck

Hah. I'll take an interior designed this decade over a 7+ y/o truck that people seem convinced are special and charge obscene prices for.

Prokopchuk_9 · February 2, 2014

Hah. I'll take an interior designed this decade over a 7+ y/o truck that people seem convinced are special and charge obscene prices for.

Meh...don't care...ppl charge obscene price for any used diesel except fords lol. If I was to sell mine is ask 40 at least up here

kstruckcountry · February 2, 2014

People charge high prices for them because they are THE best diesel ever made. I realize that's personal opinion, but they're awesome.

MikeNH · February 2, 2014

No doubt it's a good motor but honestly if I can afford the money for a new HD then I can afford not to give a crap about the reduced fuel efficiency. I'd rather have the modern interior over the LBZ.

kstruckcountry · February 2, 2014

I'd rather not have to worry about the exhaust torpedo or the hog piss tank being damaged/wearing out. To be honest I like the exterior looks and simple interior of the older trucks better. It's just what I'm used to. If someone handed me a 2012 diesel I'd take it, but she'd be deleted and have a tune faster than you can say "limp mode".

SarahsGMC · February 2, 2014

You'd have to delete the hell otta anything new and unplug a lot of nonsense if you want it to be like what we drive

Sent from a truck in a field

Prokopchuk_9 · February 3, 2014

A deleted lmm is almost identical to lbz...mechanically. Honestly I would delete a brand new truck too. Keep everything and buy spare ECM/PCM in case something bad happened.

Prokopchuk_9 · February 3, 2014

No doubt it's a good motor but honestly if I can afford the money for a new HD then I can afford not to give a crap about the reduced fuel efficiency. I'd rather have the modern interior over the LBZ.

Were on different brain waves lol, ur thinking economy. I'm thinkin powa and longevity (if you can put those together) lololol

KMGZ400 · February 3, 2014

A deleted lmm is almost identical to lbz...mechanically. Honestly I would delete a brand new truck too. Keep everything and buy spare ECM/PCM in case something bad happened.

That is true... LMM lbz... Duramax is a duramax. The GMT900 interior is simple and still way better then the 800 interior.

Gonna delete mine eventually but don't have an urgent need Get about 20 mpg and don't have any issues with def