TUCQUALA
Kennewick, WA
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Joined: 10/29/2003
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Considering a 2002 2500HD w/8.1L, Allison 5spd, 3.73 axles. This is an extended cab short box. Has aboot 83K miles. I currently have a '99 K2500 Suburban w/4.10 axles.
What are the things to look out for, or what are the past problems these may have had? Memory serves me (poorly nowdays) that there has been some engine problems or noise?? Also familiar with the factory hitch problems, don't thing my Jayco at 8100# max would be a big problem. Just curious what others have seen overall.
Did a search with the wonderful "advanced search", with very "retarded" findings!!!
Thanks,
Gerry
'10 Jayco JayFlight 24FBS
'99 K2500 SUBURBAN 7.4L
'03 EXCURSION V10
WENONAH Sundowner 17
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ib516
Up here!
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Joined: 04/18/2003
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The noise is called piston slap (start up rattle). That engine was also known for drinking oil and gas. Good puller though.
http://www.pistonslap.com/
2010 Cougar 322QBS 5er
2007 Dodge 3500 SRW Megacab, 4x4, 5.9L Cummins, 3.73, 48RE auto
HYPERTECH MAX ENERGY or DIABLO PREDATOR tuning
MBRP 4" Turbo back
Scangauge2 for Boost, Coolant temp, Rail press & Trans Temp
Torklift Stable Loads
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Fabguy
Auburn, Washigton
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Joined: 03/29/2002
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Been loving mine for 11 years now!
Yes it uses some oil... Yes it has cold start knock... Yes it drinks gas.... And yes it is a great tow vehicle!
Jeff
2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD 8.1/Allison/4:10/Prodigy brake controler/Dual Cam HP
Pulling a 2004 Sprinter 274 RLS
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StoneyPgh
New Kensington, PA Steeler Country
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Joined: 05/16/2004
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Bought mine with 57K on it. Have not had an oil consumption problem when changing it every 2,000 miles. The 8.1/Allison is an awesome combination, making for a great Tow Vehicle that gets 9-10 mpg towing at 55 mph.
Peter & Nancy --- We never had a bad day camping
'03 Silverado 2500HD LS XC SB 4X4 8.1L/Ally 3.73
Reese Pro Series 15K Kwik Slide Prodigy Controller
'08 Trail Cruiser TC527RL Rear Lounge V-Series 5er
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Engineer9860
Eagle Scout dad
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Joined: 08/10/2003
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My '02 2500HD with it's 8.1L engine pulls like a locomotive.
Only issue I know of is the crank position sensor. Odds are, as old as that truck is the CPS has already been replaced.
I'm sure if that truck has been maintained well, and you can deal with 9~10 mpg towing, you'll love that truck. I know I love mine. No complaints, and I still have my OE CPS.
Oh, BTW, don't let the piston slap deal scare you. These engines are racking up tons of miles, and I know of no early failures, or any failures for that matter resulting from piston slap.
In Memoriam: Liberty Belle
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Megawatt
Goochland Virginia
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Joined: 02/26/2008
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Purchased my 04 new. Love it and would buy another over todays diesels. It does have the cold start knock which goes away in about one minute. No oil consumption at all. Our last big trip with this vehicle was over 5300 miles from Virginia to Yellowstone and it performed awesome. I always average 7-9 MPG towing and 12-14 empty. Mine also has 3:73 gears. The weight you listed would not be a problem at all for this vehicle. Good Luck with your purchase!
2005 Keystone Sprindale 268BHL
2004 Chevy 2500HD LB CC 8.1/Allison
Equalizer, Prodigy
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cwhawkeye
Iowa
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Joined: 03/13/2012
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I have a 2006 2500HD, with 8.1/allison and it's a towing gem. I average 13.8 miles a gallon interstate driving at 70mph unloaded. Towing I get about 9. Driving in town, this giant is a thirsty beast. I'm guessing 5 or 6 in town. My Big Block doesn't drink any oil and has 91,000 trouble free miles. I also hear that cold start knock, but that goes away once the engine is warm.
* This post was
edited 04/12/12 07:37pm by cwhawkeye *
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Randu
South Central Michigan
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Joined: 01/26/2005
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I'm at 120,000 miles on my 04 and have been pulling heavy trailers from day 20. (Needed to do 500 mile break in first 20 days). Just normal upkeep like shocks,belts,tires, etc. Just this week had small exhaust leak on both exhaust manifold gaskets. Also had orginal Allison fluid changed along with both internal and external filters. My repair bill was less than $500. Randu
2004 GMC 2500HD 8.1 Big Block gas
2008 Mobile Suites 36TK3
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montanacamping
Montana
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Joined: 01/19/2012
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I have a 02 Gmc 2500 with the 8.1 and 3.73's. I do not have the oil eating problem but do have piston slap at start up. I have 173,000 miles and it still runs like a champ, a pulling monster. I was always a Ford guy but I wanted to stay with gas because of maint costs, I looked at the V10 but same gpm as the 8.1 with less power than the 8.1. I dont think I have ever loved a truck as much as I love this truck, sure it is hard on gas but I am always happy when I am driving it.
2009 Jayflight G2
2005 Z71 Burb
2002 GMC 8.1 crewcab
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larry barnhart
wenatchee. wa usa
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Joined: 03/30/2001
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We had a 2001 3500 2wd dually with the 8.1 and the 4.10 locker rear gears.
Still like new at 52K miles when we traded for the same truck but the duramax engine. 8.1 used maybe a qt in 3000 miles.
chevman
chevman
2001 35 ft avalon alpenlite RK
2005 3500 2wd duramax CC dually
prodigy
easyrider/reese airhitch
trailair center point suspension
JT Strong Arm Stabilizers
KSH 55 inbed fuel tank
Garmin 2720
scanguage II
TD-EOC
Induction Overhaul Kit
TST tire monitors
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