New Tow Truck? 2004 GMC Duramax 4×4?

This topic has 9 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 8 years, 4 months ago by polaris425.

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February 1, 2018 at 8:11 pm #350484

polaris425
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So, I have a 2009 Tahoe Ive been tryin to sell so I can buy a new truck.I came across someone with a 2004 GMC 2500HD 4×4 w/ the Duramax, with 137K miles on it.They want about the same as I do for the Tahoe. So I inquired about a straight trade and They are interested. I drove it and it felt a little sloppy in the front end so Im not sure about it. Also, theres all that diesel stuff like injectors and lifters and pumps…I hate to trade for it and then have to start dumping money into it. My cousin has the same truck with 250K on it and hes never done anything but regular maintenance to it. But he takes pretty good care of his trucks.Any ideas or suggestions?

February 3, 2018 at 1:24 pm #350488

waknbass15
Participant

Its a good truck but there are downsides. Diesels cost $$$$ to fix when things go bad.

February 4, 2018 at 10:51 pm #350492

bwp777
Participant

I would start the questions with your cousin. front ends are fairly straight forward. look for leaks, dark/wet spots, cv axle boots etc. the motor and tranny should last for a very long time but diesel stuff aint cheap. I have an 07 z71 that I pull with. I have considered a diesel but it is hard to leave what you know.take it to a local dealer for servicing and ask the technician to look it over, put it on a diagnostic machine. these guys see it ALL so trust their judgment.

February 5, 2018 at 12:15 pm #350497

Toadrustler
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Excellent truck. If it was properly maintained it will last along time. But like what everyone else said its gonna cost more to reb uild the he fuel system and turbo than to replace the entire 5.3 in your Tahoe.

February 6, 2018 at 2:26 am #350501

rlb8s
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I have an 05 that I have had since new and it has been a very good truck. My buddy had a late 04 and he swore by it. Claims that was the best motor they ever made. I dont know how the 04 would compare to your 09 Tahoe in cost, but I think the 04 will still be pulling a boat long after the Tahoe goes to the junk yard.

February 6, 2018 at 2:35 am #350505

JSLAW
Participant

Two things. Did the injectors ever get replaced under recall? The 02-04 had an injector recall. The exhaust would emit white smoke while at idle. Other recall would be the instrument cluster would cause the speedometer to freeze. Other then that it is a 100% bullet proof motor. The slop in the steering wheel may be from the steering wheel shaft, most notable during turns. Very easy fix!!! The only other thing would be be the hub assemblies on the front wheels, they probably need replaced if they havent been changed. Again an inexpensive fix. I hate the conversation of how much more a diesel is to operate and wont get into that especially on an older vehicle. Thats a low mileage vehicle and if you do those fixes it will be an awesome truck given the mileage. For that model year HYPERTECH mad the best programmer and i would highly recommend it and set it to the +90 hP setting and adjust your tire size to the correct reading for proper speedometer calculation.

February 6, 2018 at 1:59 pm #350510

polaris425
Participant

Thanks Guys. I didnt ask if the injectors had been replaced, but I will shoot her a message and ask.She isnt sure about injectors but said she would ask her husband. lol”We have replaced primer pump and power steering pump and belt.”

February 6, 2018 at 6:35 pm #350514

waknbass15
Participant

I will say that I would rather have an older diesel with lower miles than a newer diesel. My last diesel was a 2012 and wont be going back to diesel unless I absolutely need it.

February 8, 2018 at 3:59 pm #350518

Bassdeer
Participant

I have a 05 and I got it in 2010 with 150,000 miles for $13.000(I know what a deal right) Now I have 265,000 miles. This is a list of what I have done to it.After buying it I had to:Replace both front hubs(easy to do)Two new batteries.Replaced windshield (guy was running a special any windshield for $100)A few gauges not working (sent cluster up to a guy in MN and he redid the whole thing for $50.00)Around 200,000Replaced front right hub again.Replaced CP3 high pressure fuel pump (paid a guy $1400.00)Replaced fuel filter housing (was sucking air)Around 230,000Replaced both Belt Idler Pulleys (both went out a week apart on my way to Kansas to hunt, fixed in front of auto zone in OK) Note to everybody check these.Around 240,000Had a leak in transfer case did not know new one $1400.00 (shop)Replaced Passenger Side CV Axle Shaft $50.00Two weeks later CV Axle failed and did it again, (parts store replaced free)Around 260,000Torque converter went out Tranny shop screwed me for $3300.00 I think.They did go over the whole tranny also put in new transmission cooler, so I dont know, had to get it fixed.Hope to get 500,000 miles out of it.

February 8, 2018 at 4:11 pm #350522

polaris425
Participant

Thats not too bad. I had to put a new intake mani in my old F150 to the tune of $1200 (shop did it) so… Still waiting to hear back from her on the if the injectors were replaced.
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