I bought a fully loaded 04.5LLY 8 years ago,89,000miles, I’ve drove and worked in 27 different states with this truck without a hiccup. It’s been in cold-30 deg Colorado winters to 110deg New Mexico summers. I’ve driven over a dozen trips from Pa-Tx without shutting the truck off and napping in a parking lot while watching dvds in the back seat. This truck has been the most dependable vehicle I’ve ever owned! These trucks are mind blowing dependable. Don’t worry about the motor, trans, rear etc. the only thing your gonna be replacing is brake lines, fuel lines, and front end parts. Do NOT lift:level your truck with T-Keys!!! The truck will eat front end parts for breakfast!!! Spend the money on proper lift kit or leave it be! I made mistake and did T-keys running 33/11/18 and I personally was rebuilding the front end almost yearly, untill I upgraded everything to kryptonite/PPE parts. My PPE tuner, gets me +21-23 mpg highway and +-18 city. Just remember if you buy one, there almost 20years old, prepare for stupid issues I mentioned(brake lines, hoses, fuel lines) once you replace these parts your good to go. If your not a do it yourself, mechanically inclined person, (learn the truck), do the work yourself, or prepare for spending $$$. Meaning replacing brake lines cost $200 for every line. Having a mechanic or dealer replace them probably $1,500-2gs. Do the work yourself, save money or buy a Malibu! DURAMAX FOR LIFE HERE!!!!
Thanks for the comment and stopping by the channel!! I agree 100%! I plan to eventually redo my LLY front end as well with quality stuff like you did and not have to worry about it.
I totally agree , I just bought the DT750 trans from calibrated power 6spd conversion and wow my LLY rolls down the highway at 1,920rpms at 80+ mph pulling down 22+ Mpgs
So far, this video is one of the best breakdowns I’ve seen for Duramax. Are there any major differences between the 2500 setup and the 3500 that should be mentioned? What are these trucks rated to tow legally? I’m not interested in hearing from someone that towed their neighbors 747 across the cow pasture.
@@stayfreenotsafe Thanks for the compliment, a lot of thought went into this video! One major difference between the 2500 and 3500 is that all 3500s get the larger 11.5" rear end (gas/diesel) whereas only the diesel 2500s get the 11.5 rear end. Good question though. Thanks for watching!
I think it’s funny how relatable this is for me because I travel the country pipe welding in plants and I bought a malibu to travel with for the fuel mileage. I’ve been all over the country from the carolinas to cali and everywhere in between and the only thing I’ve replaced on the Malibu was the battery and 1 headlight bulb. Extremely reliable. I just bought one of the cleanest lly’s I’ve ever seen a month ago with cash and in the process of modifications and preventative maintenance. Taking the torsion keys off of it from previous owner and dropping it back down to stock. Now I’ll be able to take my Harley on the road with me instead of having it shipped. Really Looking forward to traveling with the lly, always wanted a duramax hopefully it’s good to me.
Ur a random stranger on the interwebs talk shizz section...me nor anyone else has anything to prove to you. What do i care of some random person or the Gods of diesel trucks have a certain faith in milage on my dang truck dude. Please explain why we should all post a pic of something just so you and all the other little minner-net doubters are worth validating my life too. If the sarcasm wasn't enough I'd be obliged to tell you to somewhere and f@#k off. @jimjim6803
I'm debating in buying a 35k miles 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 6.6L V8 2500HD DURAMAX DIESEL for $28,000 or buying a new truck that would cost me double of that. Any recommendations?
LLY’s are probably one of the best Duramax’s you can get. If you replace that mouth piece and intake with a LBZ one and put a oversized aftermarket radiator, tuned and deleted they’re just great. Also if you upgrade the head gaskets and studs it will be pretty much bullet-proof
I have a 05 LLY with 260k miles I’ve done a head gasket and EGR delete. Done a turbo swap along with down pipe to straight pipe. Full cold side HSP piping followed up with EFI tuning from calibrated power to play it on the safe side. I’ve driven this truck from west coast to the east and it’s been thru Ohio winters and Minnesota as well. Love my truck even when your offered more then what you paid for it. I bought it for $15k back in 2010 still have it till this day 🎉2023 coming soon
I bought my 05 LLY in 2010 for $25k, with 38k miles. Still only has just under 60k miles. It'll be my retirement truck after I sell the 02 Silverado I mostly drive now.
I just picked up an 05. Added S&B MP. Mbrp down pipe mbrp 4" exhaust with muffler. Modded stock air box slightly. And a banks hot side 3" turbo pipe. No tune yet. Truck is a whole new beast! Love it
I own 2 2004.5 duramax LLYs the reason they run hot is yes the intake airhorn , but also the radiator and clutch fan is smaller diameter and the fan has 9blades and moves less air , but you can upgrade with LBZ rad and fan , great engine and I've had no serious issues
@rexgratteaux8655 Hey, I see your comment about putting LBZ radiator and clutch fan in LLY. I have an LLY that got hot pulling my trailer up a very long grade and 115°. Will the LBZ radiator and clutch fan fit LLY platform without modifications?
