Forum Discussion

The_LeRoys's avatar
The_LeRoys
Explorer
Apr 02, 2015

Duramax with Hydra-Matic a good combo?

i am used to the duramax and Allison combo in my 2005 Silverado and love it. I need more passenger room. I'm looking at a 2008 express with the duramax hydramatic combo. I know it's not as good as the Allison. But is it still good and reliable? What do I lose?
Tow Vehicles
  • GoPackGo's avatar
    GoPackGo
    Explorer
    Apr 02, 2015
    Wow, I am amazed they do this. I thought the only auto trans that could handle the Duramax was an Allison. They must de-rate the Duramax ??
  • jus2shy's avatar
    jus2shy
    Explorer
    Apr 02, 2015
    The Duramax in the van is pretty de-rated compared to the pickup version. Issues with heat management. Don't know how long those transmissions last to be honest.
  • nevadanick's avatar
    nevadanick
    Explorer
    Apr 02, 2015
    Its the same transmission that is behind the 8.1 gas engine and does a fine job. Just service regurly and watch the heat and all is good.
  • Ductape's avatar
    Ductape
    Explorer
    Apr 02, 2015
    The LeRoys wrote:
    What do I lose?


    60 hp and one gear.

    Van and truck ratings are not the same.
  • GoPackGo's avatar
    GoPackGo
    Explorer
    Apr 02, 2015
    roman traveler wrote:
    The tranny behind the 8.1 is an Allison. I owned one.

    RT


    Did you have a van/Suburban or a pickup ?

    I'm under the impression that the Allison could only fit under the pickups. That there is not enough clearance for an Allison to fit under the others.
  • nevadanick's avatar
    nevadanick
    Explorer
    Apr 03, 2015
    I have a small class a motorhome with 8.1 and hydramatic thats why i referenced it.
  • fireman41's avatar
    fireman41
    Explorer
    Apr 03, 2015
    GoPackGo wrote:
    roman traveler wrote:
    The tranny behind the 8.1 is an Allison. I owned one.

    RT


    Did you have a van/Suburban or a pickup ?

    I'm under the impression that the Allison could only fit under the pickups. That there is not enough clearance for an Allison to fit under the others.


    Don't forget that the 2500 avalanche also used the 4l80e behind the 8.1
  • MPond's avatar
    MPond
    Explorer
    Apr 03, 2015
    fireman41 wrote:
    GoPackGo wrote:
    roman traveler wrote:
    The tranny behind the 8.1 is an Allison. I owned one.

    RT


    Did you have a van/Suburban or a pickup ?

    I'm under the impression that the Allison could only fit under the pickups. That there is not enough clearance for an Allison to fit under the others.


    Don't forget that the 2500 avalanche also used the 4l80e behind the 8.1


    So did the Suburban 8.1's. No Allison because it wouldn't fit in the trans tunnel.

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