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2004 Chevy 4500 w/ Duramax

5K views 18 replies 8 participants last post by  Sparks280zt 
#1 ·
I am looking at this truck. It has 168,000 on it anything to look for?
I had a friend look at it and he said the truck is clean and looks good.
There where closed so he could not drive it.
Maybe later this week.



thanks
 
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#2 ·
More info.

Gooseneck Utility Hauler Bed, Duramax Diesel Engine, Allison Automatic Transmission, Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Tilt Steering, Power Windows, Power Mirrors, Power Locks, AM/FM/CD stereo and Vinyl Interior
 
#4 ·
Check the oil for fuel in it, if it's lb7 they had injector issues, also 4500's had some power door lock issues, but not really widespread. Last the exhaust brakes on these were prone to sticking, but they are'nt a real expensive fix. I think the replacements were in the $400 range a few years ago but don't remember for sure so don't quote me on that. Other than that we didn't see a lot of issues with them.
 
#5 ·
What are you looking to do w/it? Not saying it woudlnt be a good truck, but from my experience, the 6.6 can be a bit underpowered depending on terrain, dealer support can be lacking. The dt466 and intl dealer network are better for medium duty. Like aid above lb7's can have injector problems. depending on how many miles you are running, terrain, weight etc I dont know , if youc an get a steal take it otehr wise pass.
 
#6 ·
thejdman04 said:
What are you looking to do w/it? Not saying it woudlnt be a good truck, but from my experience, the 6.6 can be a bit underpowered depending on terrain, dealer support can be lacking.
Lots of aftermarket parts can help that situation! Just a tuner and a pyro gauge and that thing will fly. :smoke
 
#7 ·
Duke said:
Lots of aftermarket parts can help that situation! Just a tuner and a pyro gauge and that thing will fly. :smoke
I was under the impression that the 4500 series trucks were not like the 2500 series trucks and the ECM's could not be tuned like the pickup version.

atleast that was my understanding I might be wrong.
 
#8 ·
Duke said:
Lots of aftermarket parts can help that situation! Just a tuner and a pyro gauge and that thing will fly. :smoke
I agree duke, I really do. But that v08 depending on the load and terrain, spped rear end ratio etc(if the motors in the sweet spot or not etc), what would make the duramax struggle, the dt466 would just chug along. And if its a very high milage application hes putting it in, the dt can be wet sleeved. The duramax is a great motor esp in the pickup, jsut not real convinced in the medium duty application. The 7.8 on the other hand is a great medium duty motort.
 
#9 ·
thejdman04 said:
I agree duke, I really do. But that v08 depending on the load and terrain, spped rear end ratio etc(if the motors in the sweet spot or not etc), what would make the duramax struggle, the dt466 would just chug along. And if its a very high milage application hes putting it in, the dt can be wet sleeved. The duramax is a great motor esp in the pickup, jsut not real convinced in the medium duty application. The 7.8 on the other hand is a great medium duty motort.
You'll get no arguement from me there. After all, I own/run both of those diesels right now. I never intended to say a DMAX would do what a DT466 would do. I was just saying the DMAX has dozens of aftermarket mods to add more power should the original poster find the engine not powerful enough.

I think the DMAX is fine in light and light to medium apps, like the 2500-5500 series GM trucks. Anything over that and it just doesn't have the rotating mass and longevity for bigger trucks.
 
#12 ·
Robert1320 said:
Actually, Looking to replace the daily driver.
And some local towing to the drag strip and dyno.

168K on the truck and maybe 25k or less for the price.
I think 25k is a little high for a truck with 168k miles on the clock. I have seen the same truck only a year or two old with less than 50 k on the clock for under 40 grand.
 
#13 ·
Robert1320 said:
Actually, Looking to replace the daily driver.
And some local towing to the drag strip and dyno.

168K on the truck and maybe 25k or less for the price.
For a mainly daily driver, not too many miles, occasional laods that arent super huge, and you arent running super hilly terrain, should be ok however Any more then 300k ish miles and its gonna start costing you. the dt should run 500k. Tehy also make some freight shakers w/5.9's and 8.3's that woudl give you pretty good life, there is a lot of iron out there, dont be scared to look around.
 
#15 ·
I have seen a couple of lower mileage higher dollar.
I away wonder why a 3-4 year old truck only has 30,000 miles.
Most of the PS, DM, CMN, have 100,000+. If they have mileage you they are not broke down and in the shop of years....

Plus I am looking to replace the Suburban and I need seating.
They want as much or more for a dually, with a 4500 I would think I could get a lot more chassis than the p/u have to offer.

Thoughts?
 
#17 ·
Hi,

This is my first post but here goes. I have (well my dad's company) a 2004 Chevrolet 4500 like the one your are buying. Ours has a longer bed, i beleive its an 11 foot Stahl tool bed (avoid Stahl at all cost.) Anyways I would say avoid that truck or any of the 4500s, mine has been nothing but problems.

-The ride is horrible, i know trucks ride rough but this thing is rediculous
-The interior components rattle and fall off all the time
-Fuel mileage is poor
-Injectors have been replaced 3 times.
-Transfer pump in tank went out
-AC clutch replaced
-Electrical issues

I would say avoid and possibly look at a 4xxx series International or a 3500 Cummins.
 
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