I've had an LLY for 4 years. Had the injectors gone over and the head gaskets (along with a tune from the shop I did work) done along with odds and ends everywhere including the y bridge. Literally after 3 years of running on the 1 tune, I just figured out that I need to turn on efi live on my edge and now I got the sauce I've always thought I was missing. Still barely smokes at all, but will absolutely blow the doors off a powerstroke
@@CSERepair all diesels are gonna be a gamble if they aren't new, but either way still expensive. Just gotta know what you're doing, make sure your injectors and pump are lubricated. And unless you got deep pockets, keep your foot on a diet.
LLY is the goat most definitely, I'm running a mishimoto high performance radiator, intercooler and transmission cooler, full HSP Max Airflow deluxe kit, Flopro 5inch straight pipe, no muffler or resonator, 3 inch Flopro turbo direct pipe.. Currently looking at the RDS 64mm 9 blade turbo as well 💯
I love my LLY, it’s a work horse. You should consider custom tuning! You’ll love yours even more. So much more power, I don’t ever put mine on stage 1 because it feels gutless after keeping it on stage 4 daily driver tune (70hp) when not hooked to trailer. It’s hooked up to fully loaded dump trailer 90% of the time, I maintain it religiously, and it’s quicker than my supercharged Sierra! Just with tune, intake, mouthpiece, and exhaust.
I have a 2006 LLY, and the factory Allison 6 speed transmission. I bought it secondhand in 2018 with 84,000 miles, I currently have 160,000 miles with no major issues. The previous owner had installed a Banks cat-back exhaust, I decided to match it by replacing the factory air intake with the Banks as well. I sometimes refer to it as "old faithful", it's never let me down.
@@countcuda70 they're definitely hard to find (especially in an affordable price range). I have a short bed crew cab, which is what I wanted. The only thing I'm missing is the 4wd (I've gotten stuck a few times), but there weren't any available when I bought mine.
@@jerryreding7369 Took me a while to find mine also. I have a crew cab, short bed, 4x4 though. Had to drive 7 hours for it. Was a decent price but then came all the additions. It's fully built, front to back. Axles, engine, trans $$$
Lly has had AFE CAI, PPE tuner(tow setting level 3),4" cat back exhaust, 3 inch lift, 285/70r17 tires, and custom Transmission tune since new in 2005. Pulled 13k pound 5th wheel it's whole life over the Dakota's, mountains, and the south. Never seen the temp gauge over 190 and only a slight uptick on the trans. I was surprised to read about people having cooling issues on them. 180k miles had to do the head gasket though, that's a real thing. I Get 25mpg empty 18.5 mpg pulling that 13k pounds. Will be adding a lift pump to hopefully extend the fuel system. Father has a 2020 rocky ridge addition, super cool and beautiful truck. You barely know you're driving a diesel and that 10 speed seems flawless. That truck is also ginormous compared to the 2005 body style. My 08 half ton physically seems bigger but the older ones have a lot better visibility and they really did have better build quality then the decade after
I use the AFE turbo mouthpiece, Diamond Eye down pipe along with keeping the cooling stack clean and there is no over heating. Don't abuse the truck when towing and the LLY will be just fine.
I AGREE, I have 2004.5 that I bought in 2006, it now has almost 500k miles, I’ve put S&B mouth piece and Banks Economind tuner, Banks cold air intake and Banks exhaust, I had to do head gaskets about 325k miles and a new OEM Garrett turbo at about 400k. About every 150k miles I’ve had to replace the fuel filter head/primer. That’s all I’ve done in 17 years. I just bought another 2004.5 with 143k miles on it, for my 16 year old son. So yes I defiantly agree.
I’m loving my LLY which I’ve owned since new. I’ve I replaced the air inlet elbow, I replaced the turbo outlet down pipe, I replace the exhaust pipe went from 4 inch to 5 inch with a 6 inch top tip. I removed the cat. I removed any obstructions from the front of the grill. I replaced the transmission oil from Dextron 6 to Amsoil torque Drive and installed a PPE Deep and finned transmission oil pan. Finally I unplugged the EGR valve. Now when I tow my 32 foot fifth wheel with a boat behind it my fan clutch doesn’t even kick in and my transmission barely gets warm amazing! One more thing. The water pump is gear driven. So If the fan belt breaks you still have cooling fluid pump operation ( marine grade) Forgot about the cold air intake I installed a while back. Also went from 16” wheels to 18 inch wheels
Love to hear this!! There aren't many 1 owner LLYs left out there! Those all sound like great modifications and I can't wait to do the rest of that to my LLY! Does unplugging EGR valve cause a C.E.L.? Good to know about the water pump, that is sure nice! Thank you for watching!!
I have 264k miles on mine, replaced the inlet with S&S and filter, added the fuel lift pump and blocked off the stock fuel filter, had to rebuild the tranny and replaced the cp3 pump , I think that’s about it, it’s a work truck 4x4 crew cab 8’ bed
My buddy spent 30k on a 07 lbz with 120k on the clock. Then, he had to spend another 10k to get it road worthy. It's from the rust belt, so the undercarriage is rusted to shit. I bought a 05 LLY for 13k with 72k on the clock. It came from AZ not a spec of rust. I'd rather save 25 grand and put a little into an LLY any day of the week.
