2002 ish Used Duramax LL7 truck for TV?

[Dirkdaddy]

Did a little research looking at a replacement TV for TT. We may move where there are more hills and borrowing my elderly dad's 4.6 2010 DC Tundra doesn't seem like such a great idea, I was looking at well used but functional diesel's, about $8k for a better TV, like the 2002 era Silverado Duramax / Allison crew cabs, short bed. Some have about 200k miles on them, but the diesels are supposed to last a long time.

Any advice on the LL7 diesel? I realize maintenance is key and you want one that's been cared for. Fuel filter add-on filter and lift pump was recommended for this engine to reduce injector problems due to crud in the fuel. Heard of some head gasket issues, and that is a huge amount of labor.

I have heard a few things about the later LLY Duramax 2004-5 era that many avoid them due to head gaskets.

I'm semi-pro mechanic and don't shy away from higher mile trucks, but would like to know going in what the issues are to look for.

[SouthCo]

The 2001-2004 were a LB7 not a LL7. Try to find a 2006-2007 LBZ. They are the best of the pre-emission Duramaxs

[Seann45]

Injectors are always the issue with LB7's. make sure you change fuel filters with every oil change and make sure they are the new 2 micron filters.

[rbarker46]

I had a 2004 duramax GMC, injectors went bad, they wanted $6000 to replace. Traded in on a new ford with the new 6.7 diesel. Pulls like a locomotive

[Dirkdaddy]

Thanks! Those LBZ's are holding value pretty well compared to the LB7's, cost more than doubles! Ouch. I like to buy vehicles used with cash, so I was looking at LB7's (corrected model name thanks). I think if I keep my eyes open perhaps find a nice cherry one where injectors were replaced under warranty a short time ago and only used on sunday's to pull Grampa's race car to the drag strip or something like that! I since asked a gear-head high school buddy (a top mechanic at a GM dealer who also drag races) about LB7's, says he has one in his truck, its been great and he has about 130k on his and it didn't need injectors yet but it was a slow day at work so he got it done under a warranty deal, said you could check at a dealer if the repair was done to that VIN. Did say to check the oil for fuel contamination from leaky injectors after a drive, and pay attention to see if the converter would engage right away, his was leaking down and needed a bit of idle to get powered up, but the transmission was great and replace fuel filter every other oil change. Thanks for the tips, looks like a plan.