LBZ Duramax Worth the Money?

If it were me I would spend a few more bucks and buy a new gasser. The payment will probably be the same, maybe even less.

Here is a New Ram Quad Cab 2500 with a 5.7 2600 ish lbs of payload and about 11500 lbs towing.

RM 2500

I certainly can't find fault in buying a diesel...so do what you really want. But in my mind. Paying 25k and then having to fix the truck up doesn't sound fun to me. You would still have a 130k mile truck..

Thanks and good luck!

Jeremiah

About a year and a half ago I paid $17K for my 2006 LBZ Crew Cab LT long bed with 180K when the economy was still******and diesel was high. I feel I got a great deal! I wanted a 7.3 PS but they were going for as much or more than my Duramax. I love my Duramax and think it is worth every penny I paid for it!

That's true, it'll pass anything but a gas station! Those mileage numbers are pretty accurate too, although "goodcruisin" makes a good point in his post as well. I don't make frequent fuel stops with my 39 gal tank in the burb, but it sure empties my wallet when I do!

At any rate, the OP hasn't shared any info about why he's buying a new truck other than to increase payload, so we don't know what size rig he's towing, or what he's towing it with now. The DMax he has scoped out is certainly not a bad choice if it's in good shape.

BurbMan wrote:
Look for that truck with a 8.1, you will pick up even more payload capacity (the big block is lighter than the diesel) and you will save $5,000 or more. 2007 was the last year for the 8.1 in the HD pickups.

But that 8.1L is worse than a dog and a fireplug when it comes to gas stations....it can't pass one of them up without stopping. I have met a couple of folks using them to tow 5th wheels. It has the power, but do not expect more than about 12 mpg on the road with just the truck and 7 to 8 mpg towing.

Why not go look for a SRW F350 or Dodge 3500 with a nice diesel and more payload capacity.

Ken

I agree with the last couple posts. A few years ago I needed a truck and wanted a diesel. The problem - people were treating their diesels like gold. After separating the wants from the needs I opted for a F-250 V10. I paid $8K less than a comparable truck with a diesel. The V10 tows my 8,700 lb trailer just fine. The fuel savings argument is moot since diesel fuel is about .30 a gallon more than 87 octane. My V10 gets 8-9 when towing and 13-14 highway. My friends new F-250 with 6.7 diesel gets 16 in town and 8-9 towning. Granted, he's towing a 12,000 lb 5th wheel. But the point is, it will take him at least 100,000 miles to "save" $8k in fuel. But since his routine maintence outpaces mine he won't see any savings. Since I only put 5-7 thousand miles a year on the truck I expect it will rust away before the engine is worn out. Take some time to figure out if you NEED a diesel or WANT a diesel. If you aren't stuck on GM give the V10 a try. Just be aware that it's peak torque is at 3,200 rpm and peak HP is 4,200 but don't be afraid to spin it. P.S. I get better mileage towing with the tow mode on instead of leaving it off and letting it shift into OD. Good luck.

Look for that truck with a 8.1, you will pick up even more payload capacity (the big block is lighter than the diesel) and you will save $5,000 or more. 2007 was the last year for the 8.1 in the HD pickups.

You will pick up payload with a gas engine too. Speaking from experience....drive a gasser unless you need a diesel for torque and heavy towing. I have to have a diesel and wish I didn't.

you're going to pay $24k for 800 pounds of payload?

I have a GMC 2006 with the LBZ engine. I consider it worth every bit of what you are discussing, but then it is paid for and I have owned it since new. I would not sell it for any price, but that is just me.

Being on my 3rd D-max, I guess what you need to ask is, is the truck itself in good enough shape at that mileage? I wouldn't hesitate for a second buying it based on the drivetrain itself as long as it's been maintained. You might ask the question HERE. You'll probably get a more honest answer than you will on here...