I have the 06 LLY and honestly I think it’s probably the most reliable duramax. With it being a detuned lbz you can tune it up a little bit and be at a decent horse power level and get the benefits of custom tuning at around the original hp of an lbz so your not loading it up with power your getting good times and getting good power while keeping it very reliable and still being nice to that 6 speed trans. Mind you I’m at 330k stock trans and everything still drives smooth knock on wood. Good trucks.
I actually just had a DT 750 trans from Calibrated Power put in my truck with the 6spd conversion and tuning , I absolutely love the trans and lower rpm highway cruising and top end power it has , 80mph 1,920rpms
@@codyyellott117 There are 2006 LLY's. Now I will say this is only due to engine coding issues that occurred from EPA issues GM had coming out with the LBZ. That is at least to my understanding, I could very well be wrong about the reason. The 2006 LLY's are "Essentially" LBZ's that are detuned from the factory. There's not very many 06 LLY coded Duramax's, so it's actually pretty neat to see someone who has one. But to your defense as well, they are mechanically and short of tuning and code, an LBZ.
Nah my dude, if you look up the VINs there were indeed some 06's with LLY, I have one and I have crossed and matched all numbers on the vehicle@@codyyellott117
Good evening, purshesing a 2005 duramax in 2006 with 9000.0 miles on it for 28000.00 from a dealer in 2006 thh truck listed for 48500.00 Best purchase I ever made I like you right a way installed the LBzl intake inlet on the turbo right away and did the pvc reroute and never looked back! I installed cory Wilson efi live tunes and have had nothing but great mileage average around mileage 19.5 20.5 on the highway with the 5 speed transmission I rebuilt it in 2019 and 5 days after I finished it with Texas parts i had 4 different people trying to buy it from me on the same day sitting at a fleet farm in Minnesota and I had to say I'm sorry! One guy offered me 19000.00 of to the side and I said sorry! I will never regret my purchase of this truck ! It's been the best investment i have ever made! My brother has every duramax from 2008 to 2020 and they have nothing on my 2005 other than in cab luxury! Still have original injectors and original turbo and catalytic converter! 366.000 miles and counting You can have all that new stuff! When I bought this truck I told myself this is the last truck I'm going to buy
I just purchased a 2006 GMC Sierra SLT Duramax 6.6 crew cab motor runs amazing motor and service was well looked after it has 639599km on it unfortunately has some rust but I’m fixing it up.
I just bought an LBZ last month, 4/29/2022. After doing lots of research i chose LBZ over LB7 and LLY for two main reasons. 1) Least amount of issues and 2) 6 speed Allison ready to go. I still considered LLYs, but only if they where low miles for a good price. I didnt come across one before i found the LBZ i ended up buying. Its almost been two weeks now and i am happy with the purchase so far.
Once I was driving a 2004 Chevy 4500 Duramax it had about 104,000 miles on it and pulling a load up a hill it blew a radiator. It had never run hot. I believe it just had a weak radiator. I like the truck and the Duramax LLY that was in it. It had good toque
I’m in a love hate relationship with my LLY. It’s cost me three arms and a half a leg to get it reliable Fully loaded and deleted banks 4”straight pipe banks intercooler and radiator s/b intake and elbow hsp. Y bridge and down pipe ppe manifolds and ppe race valve Exergy 30% over injector and sportsman tuned cp3 as well a fass 165 and sump. 6spd transmission swap with deep pan. Merchant auto transfer case and water pump. Setting on a 8” fabtech lift full kryptonite front end new locking AAM trussed axels pro comp 72” ladder bars setting on 37x12.50.17s. It a good truck but now it runs and drives good the body’s going out I’ve had lb7 and a lml. This has been my favorite when running right but has cost 3x the lml and 6x the lb7 in parts. And as I talk I forgot my block heater burned up so I guess I gotta get one for winter
Owned a 2005 since January 2007(27k miles). 253k miles. Egr delete. Ppe tuner level 2. Replaced front end 1.5 times. Surface level rust on frame. Spent $2500 fixing rocker panels last October. Alternator replaced. Bearing pulley in serpentine belt system replaced. 80-120k miles towing camper across whole USA. Couldn't be happier with this truck. Funny thing is I didn't want a Duramax. I was gonna get a Cummins or power stroke.
Thats awesome to hear! That's a long time to own a truck nowadays! I am starting to think about replacing front end parts on my truck, but wow it's expensive for quality parts. Keep on truckin' and thanks for watching!!
