Anybody want a FORD?

[THEFERMANATOR]

Originally Posted by Skools Out

never heard of trans issues either but the duramax did have computer problems where under heavy loads they cut back to 1800 rpm max and very little to no power till you limp them into a dealership to fix the computer.

This wasn't a computer issue, it was limp mode. Normally what would happen is people would install K&N air filters and the oil would get on the mass air flow sensor which would cause the engine to go into limp mode under a hard pull and would cap you at a maximum of 2200 RPM's. Some codes required a a reset in order for the engine to come out of limp. Also 04.5-05's would overheat due to the extra heat from the emissions crap and such and would also go into limp mode. EFILIVE on mine took care of any chances of limp mode causing an issue though.

[spareparts]

I have expanded my seach for a work van to include a GMC or Chevy2500-3500 Van(long cab) with a duramax. I didn't realize GM even offered a diesel in the vans till I started searching. I wpould prefer a GM over a Ford(personal prefernce). Skools/Ferm/ any one?, any input on the Ford or GM. Trying to stay below 10.000 so I'm looking at pre 05 stuff with at leats 100,000 miles on them.

[THEFERMANATOR]

GM didn't offer the DURAMAX in a van until 06, so that sort of gets you there. The old 6.5 isn't a horrible engine, but is by no means a heavy duty diesel you can go beat on day in and day out like the old 7.3L powerstroke. For a diesel van it is hard to beat the 7.3L FORD vans though.

[spareparts]

thats what i though, but I've seen several 02-05 GM vans listing them as duramax, are they the 6.5's?

[THEFERMANATOR]

Originally Posted by spareparts

thats what i though, but I've seen several 02-05 GM vans listing them as duramax, are they the 6.5's?

Yep. they're a decent engine, but do require some upgrades to be reliable.

[spareparts]

I used to work for a company that built street sweepers. we used the 6.5NA(no arse)in the twin engine sweepers(aux engine for the hydraulics). They got a bunch of them from GM at a special deal. They would test drive teh sweepers from one town to antother about 40 miles away. Half of them didn't make it back(spit the cranks thru the pan). We had all kinds of probelms with them. Used the 7.3 mostly, very few problems with them. Used the 5.9, but it didn't match the torque below 1000 rpm that the 7.3 had(ran below 1000 while sweeping). It wasn't untill cummins came out with the 4 valve head that it would work as hard as the 7.3. But thats been a while back, just trying to up to date on them

[RidgeRunner]

The problems with the Allison in 2001 may have been isolated. The torque converter came apart on one of the first trucks to the Florida market. At that stage of the game the dealership was instructed to replace it with a new one (torque converter and tranny). Allison/GM did not trust the technician with the repair. I have heard of injector issues with the Duramax but never had a problem.
The Dodge has them all beat on mileage IMO. Especially with the 6 speed stick which GM discontinued. I like my Duramax and Allison but mileage is 14/17 with a best of 19mpg hwy driving it like there was an egg under foot and no speeds above 65mph. A friends 3500 Dodge dually gets 21MPG interstate with the six speed manual with a small trailer in tow at 70-75 mph. I saw it with my own two eyes and was very impressed with the Cummins power. Mash the accellerator at 60mph in high gear and it pulls, meanwhile my Duramax/Allison is searching for the right cog before accelleration happens. Not that I want a stick mind you, just pointing out the one shortcoming of the Allison slushbox.
Weren't the GM vans that were equipped with the Duramax rated to make less hp and torque than the trucks. I think the tranny was the 4L80E like the tranny behind the 6.0 and big block gas engines, they detuned the engine to help the tranny survive. It was rumored the Allison would not fit in the vans. Unless Ferm gets hold of it :)....