Going to look at 2500HD 8.1ltr/Allison

mattymax · July 18, 2014

Going to look at a 2002 2500 with 8.1ltr and Allison trans. Truck has 77k miles on it. Looks pretty good from pictures but going to look at it Sunday. Never used for plowing. Truck will be used personally for plowing and landscaping. Most likely will add a dump insert next year.

Wanted to know any issues I should look for other than comman issues?

Thanks

Matt

02suburbanZ71 · July 18, 2014

Exhaust manifold bolts. If 4x4 make sure it operates properly, check the dipsticks, check underneath for leaks. Check ac, maybe take a test drive to auto zone or dealer to see if any codes appear, also maybe request a service history. Be sure to drive it hard during test drive to ensure everything holds up right and shifts good.

8.1HD/ALLISON · July 18, 2014

Had mine now for 4+ years with no trouble. Uses about 1 qt oil every 5000 miles. Love mine. See if they have service records and change all fluids. Youll be set.

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02suburbanZ71 · July 18, 2014

Yea because of the low milage you should probably take to dealer for transmission service ,, if you buy

mattymax · July 19, 2014

How is the 8.1 Allison combo ?

Also looks like the front is up a bit. How do I tell if the keys were messed with or changed? May just be how it sits

Thanks

Matt

02suburbanZ71 · July 19, 2014

The combo is great, it must have that allison because it would destroy an 80e and it still has a ton of torque management

mattymax · July 21, 2014

Ok I went to look at the truck. Ill start out by saying it is in very good shape for a 2002. It is a regular cab, 8' Bed.

One thing I did notice is that the steering feels mushy. I guess if I do buy it I can have the front end checked out. I think I am so used to my truck, 2011 2500HD 24k miles, that I don't know if its normal or not. Brakes def need to be done but the truck has a ton of power. Shifted very smooth, upshifted good, downshifted good. Again i'll say a ton of power. On the highway up hills it just pulled. Didnt need to downshift at al. But all and all a nice looking truck.

matt

02suburbanZ71 · July 21, 2014

Gonna buy it?

mattymax · July 25, 2014

Not sure

PH-Wolf · August 17, 2014

I had a Chevy 2500HD mine was a reg. Cab, 4x4 with 4.10 gearing. Lots of torque, so pulling my trailers were a breeze. I averaged between 11 an 13 mpg unloaded mostly in the 13mpg range. I only had 70,000 miles on her when I traded her in, I never had a single problem with mine, only reason why I sold it cause I always wanted a diesel and the Duramax turned out to be a great engine and I got a great deal. Still miss that truck.

avalonandl · August 20, 2014

Those 8.1 and Allison combo are bulletproof. The crank Pos. sensor is the only other issue on the 8.1 they go bad and a bi#ch to replace.

Avalon

GMSVCMGR99801 · October 14, 2014

8.1L and Allison is probably the best engine/transmission combination that GM has ever produced in terms of durability and trouble-free operation. The 8.1L had the lowest average cost of warranty repair than any other GM engine ever built.....the engine has tons of power and torque and was rated to tow more than the Duramax in 2004. MPG isn't great but for the price difference of a diesel you can buy a whole lot of fuel. The combination features a separate transmission controller so PCM tunes are tricky.......but my Wester's Tune has worked well for me. For anyone wanting power and torque from a gas engine......the 8.1L 496cid can not be bested. Like my gramps used to say 'There is no replacement for displacement'. I know this post is older but I hope you bought the truck.

hockeyguy09 · December 25, 2014

I own a 2001 8.l/Allison. My dad bought it new and I bought it off him. Trouble free, drive train wise. Tons of power. Towed a car behind it and couldn't tell It was back there. Had the pin hole in ttheT/C. I drove my dad's new 2012 1500 and it's a turd, no power ha. I say buy it, you won't regret it.