I'm thinking of getting a crew cab 3/4 ton 4x4 pickup, but I don't really know a whole lot about them.

My dad (who has had several durmax trucks...like 4) was saying something about the late 04s and 05s having overheating issues.

Any other types of issues I should be aware of.

I'll be using it to pull a car trailer and probably a smaller 5th wheel. I'd like to stay under $20k to avoid any payments on it, so I'm guessing that is going to put me into a used 03 or so.

Teach me!

 

I have an 05 duramax and it runs perfect no overheating issues or anything. I have pulled car trailers for my buddies and I have pulled a 32 foot boat with it with no troubles. I think an 03 model would be the older 300 hp 525 ft lb motor compared to the later motors with 310 hp 605 ft lb (mine) and 360 hp 660 ft lb. The only mods I have on the truck are an edge juice programmer and a cold air kit and the truck has run a best of 14.76 in the quarter

 

The LB7 models which will be in your pricerange have known injector problems. But they are covered under a TSB for 7yr/200k. Before you buy the truck run the VIN # and see what all has been done under warranty on it. Go to http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/index.php and subscribe. They are kind enough to run your VIN for free. If you are buying a 6 speed manual the dual mass flywheels tend to go bad under heavy hauling or pumping up the hp and tq. I personally have a 02 LB7 6 speed stick and my injectors are fine and the flywheel is holding up well to a 50hp Quadzilla Stealth 2 tune. I love my Duramax and would recommend one to anybody.

 

well I'm buying a 1/2 ton crew cab today, so no diesel for me, but I'm getting a sweet deal....guess I'll have to bump up the HP on the 5.3L