ArkCivEngr

Hello all:

I have a 2006 Silverado 2500HD with the 8.1/Allison combo. I've got the trade itch and am looking at a 3500 SRW 6-spd manual. The only thing that makes me hesitate is that I don't tow/haul very often. Probably no more than 15% of my mileage is under load, although when I do haul, it's fairly hefty: 10k+.

I've read elsewhere that it's not good on a diesel to do a lot of empty running, and I've read that it's not an issue as long as the engine is allowed to reach operating temperature. We're out in the sticks a bit so our shortest 1-way trip is about 12 miles. I also make a 70-mile interstate run twice a week.

I owned a 2003 Ram 2500 with the 5.9 and never had an engine related issue. For quick stops, I always left the engine running.

A co-worker said he gets almost 22 mpg with his 6.7/automatic, and that's running 80 on the interstate. Sound realistic?

If I take the plunge, will there be any break-in actions necessary for the engine or transmission (manual)?

Thanks in advance.

Indiana0331

Make the trade! It's only money...Plus getting away from an Obama Mobile (GM) would be a wise move.

klx650a2

Ok, there is no 6.7 out there that at 80 mph, gets 22 mpg. I can MAYBE coax 22 out of my truck, but that is at 60 mph, empty, no wind at all, summer fuel, no hills and using the cruise control. Also my truck is deleted. There is no way a stock truck can get anywhere close to that even at 60 mph, if you are lucky you might get 18, but most likely 14-16 mpg (do not believe the overhead display either unless you want a good laugh). Maybe if it was sitting on the back of a flatdeck getting towed somewhere you can get that mileage. If you do not use the truck to tow most of the time, are in town mostly and are running around empty or lightly loaded, I would suggest against the 6.7 with the emissions system intact. Mine almost drove me into the looney bin with all the regenerations. Nothing like being in the middle of a busy work day and getting a "ding ding, regeneration required NOW" and having to take a nice leisurely 45 minute drive on the highway to clean things out, dumping a gallon of diesel into the exhaust and contaminating your engine oil, instead of working and making money. Just my 2 cents.

Indiana0331

how far off is the display when it come to MPG?

Dodgetracker

Display's vary, mine I have to subtract 2.5 to be on with hand calc. Others are fairly accurate with maybe .2 -.5 off. My truck (3rd Gen) is stock for now and gets 18 on the hwy, alittle less in town. I have read that some are getting terrible milage in their trucks, I have never gotten the 13-14 mpg. I do most of my driving empty albeit I do have a 38 ft 15K 5th wheel that gets towed on occasion. If it is just the new truck itch, I would say dont do it the itch will pass. You said you dont have a genuine need for a HD truck, but the decision is all yours. Hope this helps. Best to you.

ArkCivEngr

I understand the basics of regen, but how does this process contaminate the engine oil?

How often does the "ding ding regeneration required NOW" happen?

C Schomer

My work service truck is a 02 8.1 with 47k miles and I wouldn't trade my 03 ctd for 10 of them. It's a lo-end tq. beast and that's all the good I have to say about it. The whole truck is very problematic and has left me stranded twice. After having a 97 ctd (best vehicle I ever had) and now the 03 ctd (second best vehicle I ever had) I wouldn't go back to any of the many GMs i've owned. I also wouldn't have a ctd 6.7 with all the emmissions but tha's just me. Craig

mstan

I dont know how many miles is on your 06 model. But if it is 150k and under. NO WAY I WOULD trade. I am sick that I traded my 05 Ford 6.0 with 180k of trouble free miles. Now that i have your attention. The Dodge i purchased is great eye candy. The engine is strong. I bought the 3500 dually Longhorn. It IS NICE!! But it sucks on fuel economy. I gave up 5 mpg from the Ford to the Dodge. Your 06 duramax will beat it bad on mpg's. Dodge doesn't put as much metal in the roof and doors and tailgate as the Ford's. I do not really know much about the Chevy on that subject. I would gladly lose 3K to have my Ford back. Dodge no matter what all the hype at the fuel station says, has issues just like the Ford and the Chevy. Most of it has to do with EPA.
That is my take on it.