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Vic's new truck - 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 LBZ


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#1 Vic Harder

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Posted 14 May 2019 - 01:54 AM

Sold my pristine 2002 8.1L 2500HD for this truck with 387K KM on her.  We got this truck for a number of reasons:

 

1) Long bed.  Gives us the option of getting a Grandby vs Hawk or having a Hawk with lots of storage space

2) Diesel... much better range.  First tank of fuel already shows a 50% improvement, from 10 mpg to 15 mpg in city driving.  PLUS the tank is bigger (36 gal vs 26 gal) and I can easily up that to 62 gal by replacing the existing tank

 

Having 2x the miles on it has not been TOO big a concern, as the engine hours are low, and it has little to no rust.  

 

gallery_6362_1322_1586842.jpeg

 

Heading out tomorrow on a 4000 mile round trip to pick up a 2012 PUMA to put on this rig.


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#2 Vic Harder

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Posted 14 May 2019 - 02:01 AM

I have already done the following to this truck:

 

1) Replaced all fluids and filters, hoses, belts

2) Added a muffler to the aftermarket 5" exhaust - still too loud.  FTE Diesel resonator to come

3) Refreshed front suspension/steering with new pitman and idler arms

4) Flushed brakes

5) Replace emergency brake parts.. separate drums on these trucks

6) Replace spare tire lowering mechanism... a royal PITA... glad I did this on my driveway, not 300 miles from anywhere

7) Replaces rear axle seals

8) Added an Auto-Vox X2 dash cam/rear view mirror.  Primarily for the rear view mirror function.  It rocks!

9) Upgraded all lighting to LED

10) Installed a FASS lift pump

 

 

Still to come are:

 

11) Upgraded headlights from Lightwerkz.net

12) Extensive soundproofing

13) Resonator to reduce 1400 RPM drone

14) Tie rod sleeves

15) Replace worn out seats with nice heated leather seats from a wrecker

16) TBD


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#3 PokyBro

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Posted 14 May 2019 - 02:31 AM

Congratulations on your new vehicle Vic. Looks like you dove in and prepped it with important replacements for common failure problems, and ready for the road. Hope it works out well for you and that your trip to pick up your new camper goes smooth.


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1999 F250 crew cab SRW, 7.3 Powerstroke TD

1981 Grandby shortened to a Hawk

Build thread / https://www.wanderth...by-into-a-hawk/

 


#4 klahanie

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Posted 14 May 2019 - 03:02 AM

Congrats Vic. Impressive with the fuel improvement. Will be interesting to see how loaded changes consumption, gas vs diesel. And of course, the seat of the pants comparison :ph34r:

 

I was going to say how much you'll enjoy buying cheaper fuel - then I checked gasbuddy for Calgary, oops ! It's opposite here, then again, not hard when gas is 1.70 ...

 

Enjoy.

And safe travels.


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#5 EM4

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Posted 14 May 2019 - 02:08 PM

Good for you Vic.....gotta luv the increased fuel mileage.  Enjoy the new combo!!


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#6 Mighty Dodge Ram

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Posted 14 May 2019 - 03:22 PM

Will be watching closely. I’m just about to Google a couple of your upgrades.
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Richard
1996 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4, lightly lifted, ARB bumper/Warn winch, BFG AT/KO2, Snugtop shell. SOLD! But not forgotten!
2002 Chevy 2500HD XC LB 6.0L 4X4, Leer Hi-Rise shell, completely stock...for now!

#7 Foy

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Posted 14 May 2019 - 06:08 PM

Congratulations Vic.  Your meticulous planning and research seems to have found you a winner.  Best of luck with it.  I suspect you'll like the Duramax/Allison combination a lot!

 

Foy


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#8 CougarCouple

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Posted 14 May 2019 - 06:16 PM

Congrats on the vehicle Vic. Have a safe pickup trip.

Russ
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F250 extended cab, Cougar from ATC. You guys rock thank you!

#9 Colorado Mark

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Posted 14 May 2019 - 10:11 PM

Nice find Vic!!!

 

The 06 Silverado with the LBZ & long bed is a fantastic combo.

 

No piss tank or DPF.  650 ft lbs tq is hard to beat.  Only came out for about a year in that engine & year then it dropped when the LLY came out.

 

Took quite a few years to get that kind of power back out but now, ya gotta dump wizz in the filler under the hood and spill it all over the inner fender and lord help you if its needs a regeneration while you are driving.  You won't have that problem.

 

You mind if I ask what you gave for it?


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#10 Bill D

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Posted 15 May 2019 - 01:01 AM

Cool.  I like the simple lines on the older body styles.

 

Couple questions.  Why did you need to replace the e-brake parts and spare lowering mechanism when these items are rarely used?  Was it due to lack of use and maintenance?

 

The Auto-Vox X2 looks cool.  I'd like to have one by the looks of it.

It will be interesting to hear your long term review.

 

 

Like Vic was glad I lowered the spare on my driveway and not out on the road.  As I had issues as well. The tube which connects from hole at the bumper to the lowering mechanism had fallen out of place.  I had a heck of a time getting the wheel down and things repaired.  It's probably something we should all should do once a year, but probably neglect.

 

 

Enjoy the new rig Vic!!!

 

BTW, I enjoy seeing the things you do, because I know you've researched the heck out things and bought the best.  Saves me a lot of work  :)


Edited by Bill D, 15 May 2019 - 01:09 AM.

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