Best year of the Duramax from 2001-2010/11?

Colossus · October 26, 2014

In your opinion, what has been the best year of the Duramax? I know the first gen were prone to injector failures.. not sure when those were resolved.. 2005 or 2006, maybe 2007 saw the 5-Speed Allison upgraded to the 6-speed... 2007.5 or 2008 saw the addition of the DPF exhaust... And I think is 2011 is when DEF in conjunction with DPF was introduced?

doverarjim · October 26, 2014

For me it would be the LML because that is what I have. It does not get the best mileage, but it is the strongest and most refined. And the only problems that I have had with mine at 65,000 miles was with the DEF tank. Have I pulled heavy with my truck yes, I would guess about 20,000 miles have been hooked to a trailer. This is just my experence yours may vary.

02suburbanZ71 · October 26, 2014

I think the 07 classic LBZ was one of the best

ujtruck · October 30, 2014

as Jim saying, I don't like that DEF stuff, plus regeneration really hurt our engine and transmission (due to high idle while truck in the gear) , however LML is one of the best truck I ever use. even with the sky rocket monthly payments

02suburbanZ71 · October 30, 2014

I drove an 04 duramax the other day and i was so disappointed with the power and response compared to a 7.3 turbo

kstruckcountry · October 30, 2014

2006-7 Classic (LBZ) are by far the most sought after. Pre DEF and a popular body style, 6 speed Allison, different turbo mouth and tune than 05.

After that, 2011+ have the upgraded frame, which is the best on an HD pickup (if you disagree you're wrong IMO ). Delete the DEF, add tune and some other goodies and you have a great setup.

LifeisthePits · October 30, 2014

2011 HP / TQ numbers are hard to argue, I have found myself wondering if I should have gone with a used 2011 HD over the 2014 1500.

Colossus · October 31, 2014

I never had any problems with the DPF on my 08 LMM other than getting a strong exhaust smell in the cabin at lower speeds when it went into regen, and having to be on the highway at highway speeds for about 15-20 miles for a successful regen to take place, but I am thinking when I go looking for a truck again, I'll be looking for a LBZ. Removing emissions componants where I live is a big no no and will be an instant fail in the yearly emissions test. They actually hook up to the onboard computer here so it is quite difficult if not impossible to fool them.

Prokopchuk_9 · October 31, 2014

LBZ or LMM hands down. But more so lbz classic style because of the DPF of the lmm you gotta remove. Only egr on LBZ, lots of options for deletes. 6 speed tranny, aftermarket world for lbz/lmm is hands down the best. with a simple tranny safe 50hp tune it would blow the LML out of the water. LML are nice but aftermarket world isn't as good, cp4 is prone to failure. The interiors are arguably almost the same options, might look different but most of the options are almost the same...

I say LBZ.

Prokopchuk_9 · October 31, 2014

I drove an 04 duramax the other day and i was so disappointed with the power and response compared to a 7.3 turbo

LLY or lb7?

02suburbanZ71 · October 31, 2014

LLY or lb7?

I think lb7

Prokopchuk_9 · October 31, 2014

Yeah, they're pretty disappointing. But so are 7.3's lol...that's a close one I think. I drive an lb7 for a work truck. It's 2003 SLT loaded to the nines even rear DVD hahah...it gets 900km to a tank, has a 60hp EFI tune flashed in it (shhhh that the boss doesn't know about ahah [emoji48]) weighs in at roughly 13,500 with full tank of fuel in the welder and 100' of ground and power cable, two shielding gas bottles, 100lbs propane tank, oxy/ecet bottles, line boring machine with 3- 2.25" bars from 4'-8' long, air vantage 500 and all my tools everything I need to completely self sufficient in the field. All that and STILL gets better mileage than my deleted LMM. Lb7's would be my pick if the injectors weren't junk...this truck here has 361,000 on it. Just got 3rd set of sticks put in, 2nd front end, 4th set of brakes but original drivetrain still!!! Still shifts awesome. It has 4:10's in it too!! I'm amazed at the condition it's in, it's been a work truck it's entire life and she still gets amazing economy!!!! Lb7's are awesome trucks too!!

Big hole in one seat lol, from guys jumping in with tools in pockets!!! Only thing that's wrong with the interior!

Prokopchuk_9 · October 31, 2014

I got the choice when I signed up with these guys between 6 different rigs. One 7.3, this unit (the oldest) and the rest brand new 6.7 fords. I took the Chevy!!! Bought vin license flashed in a 60hp tow tune she gets 3-4 mpg better, and I blew one of the boys away at a set of lights that's drivin a 6.7 [emoji48][emoji48][emoji48] and the chev is heavier ahaha

kstruckcountry · October 31, 2014

That is one heavy SOB. Our 97 dodge dually is at 9600 pounds with the bale bed, a few tools, jacks, chains. Truck has a belt drive wet kit, tank and solenoid setup for the bed. But pushing 14k with a couple bales!