Used Chevy diesel truck?

[GlennGTR]

Looking at some of the older used Chevy diesel trucks. Trying to figure out what year models had the simple conversion engines, which I am told to avoid, and what had the Isuzu engines, which I am told are great little motors. Found one with 79,000 miles, 1996 model. Does anyone know what kind of diesel this truck has in it?

[DIESEL BREATH]

If its a full size pick up it will most likely have a 6.5L Chevrolet diesel if its been re powered at all it could have a 6.2L the 6.5 predecessor. You will need to know that these engines both have some issues as due ANY of the others out there. If you want an engine to work and pull hard probably not the one to buy but if its a commuter and your gonna due more hi way miles then maybe, the 6.2 and the 6.5 have had cooling issues and they love to crack cylinder heads.  They also love to burn up glow plug relays and chew up starters. The parts arnt cheap and to be honest becoming harder to find. I hope this helps not trying to bash any brand name I guess i could say that I 've torn into a few of them. Good luck

[fishcrazy]

If it's 01 or newer it's the duramax. great engines but the first generation had some bugs. I'm a duramax nut! If I can be of any help let me know. The best year for the duramax would be 06-early 07. It's the generation 3 engine or LBZ. I own an 03 and my dad has the 06.

shoot me a pm if ya want.

Kris

[robodad]

I just sold my 04 GMC Duramax and the engine was awesome itself but the rest of the truck was a POS !! I paid twice as much in repairs in that POS then I did in payments, everything between the rear diff $1800 to the transfer case TWICE $2500 oh there was a small  thing to do with the engine...HP fuel pump $2400,  both hubs $1500 oh and the guy that bought it jewed me down by a grand because it needded a new water pump cause it was leaking out the weep hole  Yeah don't get one like that or you'll be sorry !!!

I'll be looking for something real soon but not sure what !! sorry I can't help answer your question !!!

[cohoho]

Good to see you sold the lemon Robo, but I voice a different tune, my 06 Duramax has been awesome, 145K and has been super maintenance free...   Planning on running till at least 300K...  But I am curious to what happened to your transfer case and when and what indicators did you notice problems???  Just keeping an eye open for anything for sure... 

[robodad]

Good to see you sold the lemon Robo, but I voice a different tune, my 06 Duramax has been awesome, 145K and has been super maintenance free...   Planning on running till at least 300K...  But I am curious to what happened to your transfer case and when and what indicators did you notice problems???  Just keeping an eye open for anything for sure... 

I went to put it in 4x4 and it made a terrible noise then slammed into gear, wore out all the guts cause there was no fluid in there and they blamed me, a month later I took it back there and because of noise again and this time I pointed the pump rub hole so they replaced the case that last time and apologized for missing the hole but still sent be the bill !!

[cohoho]

I got a bit of a off set pulling when I put in 4 x 4 this morning as the roads were icy on the way out of Black Diamond, not the typical feeling I am used to.  It seemed one side pulled then back to the other in an alternating pattern.  When it snowed a few weeks ago, I noticed it but figured ice under the snow and tire were my issue as the thread is getting low, but curious to what it might be? 

[jackelope]

GlennGTR when you say easily convertible engines, do you mean the old 350 diesels?
If so that was real old, like early-mid 80's. The 96 truck will have a 6.5 Liter Turbo Diesel built by GM. It has the better of the injection pumps but I still think they were a problem child. The Isuzu built motor would be the Duramax which, as was said earlier, is 2001 and newer. I drove a 94 6.5L turbo diesel truck for a long time and loved it. The injection pump crapped out but was covered by a special policy warranty so it didn't cost me anything to fix.
Those 6.5L TDI engines were good but not great. Fairly powerful but nowhere near the torque of the Cummins of that same time, although they still had plenty of power. Mine pulled a 34' travel trailer for a long time, got me 20+mpg and was a very nice driving truck.

[robodad]

I got a bit of a off set pulling when I put in 4 x 4 this morning as the roads were icy on the way out of Black Diamond, not the typical feeling I am used to.  It seemed one side pulled then back to the other in an alternating pattern.  When it snowed a few weeks ago, I noticed it but figured ice under the snow and tire were my issue as the thread is getting low, but curious to what it might be? 

Check the fluid right away !!

[FC]

I got a bit of a off set pulling when I put in 4 x 4 this morning as the roads were icy on the way out of Black Diamond, not the typical feeling I am used to.  It seemed one side pulled then back to the other in an alternating pattern.  When it snowed a few weeks ago, I noticed it but figured ice under the snow and tire were my issue as the thread is getting low, but curious to what it might be? 

Sounds like it was transferring power left/right due to slipping, how bald are your tires? Not a fluid issue btw.