Duramax/Allison

SUPAFLY · Jun 13, 2007

Looking at tow rigs, and out of the 3 in my range (powerstroke, duramax, cummins) I have decided I want the Chevy Duramax diesel with the Allison 6-speed automatic. Who's got one, who likes, dislikes, or has any insight on this? I'd like to hear everything I can about the three of these. Oh yeah, it will be used as a DD, and to tow the Jeep on a trailer.

tomsbrokeagain · Jun 13, 2007

I've got a little older one '05 CC,DRW3500 with the 5sp Allison I like it the electronics for the turbo are a bit to get used to but I love the way it drives. I put a camper on it and tow a 24 foot trailer with two jeeps.

The only difference between 5-6 speed is an extra overdrive like .6to 1.

Lucky Jeff · Jun 13, 2007

you can make more power then you'll ever care about. But I'd keep it simple for a DD/tow rig. It'll drive/ride great. Not really much else to say. I won't steer anyone away from a Dmax.

Poohbair · Jun 13, 2007

My friend has one with the 5 spd allison and a 100hp programmer... he has "limped" his allison 3 times already

tomsbrokeagain · Jun 13, 2007

Poohbair said:
My friend has one with the 5 spd allison and a 100hp programmer... he has "limped" his allison 3 times already

You don't want to pass the 80-100hp jump on a stock Allison.

I have not had any problems with mine I would like more power but fully loaded I am over the GCWR rating (GM rates are LOOOWWWWWW). I can pull any pass I have come accross at 50-55 not having to push it hard.

You also ask about daily driving. I don't daily drive mine but do like the truck to just go for a drive but the CC,DRW 3500 isn't too parking lot friendly with the spots being designed for Mini Coopers now. If you don't want a DRW I would imagine it would be a great daily driver.

Check out this site for more info lots to choose fromhttp://dieselplace.com/forum/index.php

In regards to limping an Allison don't do it it burns the clutch packs and won't hold the same again, if you want more power and are mechanically inclined install a Transgo shift kit. The 6sp is just drop the pan install and the 5sp involves a complete teardown. The plus side of the Allison is the internals are all big and simple to the DIY'er.

Avanteone · Jun 13, 2007

I'm truck shopping right now for a new truck... The Duramax/allison is the way I'm gonna be going to replace my Dodge.

I love my truck, just need a crew cab for my three boys

hahaha

Anthony1 · Jun 13, 2007

I have a 03 and LOVE it :awesomework: I have owned all three and the duramax allison combo is great. I get around 16mpg daily driving and I got 9mpg over the holiday weekend towing this load:cheer:

TheMasterbater · Jun 13, 2007

Anthony said:
I have a 03 and LOVE it :awesomework: I have owned all three and the duramax allison combo is great. I get around 16mpg daily driving and I got 9mpg over the holiday weekend towing this load:cheer:

That is one helluva setup! :awesomework: :masturbanana[1]: :masturbanana[1]: :masturbanana[1]:

SUPAFLY · Jun 13, 2007

VERY NICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:awesomework:

Anthony1 · Jun 13, 2007

SUPAFLY said:
VERY NICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:awesomework:

Thanks,
It works great, sometimes its hard to find a camping spot but other than that I love it. :awesomework:

crash2 · Jun 13, 2007

wholey crapola :eeek:

And the best part is--once you remove the rigs you also have room for about 15 tents,lol...

skinny_pedal · Jun 14, 2007

i have an 04 with the 5 speed. when i had my chip on i never limped it. the truck to drive daily is very comfortable, make sure you spring for leather because its the best out there. the truck has been great so far as reliebilty goes, just oil and fuel filters. on 35's i get 15-18 all around. towing 10-15 depending on my foot and load

edit. you can make a 5 speed alisson a 6 speed. suncoast sell the new valvebody to get you the 6th gear for a few hundred bucks. you just dont have that fancy shifting options the new ones have

SUPAFLY · Jun 15, 2007

This may me a dumb question, but what is "limping it"?

Boomer · Jun 15, 2007

SUPAFLY said:
This may me a dumb question, but what is "limping it"?

It's apparently what happens when a Duramax tries to keep up with a "crappy ol' Dodge".

:haha:

tomsbrokeagain · Jun 15, 2007

skinny_pedal said:
you can make a 5 speed alisson a 6 speed. suncoast sell the new valvebody to get you the 6th gear for a few hundred bucks. you just dont have that fancy shifting options the new ones have

Yea about $1800:eeek: for an extra OD???:eeek:

Limping the trans on an Allison is when you overload the trans and it slips-the trans basically goes into safe mode and won't work properly--it basically won't let itself get to the point of complete failure. I like the security of that for knowing the computer will help me get it home. I haven't limped mine but here is a place that has a lot on ithttp://dieselplace.com/forum/index.php

crash2 · Jun 15, 2007

tomsbrokeagain said:
Yea about $1800:eeek: for an extra OD???:eeek:

Limping the trans on an Allison is when you overload the trans and it slips-the trans basically goes into safe mode and won't work properly--it basically won't let itself get to the point of complete failure. I like the security of that for knowing the computer will help me get it home. I haven't limped mine but here is a place that has a lot on ithttp://dieselplace.com/forum/index.php

You half right--it will also go into limp mode of all voltage is lost...

tomsbrokeagain · Jun 15, 2007

crash said:
You half right--it will also go into limp mode of all voltage is lost...

You would be correct from what I know:scratchhead:

But I only can speak from what I have researched and had hands on experience. I will never turn down any more info on these trucks as I am looking to the future for some possible heavy mods

If all voltage is lost you will have more problems

But, Crash, isn't limping as I have said, the trucks computers way to protect itself from just dieing on the side of the road????:scratchhead: You do of course work on a few of these?

crash2 · Jun 15, 2007

tomsbrokeagain said:
You would be correct from what I know:scratchhead:

But I only can speak from what I have researched and had hands on experience. I will never turn down any more info on these trucks as I am looking to the future for some possible heavy mods

If all voltage is lost you will have more problems

But, Crash, isn't limping as I have said, the trucks computers way to protect itself from just dieing on the side of the road????:scratchhead: You do of course work on a few of these?

You are correct on the last statement--but I only do minor stuff on the electrical side-----we have a tranny guy who does the internall stuff..

zuk88 · Jun 15, 2007

I work at a Chev dealer and really haven't seen any problems with the D max eng. They had injector problems with the vin 1 eng but warranty covers it for 200k. A very nice engine with alot of power stock.

Binder · Jun 15, 2007

Most electronically controlled transmissions have some sort of "limp" mode. I think they usually just go into full internal pressure mode to help keep from slipping any more. On the Allison does it just shift real hard when in limp mode?