Re: any diesel lovers here?
 

I had been looking for a newer truck - my '71 with 4.56's is long on charm and durability, but a rusty cab with no insulation or a/c was making it difficult for me to use it for anything that involved highway driving, because the old 350 was screaming at 65.

I was on Chevy's site and decided to 'build' my dream new truck, and almost fell out of my chair when the price tag was like 55K. On a whim, I searched for similar used trucks, and found a 2012 at a local dealership. I drove it, and fell in love. Its a 2012 3500HD LT SRW, standard cab, long bed, 4wd and the Duramax/Allison combo. I did some research, and it looks like the Duramax is getting better real world MPG's than the 6.0. Of course, diesel is more expensive, so I guess its a wash. Anyway, I had to have it. Turns out, a 2 year old one ton with 28K already on the clock was in my budget. She's been happily parked next to the '71 for a week now.

I've really come to like the diesel, and it's the first one I've owned. I was a little disappointed, this one is so quiet, and the exhaust doesn't smell at all. I can't really find anything bad to say about an engine that makes 397 hp and 765 lbs of torque, all while getting 22 mpg (empty) for me on the highway. Plus you factor in the longevity of the motor and the advertised durability of the Allison...

Re: any diesel lovers here?
 

The durability is not advertised. Mine has 288k on it untouched. My '02 Duramax is also pretty well untouched. Just injectors, water pump, stuff like that. Never had the heads off. These things drive like a dream.

Re: any diesel lovers here?
 

Like others, I respect the Cummins engine, but not the package wrapped around it. I bought a new 2500 D/A in 2005. It had a fuel leak right from the factory but one trip to the dealer fixed that. Otherwise I have not laid a wrench to it to make repairs. I have moded it a little. I put a 4 inch turbo back exhaust, a 2007 intake plus closed up the gap between the hood and fenders. I do keep maintanence up on it, I dont go with cheap air, oil and fuel filters. I did add on a 2 micron fuel filter. Never has had any problems and I am really pleased with the tow ability. The way things are going, I'll keep this truck another 7 years before I look to replace it.

Re: any diesel lovers here?
 

I went to the parts department of my local Chevy dealer yesterday looking for a dust cover for my 66's transmission......This is what I left with.......:metal:
Getting ready for retirement.

Re: any diesel lovers here?
 

Nice truck Pdxhall!

Re: any diesel lovers here?
 

\

Thanks, man. I'm pretty stoked. I've only had it a few days. Still breaking it in but I love it so far. A very nice ride for what it is. The plan is an 11' camper and lots of traveling in our future. We had an '08 Tundra that we pulled a 22' toy hauler with but we want to be able to get places we can't pull a trailer in to.

Re: any diesel lovers here?
 

just sold this truck.it was fast.

Re: any diesel lovers here?
 

my 08

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps8e3d0c39.jpg

Re: any diesel lovers here?
 

I have an 05 LLY which I bought new. Diesel trucks have heavy initial investment. Either you have to have the extra money or need it for work. In my case, I bought it since I got $11,000 off of MSRP which brought it down to the price of a gasser at the time!
I also loved my 2010 VW TDI. I had to sell that one since I didn't want to take chance with their faulty fuel pump which could cost $8,000 to fix! otherwise I loved over 40 MPG.

Re: any diesel lovers here?
 

I've owned two Dodge cummins. My daily driver is an 09 2500 4x.l have nothing against the duramax. It would be second choice
I just have had good luck with the Cummins, otherwise I'd have a Chev.

Re: any diesel lovers here?
 

I've added a few goodies since buying my truck. We're getting ready for retirement and traveling. I put Coginito upper control arms and 2" of lift in the front to even out the stance. In the rear I added a Hellwig sway bar and airbags to help handling the Lance 1190 camper we'll be hauling around the country. Here are some new pics.

Re: any diesel lovers here?
 

So what are your thoughts on the Cognito UCA's? What else came with the kit, was it a leveling kit? I do not like the "rake" my Chevy has and want to level it out. Thanks

Re: any diesel lovers here?
 

I had read real good revues on them and yes, is was a leveling kit. I agree with you, I don't mind a little rake on a lowered truck but not on a 4x4. You can do the 2" lift with the stock UCA's but it's not recommended because your length of travel is very limited.