I have had my lly for 9 years an it’s been an amazing truck I’m at 330k an still runs so smooth only problem is over heating while towing big hills now I’m going to try that turbo peice see what that does
Also a LLY owner almost got 400k on mine no major issues ever have to say it’s reliable for sure 2 sets of injectors Hand full of water pumps Two power steering pump Injector harness had a factor issue lasted me 350k miles before it took a poop One ac pump Beside some rubber hoses that about it
Bought brand new '05 lly 2500wt crew cab had 6 years had no problems 157k miles.. traded for' 06 lbz 3500 2 door flatbed 12 ft wt . 58 k miles. Still have ,worked harder and have had problems need addressed but the engine runs like a top even though egr codes turbo vain etc/ Stock ..you wouldn't hardly notice,, unless you had a brand new one beside it to compare to it.. very little difference in power versus my '05 lly310/605 # ft -versus the '06 lbz 360/650#ft although the crew cab LLY weighed right at 2000# less than the lbz with a 12 flatbed.. you got a good truck with that Duramax you shouldn't have a problem for a long time. just keep it stock and replace a that EGR with a Sinister Diesel replacement around 150-200k miles(still on my to do list only 203k miles on the LBZ )you'll be fine brother 🛻🔧
I'm new to the diesel industry. I bought an '04 Topkick C4500 with a second gen LLY. A little underpowered considering the curb weight is 11,500 on this truck. But nothing a tune won't fix
364k mile gmc lly here. Nursing a bad head gasket, but the truck has over 1600 running hours completely stock. (Excluding the just recently swapped LBZ intake) Doing head gasket and studs soon and let the mods commense.
Lbz has 6speed(very big deal) & Lbz also has 50 more horsepower strictly through tuning-oh & my tuned 2004.5 LLY has 643k miles on it & I’ve never been into the engine (other than headstuds & head gaskets) & never been into the Allison 5speed either-it’s driven pretty hard daily 🤷♂️ best truck & the most fun I’ve ever had 👍🏼
I have 4 generations of duramax currently. 03 lb7, 2004.5 lly, 2007 lbz, 2008 Lmm . I love them all….but I’d take the LBZ over any of them. 6 speed Allison, it’s just refined better than the lly. And the cp3 injection pump puts our 26k psi.
The only part on my lly that worries me is the ficm. But with only 146,000 miles it runs perfect and if I drive like an old lady I can get 22 mpg with it on the hiway with a crew cab long bed truck with heated leather seats.
Thanks for watching! Forgot to mention the MPGs in the video, but I agree, 20+ is certainly realistic. Sounds like a nice truck - sometimes wish I had the crew cab!!
someone mentioned airbox mod, the factory box is just fine... there is tape from factory on fender well, take that off and run some foam insulation strip around airbox and you have one of the best TRUE CAI you can get...
I maybe shouldn't say this but ..My LLY 04.5 has just turned 400k miles, its never see salt except for a 100 mile trip, goes to Canada in spring, back to AZ in Oct. Did a injector harness upgrade, water pump, nothing else on eng, im not sure but its never had black oil, never, I use Rottela, Delo, odd time the Esso stuff, name escapes me 1300 ?? It likes Delo best. Never added oil, change it at 6k no matter what, I've pulled heavy 20' gooseneck, 32' RV pulled Rockie mountain passes, even the Grapevine both ways heavy, I dont try to race, I take the truck Lane up and down unless its crawling, I did have a heat issue, but found a plugged core on the outside, washed it out, at Water pump change. Ive been puzzled about no black oil, my trade of HD Mechanic has seen black. But I'll l take it, the truck is awesome. I ride with a 100 gal tank, gets me to Canada and back, no fuel stops. Im adding a racor water seperator as its had the fuel filter checkvalve not funtioning, needed a filter housing. Was stopped at a road closure here in BC due to car fire that became a forest fire, hot day, about 2 hrs idling for AC we got sent back, crazy 10 minutes later forest service opened the Hiway, It was fun watching the water bombers 7 of them dip water out of Okanagan Lake and dump, but when I went to take off to u turn it went into limp mode, threw a lite, pulled over, not hot, gauges normal, primed the fuel filter, away we went, stayed on awhile then went out, got home threw my Innova on it, low rail pressure, did a live, drive test, above minimum, so I i changed the filter, cut it open, wasn't that bad, thus its getting a Racor which I can go to 2 micron, been thinking of the Cat fuel adapter too, and maybe the oil as well, Ive just never seen a need, its been so awesome. But this old retired geezer doesn't have need to or able to buy a new one, keep this one running, its getting a complete paint soon in AZ, the clear coat is flaking. Im a chevy guy, OEM too, pissed me off no new seat upholstery from GM, and and small steering box leak, and no seal kits available, What happened to the " Longest living truck " fight that used to be. For some of you, i did this on a used 1 ton I bought dead at Auction to flip, and did, I put Valvoline Restore, sold only thru Cummins as ISX had sticking ring issues, due to EGR, long oil change interval, didnt fix all. Look up Cummins TSB 150163 it'll speak for itself. Check EBay Valvoline Restore, not restore protect version, look at it, 1 guy sells it $270 for 3 jugs, he's flexible, he's out of Georgia it was amazing the crap that came out, but have filters handy, change at first 100 miles, no cold starts, filter may bypass, cut filter see if your got black sugar, i did, carbon. Be careful. Change filters lots, run it a regular change, read the TSB.
