I have a 4500lb tractor to tow to jobsites. I would love to buy a 2500HD with the Duramax and Allison, but am hesitating due to the price. The dealer has a 2500HD with 6000 motor and HD automatic for quite a bit less $ -- will this combo pull a load of 7,000 to 10,000lbs comfortably? With proper upkeep, can I expect this engine/trans to hold up? Thanks! Charley
IIRC, that truck would come with a 4L80E. Basically a Th400 with OD, very stout. Not an Allison but fine for the weight you project. As for doing it "comfortably", that depends on your definition... But it should not hurt the truck to tow that weight...
If you start getting near 10K gross behind a 6.0 truck and it will probably start to struggle a little, thats a lot of weight really. I pulled 9,400lbs behind my diesel pickup today and even it slowed down a little in acceleration, I would imagine the same load would be a lot for a SBC, even the HP happy 364ci.
I'd buy the DMax with the Allison and know it would do what you want for a long time compaired to the 6.0. Price of the Duramax vs the cost of feeding the 6.0 to do the job?
TH400? Didn't know that! That's a pretty good trans as I recall. If I base fuel costs on roughly 12mpg avg. for the 6.0 and 17mpg avg. for the Duramax, (based on numbers posted in various forums) driving 20,000 miles a year and assuming a cost difference of @ $6,000 between the two trucks (as they are priced at my dealer now) the monthly $ difference (truck payment + fuel cost) for the two trucks is only @ $6.00. Any ideas on this? Based on this rough math I'd be nuts not to go DurAllison. :doah: Also, Aside from a couple of leaves in the spring pack, are there any differences between the 2500HD and the 3500 (such as brakes, alternator, frame, etc.)? My dealer is a nice guy, but not a motor head . Thanks!!!
Go DUramax/Ally you will LOVEIT!!! I do anyway waytogo AWSOME TowRig imp: GM & Ford are competing right now and have opened up the employee discount to the public, make sure you ask you dealer about that waytogo
Main diff is 3500 has an over-load spring pack (like a whole separate spring pack on top of the main pack) and may be SRW or DRW. 2500HD is also available in SWB. Other than that, they are basically the same truck... Also, when doing the cost analysis based on fuel, don't forget that the D/A will get you better/easier resale, last longer, be more fun to drive, easy/cheap power upgrades to an already stronger motor, require less fill-ups on a trip (the GM tank is pathetically small, I upgraded to 60 gal), tow faster/easier/heavier, and so on. If you feel the fuel cost is even close to evening things out, the D/A is a hands down winner across the board, especially with current incentives... Edit: Oh, and it will be MUCH more "comfortable" (by any definition) towing at those weights than lesser drivetrains. Less chance of overheating and such. Plus the turbo is SO NICE at higher altitudes if you cross the mountains. I can't imagine ever going back to a gas burner if there is any way I can afford a diesel...
Thanks, guys... you've talked me into the diesel. I'm negotiating now on a 2500HD Duramax-Allison 4x4 reg. cab. Wish me luck! waytogo
