Looking for a used 2500HD 4x4 crew cab in the 2001 to 2007 range and under abt $15k.
It would be used to pull abt 9500lbs of boat and trailer, run my kid back and forth to school a few days a week and some occasional mild off-road action.
I've heard the early Duramax engs had injector issues and were difficult/expensive to repair.

If I go gas, it would have to be a 8.1 liter. I've heard nothing but good things abt the 496 and gas mileage isn't a big issue since the truck wouldn't be driven far most of the time.
I've always done my own maint so the gas eng appeals to me from that standpoint.

My current truck has the 4L80 tranny and it's been a good one.
Don't know much abt the Allison's. Do they have locking converters? What years were they available? Any maint issues with them?

I've heard the 06 Duramax is a good choice, but haven't heard much abt the 8.1L changing over the years.

What are the pros/cons of the different year models?
Any issues with the transfer cases?

the 15k is going to be the factor, unless you are ok with high miles the duramax will run higher unless you find a "deal' the allison trans are great have had 2 1st in a duramax 05, now have a 08 same setup, the 8.1 was discontinued a few years back and the only gas choice is the 6.0 on the later ones...can't say much about the gas ones but my duramax's have been great and will tow whatever you hook to them...

I've got a white, 06, 4x4, 4 door, 2500hd, 6 liter gas 150k miles 15k, very stock, but great work truck

My buddy just sold his one owner 2005 2500 Crew LT 6.0 2WD 112K miles for $12,500 last Friday.......Buyer came from Michigan to get the truck because it was so clean.

My buddy figures he paid just over 30K for the truck new, then burned 30K+ in fuel and got 12.5K back.......He said the 6.0 is thirsty, truck never towed a day in its life and was a 3rd car in his house. I drove it a few times and thought it was a sled compared to my similar vintage duramax version of the same truck.

I have been watching 8.1L all over the net for the past couple months. They are HARD to find, and dealers that have them think there is gold bullion stashed in the glovebox.
I want an 8.1L/Allison/SRW for a second truck.

Agreed with all above. I bought mine site unseen 8 states away and negotiated delivery into the price. 4 door, 4x4, 2500hd was my only real search criteria and it was a tough find

Going to the dealer auction tomorrow and weds will see what they are running for here in dallas I usually don't watch them all that close..

The early lb7 duramaxxes had injector issues around 200k ish, the early Allison's had one less gear.. The latter Allison's had the extra. The trans seem fine until about 450-500 hp put to them then they will go into "limp mode".

Some of the transfercases had a wear thru issue can't recall exact yrs on it, seemed to be a very rare issue with them.

Biggest expense on injectors are the injectors themselves..

The 8.1 is a great motor so is the dura max I have had a few dura maxs and one 8.1 and a 6.0. I could have sold a dozen of the crew cab Allison 8.1 truck I had still miss it. The 6.0 is a total gas pig so I liked the 8.1 better. I'd try to get a dura max Lbz is the best started in 2006 I believe, currently have one it is way stronger then my 2002 or 2004.

Thx for all the replies. What was the deal with the injectors on the early Duramax's?
Does the LBZ eng have issues going past 200k miles?
The LBZ equipped trucks I've found in my price range all have close to 200k miles.

I'm actually in the process off looking for a new tow rig myself, And am also looking for a $10-13k gm 4X4 2500... I currently have a 250,000 mile wore out 99' 2500 with the 6.0, and although it still runs great, it Definately is a gas pig! I was scared about getting an 8.1 cause of the bad gas mileage, but I'm only getting 11mpg as it is, so how much worse could it really be it's my question!? And if I can find a 8.1, did they ever put the Allison begins it? If so what years? I love Duramax's, but with my Max price being about $13,000 I'd probably have to settle for an older beat up 200,000+ mi one, so I'd rather go the gas route. A newer 6.0 would be fine with me, but did the gas mileage ever improve??? Any 8.1 owners out there feel free to chime in!