Agree with your points. In 2005 I bought a new GMC with LLY Duramax been and excellent work truck, retired in to a yard plow truck few years ago but going to put it back on the road and park my 2014 Ram, still no codes on my GMC when you put a scanner on it, the dash on the Ram looks like a Christmas display, cant keep the warning lights off, seems there is always something setting them off
The factory turbo on an LLY is 62mm not 64. 2006 Vin code 2 LLY is mechanically an LBZ. The engine came out before the LBZ tune was approved. GM used to offer the retune at the dealer. In 2006 was also the start of the 6 speed. Yes, Allison 1000 from 2001-2005 has a 6th gear that was turned off from the factory. 2003 - 2007 had the same interior/exterior with exception to the hood. 2003 and 2004 have a different hood then 05 - 07. LBZ had piston issues usually in higher HP. LLY/LB7 would bend rods. LB7 and LLY have the same block and rotating assembly. Heads, injectors and turbo are different. Also, most places that used to sell metal impeller water pumps have switched to plastic. They seem to fail less
If I can provide any information I own a LLY 2005, about 300,000 miles, have pulled heavy loads at the limit of the truck. installed a custom goose neck hitch. know issues, fuel filter- water separator overheat in summer 100+ temp. causes leakage and vaporization of fuel in the line. fuel water separator sealing problems due to relief plug-bolt. I have used both brass and plastic. Brass works better in cold weather and plastic in warm weather. I have replaced the master cylinder, Batteries, seals on the HVAC system, the shocks, the break pads and drums, alternator, serpentine belt, I have replaced the 2 and 7 fuel injector plugs using the repair kit, I have replace the head lamps and their housing, the mirrors (have the original doormans but they are damaged), the tail gate retention pins (with paper clips) and handle, I personally have performed every oil and fuel filter change, and replaced the control unit for the seat. things I want to replace or upgrade: I want LED head and tail light. I need to replace an AC senor that is malfunctioning in the dash board. the coolant system is leaking somewhere and I cannot identify where. head liner is falling down. want a solution for the pressure loss on the fuel-water separator in both extreme cold and hot weather. I'm tired of traveling with water just to cool off my engine when it over heats. will probably have to replace the compressor for the HVAC soon. I made a custom retaining pin for the head lamps, lost the original. I lost the guide tube for the spare tire, I really wanted something I could use a power drill for. need to repair fog lights (fogged over), and the switch (broken/ stuck from wear). replace windows with tinted windows to block the sun from heating the cab. get the upgrade package for towing. based on my experience the LLY durmax with allison is the best model of the low end of power for the Heavy duty diesels for both day travel and towing. desired future improvements that may make the truck more effective: Hybrid modification (hybrid electric) Heavier steel bumpers electronic upgrade kit (to improve electrical management and hardware, so I can charge my work tools and computer with the freed up power or add accesories). under rear fender tool box, so I can free up space in the cab and still carry my tools. back up and driving camera upgrade kit collision avoidance upgrade kit fuel cover locked cover option to add DEF and DPF (I don't much care if I do or don't, but it may become compliant in the future and I want the option) most of my grips are with the frame the truck is built on and not the actual engine.
Thank you for the comment and for watching! Great to have someone with lots of LLY experience on here!! I can relate to a lot of those things you've fixed!
Bought my 04 1/2 GMC dually new. I have removed the converter and installed a summit down pipe back exhaust system. Changed the restricted left exhaust manifold. Put on larger up pipes and a unrestricted down pipe then deleted the EGR system. Installed an AFE turbo inlet with larger turbo hot and cold pipes. Also have a cold air intake, I am sure I have forgot other things. This improved my fuel mileage towing 28,000 lb to 11.5 to 13 mpg depending on my right foot. Empty it gets 20 to 22.7 and has way more power than when I used a tuner adding 100 hp and torque 15 years ago. Now the truck has 200,950 miles and does not use any oil. I am in southwest Colorado
i bought my LLY in 2007 I now have 235k trouble free miles. ive only replaced batteries and water pump... and #2, #7 icepick harness mod after limp mode, for $60 get the LBZ mouthpiece, keep fins clean on radiator i tow my boat in mid summer and never gets over 200f... cheap and fun to mod, i wont post all ive done to motor😀
They are SOLID trucks!! I've heard about the ice pick mod - hoping I don't have to do mine anytime soon but at least I sorta know what to do when it does happen. Keep on truckin' and thanks for watching!
Just getting my 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD off non op. It was overheating after a deer hit that also damaged grill and bumper (both of which I have replacements for). It is at the mechanic's and he thinks a new radiator is needed. SHould I get a larger aftermarket one? Should I also have him replace intake elbow while he's at it? New tranny/engine oil cooler while he has it? Or should I get these done later? It's all stock with factory tow package and I am original owner--has 220K mi. Will be putting a 1900 lb. truck camper on it. Previously used to haul hay and 23' gooseneck horse trailer. No problems until deer hit. I'm putting 265/75/16 tires on it. It needs to pass CA smog, so no deletes. Objective: safety and reliability.
That's a good question, and I'm no mechanic myself so i don't really feel qualified to answer that. I know it's a late response, but I would look into getting the LBZ radiator and just for future reliability and resale value. I never had overheating problems with my stock LLY radiator though. Thank you for watching!
