5thwheeleroldman
Texas
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Joined: 06/26/2007
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We only have 86,000 mi on our '06 Duramax and plan to keep using it. It's never really been in the shop, but I'm wondering if I should have GMC replace the belt and look at the injectors, etc. Or do these things just run forever?
We do make long runs across the desert, so a breakdown would be most unwelcome.
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hallock5
Texas
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Joined: 01/30/2012
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Here is a link with some mileage breakdowns and PM to be done...
go here...
2008 Jayco Eagle Superlite 28.5RLS
2002 Ford 4x4 SuperCab 7.3 (Jr International) Diesel
Sad to say, time to sell to a good home.
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1mtnman
Colorado
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Joined: 01/18/2004
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I would certainly change the serpentine belt even though the dealership may tell you it shows little wear. I had one break after being told mine was fine and you are completely dead in the water when that occurs. My tow bill was enough to buy many time what a belt cost.
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robsouth
Near Atlanta, GA
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Joined: 06/20/2004
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Preventive maintenance is a preventAtive action.
"Sometimes I just sit and think. Sometimes I just sit." "Great minds like a think."
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NewsW
US
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Joined: 02/06/2012
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A good rule of thumb is that rubber parts have a 7 year life if you are shooting for maximum reliability.
At that age, I would replace all major rubber parts subject to high stress given your application.
Cooling system:
- rubber hoses upper and lower rad
- change coolant, flush with GM recommended flush
- change thermostat
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Serpentine belt (already suggested)
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Old parts can be kept in trunk as spares.
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Brake fluid flush and fill with new fluid
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If brakes need doing, that is another issue.
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Tires
If they have not already been replaced (7 years) they should be run no more than a few more years --- say 9 from the date of manufacture before they are replaced regardless of the amount of tread on them.
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Charlie D.
E. Texas-Orange
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Joined: 09/12/2006
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Consider replacing the original tranny fluid with Transyd.
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5thwheeleroldman
Texas
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Thanks, makes lots of sense. Probably be out several hundred replacing all rubber, belt, radiator flush, transmission flush, brake flush/check etc, but peace of mind is worth it. Lots cheaper than a new truck.
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RCMAN46
NorthWest
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Joined: 02/24/2008
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Charlie D. wrote:Consider replacing the original tranny fluid with Transyd.
X2 on tranny fluid. Do the pump rub modification if it has not already been done.
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jalichty
Lander, Wyoming 82520
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I believe GM recommends changing out the transmission fluid at 50,000 miles. The fuel filter needs to be changed about every 15,000 miles. I changed out my serpentine belt at about 90,000 miles and it looked good when they took it off. Brakes should at least be looked at although mine on my old 2003 GMC Duramax were good when we sold it at about 103,000 miles. Truck was great for the most part, but I got tired of changing out the PRNDL switch, even under warranty, except for the first time, we had four of them in our truck in 103,000 miles. After the fourth one we decided to get rid of the GMC and try something else so we got a Ram 2500 diesel and so far it's been pretty good except for the last couple of short trips with the boat and the mileage has decreased pretty dramatically.
John A. Lichty
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Ezlife55
Oliver, BC, Canada
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To the OP-you have a the best of the classic body GM's but it still came out of the factory with issues. I have an 04 so I have the expensive injector replacement but they were done at 98k miles so I'm good for a while.
Out of the box issues with your truck will likely include
-leaking transmission cooler lines on the 6 spd
-transfer case pump rub
-short life on the front wheel hubs
-short life on the serpentine belt idler pulleys' bearings
-failure of the trailer hitch welds
-failure of the dash cluster
Your truck is 6 or 7 yrs in service so the coolant should changed. I also did the psteering fld and the brake fluid. And of course the transfer case, diffs and the transmission with Transynd.
I had the transfer case update done at 70K mles and the original clip was still intact.
I also changed out the idler pulleys, belt tensioner and serpentine belt at 100K miles. And had a Curt Class 5 hitch installed.
I just had one front hub go at 107K miles....the other is solid.
Your batteries may also weaken suddenly without warning-mine lasted 8 years I also put on a 3 micron secondary fuel filter to try and reduce the number of opportunities to replace injectors.
So the only out of factory issues I have to look forward to (that I can remember) is the dash cluster. I can't think of anything else extraordinary other than have a look at your maintenance manual.
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