The LBZ is basically an upgraded LLY. Hence the premium on LBZ's. The head gasket vs. pistons comparison isn't 1 v 1. There are more head gasket failures on the Lly's than there is piston failure on the lbz's. I would go as far to say that llys are "more known" for having head gasket failures than lbz's are of having piston failures. Regardless, I don't think that gives an LLY the edge just because a head gasket failure costs less than a piston failure. You have to consider failure rate. The six speed upgrade is a big difference. You've suggested it would only be about "$2000" more to upgrade the LLY to a 6 speed but that's debatable. Again, regardless of that cost, it's still costing more money and time when an LBZ already has it. Also, the LBZ has more base hp and torque. Anyway, I don't see how an LLY is "better" than an LBZ when they're basically the same truck with a few upgrades to the LBZ.......which would actually make it "better". I think the only argument is that LLY's are cheaper than an LBZ but that doesn't make the truck better. Maybe they're (LBZ) more expensive because they're better.
It's not just headgaskets vs pistons. The pistons are not usually and issue until higher horsepower. Headgaskets are an issue on stock and modified LLY. The rods on a LBZ are stronger then an LLY. The block is also stronger on an LBZ
I have a crew cab long box 04.5 lly with the 5inch exhaust plus 2 inch lift and a 2 inch body lift. No tune, egr does not work but not blocked off yet, stock down pipe, and rad. No overheating issues, serious throttle response and gets 21mpg with mud tires on it. Gotta say, I really don’t get why people dislike this year?? 🙃
They just have a couple issues that make some nervous. Head gaskets are an issue. Overheating is an issue. Not an issue but most want the factory 6sp. They are a good engine though
Just towed a car hauler and a 90 crew cab long box on it. No over heating issues, stayed at 110 at most. If cooling becomes and issue, gonna throw a 8.1L rad in it.
@@countcuda70 The size and how it fits in with my welded up grill and bumper. Also wanted to experiment and try it out lol. If it sucks I’ll let you know and swap it back 😂🤘🏼
Just bought a 05 lly for 20k its got 175k miles clean asf its got Arp head studs, upgraded cooling system like bigger radiator and better water pump, lift pump and it's on efi live 5 switch up to 240 hp on the tune I usually run it on 120 but trans also had a upgraded cooling system
ive redone the entire body on mine since I was afraid of the cp4 pump. Ive got arp head stud grade c gasket, lbz mouthpiece and never been able to overheat it
@@countcuda70 Do you think I dont know that? That's why I redid the body on my lly and kept it instead of replacing it with a a 2012. FYI I've been raising the alarm bell for years on the cp4 with my videos showing the major flaws and changes side by side.
@@Nordic_Mechanic I don't know you. So I'm not sure what you know and don't know. I misread how you meant that first sentence. I thought you did the body and engine work because you were worried about your cp4 failing. It why I said what I said. Now that you have replied with a little more information. I understand what you meant now
@@countcuda70 No worries, misreads happens. I'll currently working with a company and I'll soon have fiberglass quarter panels for the duallies. That will replace the SMC fenders with true fiberglass or even carbon fiber . Stronger, lighter...REPAIRABLE. Just like wallis was doing for a while, but they closed down long time ago.
still goin strong original injectors,altenator, built trans,studded headgaskets ,tap shifter ,original cp3 w fass lift, no tune,under 200k miles,van thermostat housing, cognito a arms ,daily driver no emissions, stock turbo,s&b intake with modded fender, cold air,fusion bumper w winch,roll pan in back...in 1.5 yrs its a classic,original owner,😊😊
Hmm I'd look into getting the LBZ/SB turbo inlet horn/mouthpiece. That is what helped my LLY never overheated entire time I'd owned it! Thanks for watching!
Mines bulletproofed, efi live 5 switch, 4.5 inch exhaust all the way back with fast fuel system I'm switch the turbo inlet piece soon egr delete is on the list as will it's only got 170k miles
I just pick up a 06 LLY 280k+ miles and still strong but what I found interesting and confusing was that when I go on “M” gear it has 6 gears instead of 5. If someone knows why lemme know
Any older Duramax’s are 10x better then any brand new overpriced diesel engine these run forever if maintenance good and don’t have so many issues very built engine, transmission, and the bodies and more likely outlive any brand new trucks.
I see a brand new Cummins diesel need a rebuild and transmission rebuild because they overheated and see people want to trade for a older Duramax diesel because they more reliable!
I had a 2005 lly and there's absolutely no way it will gap a new L5P with a 10-speed. After driving a new 10 speed you'd never want to tow with a five speed. For the time the LLy was good but it's completely outdated.
Haha that's my bad, I meant that the LLY would get the jump off the line from an L5P, simply because of throttle response, but quickly loose to the finish line. Those 10 speeds are sure nice for towing but I still wonder about longevity since Allison didn't truly make it. GM has a bad reputation for automatic transmissions. I have driven a lot of L5P 10 speeds and they are sure nice if I could afford one!
@605LIFE I do remember the lly having very quick throttle response but I prefer more linear throttle response on the new trucks Also one of my trucks with the 10 speed has 150,000 mi on it and absolutely nothing wrong with the transmission.
@@hyrumh8305 Glad I'm not the only one who thinks that about the LLY throttle response but I totally don't blame ya for liking those L5Ps!! Most L5P guys are too cool for my channel - so thanks for stopping by. Keep on trucking!
LLY wasn't the first engine. The LB7 was. LLY was the 2nd. Also, it's Isuzu. They didn't build the Duramax either. GM and Isuzu partnered together in 1997. Was a 60/40 split. They created Dmax LTD in Moraine Ohio. That's where all 6.6L Duramax engines have been built. Well, up until Brookville, Ohio opened anyways. Isuzu never built or made the Duramax. Was a new engine when it was manufactured. No different than AVL an Austrian design company for the 6.7L Powerstroke or Case for the 5.9L Cummins. As of May 2022. GM owns 100% of Dmax LTD
I forgot to mention one more thing , Another version of the LLY was made up to 2006 vin 2 its basically a detuned LBZ but no less it's an LLY , Thank for your channel
@@bryanhines34 if you have a 2006 LLY. It's mechanically the same as an LBZ. The engine was introduced before the LBZ tuning was approved. The 2006 is an LBZ with LLY tuning.
LMM guy myself, the LBZ was/ is arguably a better platform than the LLY. Only reason i have an LMM is because they are cheaper than LBZ's and just as/ more reliable when you disable regen and delete the dpf.
@@happygnome4620 I prefer the look of the 2003 - 2007 Cat Eye. Not a big fan of the 2007.5 - 2014 look. GM got it right again with the 2015 - 2019. This is a personal opinion. Everyone has their own.
I have a 05 running 35s and it was always a bit of a struggle to steer at idle. I ordered a new steering pump from PSC. 300 bucks and a Sunday afternoon, I can steer with my pinky now. Best pump on the market.
About to get my first diesel but can’t decide between a duramax or cummins I’m still in high school so obviously can’t afford to much but I just worry about a duramax costing more to work on I’ve heard cummins are cheaper and easier to work on but kinda want a duramax
Cheaper, not really. Easier to work on, depends. For the most part yes but plug and play is pretty on the Duramax and Cummins. Obviously not the 12v. You have to work to get power out of them. Some of it can be free though. A lot depends on the year trucks you're looking at. Sure a 12v or 24v are cheaper with initial cost but are hard to find clean. Those will command a price. Most are rust buckets. Unless you're going after a manual truck. The automatic behind the Cummins stock is terrible. Allison is a better transmission. They're about the same to build depending on the horsepower level you want to go. I have a built 12v and LBZ. I like the smooth nature of the LBZ/Allison over the rawness of the Cummins/NV4500. Plus the Duramax is a lot quieter. Makes long drives more pleasant. Not to say the new CR Cummins aren't nice too. Still have the sloppy trans. 47rh/e or the 48re are not really built for the Cummins. The 68re in the new trucks are terrible also. I prefer the interior of the GM more then Dodge/Ram. It's more comfortable to me. With the Ram. You're buying an engine. The rest of the truck I don't care for. All of this is subjective. I gave you what I prefer. Ultimately you will need to go drive them both and decide what's most important for you.
@@countcuda70 thank you so much yeah if I got a cummins it would probably be a 6 speed 24v I drive one and a 5 speed 12 valve at work but have always wanted a duramax so I’m trying to find someone with one that would let me drive theirs
Thanks for watching! Haha I'm biased but I say Duramax for sure, and chances are you'll find an LLY priced right out there somewhere, even in this market!
Everything about a dodge is better than a GM. It’s built like a truck, not a big car. Having worked in autobody, it’s obvious that the GM trucks are just awful. A mild fender bender in a Dodge or ford, you’re replacing the bumper. On a GM you’re replacing the bumper, weak bumper brackets, radiator, hood and fenders will bend right above the wheel arch. Absolute junk. The inner door panels are a joke, they’ve got an interior panel that the window motor mounts to and you have to reach in to get things disconnected, cutting your arms as you go. The engines themselves are about the same, yes the Cummins is easier to work on, no denying that. The auto in the Dodges isn’t that bad stock, and great built.
I bought on 9/1/2022 with 10K in upgrades, window sticker, 45 gallon tank, airlift, Apple 9000 stereo, 5" banks exhaust and intake, ALL LED lights, 18" Fuel Rims and newer toyo tires and EFI live tuning I paid 30K
So I have a 2006, LLY five speed, Kodiak Monroe package, RV hauler. Is there a downpipe from S&B for that unit? I have 128,000 miles on this unit and have just replaced the fuel primer pump in the is a Filter between the two rear tanks everything I read says it’s a good idea to put a premium Pass fuel filter and separator on my truck to help preserve the P3 pump and help longevity of the injectors. Is this a good idea
I'd definitely recommend installing a lift pump for better fuel delivery, reliability, and filtration. That's a good question about the down pipe, I'm not as familiar with the 2006 LLY so I don't feel qualified to answer. I have heard that the 06 LLY is just a de-tuned LBZ so I would think a 3" S&B LBZ down pipe would still work. Thanks for watching!
Got a question I have a 2005 lly duramax that has 262k on it and got it at 252k couple of things I've noticed with it runs fine but one problem that just came up was when I was trying to pass someone it went to shift down and slipped out of gear had to pull over shut it off and ran well after that. one other question is that it's starting to start slower and slower not bad but noticeable I know I live in MN so its cold but it will be plugged in and on a trickle charge as well and over the winter been starting slower even in warmer weather im thinking its starting to be time for new injectors. if that is the case what injectors should I get and when I go to do them should I replace things such as head gaskets I wouldn't know what brand to go with or what to go with and then I would also do ARP head studs just looking for anything else you guys would replace well its apart. I tow a 40ft toy hauler for work around the country as im a pipeliner so it gets worked good speedily going through the mountains.
Thanks for the comment! I've never experienced the trans slip in my LLY so I don't even want to try to guess. As far as the slow starting, my truck has certainly done that and it turned out to just be bad batteries, sucked since it was like $450 for both and the old ones weren't that old I thought. Sounds like you may have already tried that kind of thing though with the help of a trickle charger, those tend to help batteries last much longer. Thats a good question on other suggestions for replacements while you're in there but I honestly don't feel that qualified to give advice haha. I haven't done much/any internal mods yet unfortunately. Thanks for watching and keep on on trucking!
It went into limp mode. Usually happens on the 5-4 downshift. If it happens once or twice you may be okay but it will get easier and easier to have happen. Injector choice depends a lot on what you want to do with the truck. You want a little or a lot of power. If you do bigger injectors and a tune or a big efi live tune. You will need a trans or additional supporting mods. Lift pump is a good idea also. LLY Duramax doesn't have one from the factory. As for head gaskets. Thats up to you. If you want the extra cost or downtime
LLY loosing fuel prime, usually after filter changes. Then they hit you with new fuel lines, my answer was tighten the fuel line clamps. Bought mine new in 05. Had to do the tranny twice, the first switched to Amz--o-l trans fluid, it was too slick, number three clutch failed. A 5 micron water air separator installed when bought. Always used fuel lubricants, head gasket failed, other than that it is a great truck. I won't buy the new ones that run on weasel piss and diesel. Mine has a large exhaust, chipped and can give and has given fast cars a run for their money. So in a year or so I will rebuild the truck and drive it for another 20 years.
I own 2 2004.5 LLY DURAMAX my black ext cab has motorops efi live tuning k&n cai LBZ mouthpiece ppe ported fuel fitting fass165 hsp 3" hotside pipe mbrp3" DOWNPIPE MBRP 4"EXHAUST TRANSGO shift kit , ppe oil pan and trans pan also thoroughbred welded waterpump , zero issues 308k miles stock headbolts puts down 530rwhp 1126 tq , very reliable DMAX
The 23 l5p lt has leather seats ..Also the some 06 trucks apply to zero true lly trucks... any 06 lly is a lbz mic the injector body outer dia... intake runners sre different heads different whole bottom end if different execpt for bearings
An 06 LLY is an LBZ. No differences at all. The LBZ engine was released before the tune was approved. An 06 LLY is an LBZ engine with LLY tuning. Not sure if GM dealers still do it or not. Years ago you could have the LBZ tune put on an 06 LLY.
By brother and I are currently working on his LLY duramax truck. It has a problem we are unable to figure out. It will run fine until the truck gets up to temperature then it will knock and run badly. The number one cylinder has had the injector replaced with no change in performance. All the fuel lines have been replaced as the lines have been pinched down over time. The FICM has been sent out for repair twice. We've checked the voltage to each of the injectors and they will get voltage when the engine is cold but not when it warms up. After all this work still the problem exists. It happens only on the passenger side of the engine. We are now looking at the ECM. Any other ideas to consider?
That's a tough one. At first I was thinking you might need to do the "ice pick" fix to the injector wiring plug/harness, but that still wouldn't explain why it only happens when it's up to temp. Wish I were more helpful. Thank you for watching!
@@countcuda70 A good scanner would be able to tell you. You might even be able to borrow a scanner at a parts store like Oreillys if they offer the right model.
@@605LIFE That wasn't for me. I was asking a question from the original post here. They said they had an issue. I was trying to get more information from them. I have a couple scanners that read that information. Also have a CTS3. Have gone through a lot of issues over the course of my build. Used the scanner more than I thought I ever would. Thank you though.
Can you tell me what part is and the name of the part that you put on the back of the turbo inlet mount piece so it won’t overheat where did you get the part and where do I find your video on installing it on a Duramax 6.6 turbo LLY. 👍
Here is my Amazon link to one that is only $60-70: amzn.to/3YWEJsF I bought the S&B brand turbo inlet but it was like $200 no joke. This one on Amazon has good reviews and seems to get the job done for way less the cost! You could also swap one from an LBZ - I have heard that it will directly replace the LLY one. Thank you for watching!
question. i'm looking for a dmax to keep a long time and I found an lly with 189k on it he wants 24,000 its fully loaded LT and silver and in pretty good shape overall. do you think it's worth that ? I can't find any lbz for a good price and I don't want lb7
@@krewpunk So true, I debated a gasser forever before finding this truck and falling in love with it! Maybe in 30-90 days the car/truck market will cool off? Hard to say but crazy times! Good luck out there!!
@@krewpunk use the truckmaster used duramax list to really check that truck out and add up the cost of what you have to do to it .hopefully everything is good to go brother👍
I bought my 2004.5 LLY duramax with 206k and it's been the most reliable truck I've ever owned , it now has 325k , My biggest expense to date was replacing the trans with a DT 750 with a 6spd conversion, it now runs even better and pulls down 23-25 mpg empty on the highway , if I were you buy the truck you won't be disappointed