i think it is, and it gives you the chance to put a better turbo on it . i would go for it

 

I think it would depend on the average life expectancy of an 04 Duramax engine, the replacement turbo cost provided that is the ONLY real problem, and how many dollars you would have invested in the truck compared to the average trade in value of the same truck.

 

I'd definitely go for it! You can pick up a used turbo for under $500 all day long on some dmax forums. Usually on an lly the other thing to check would be the injector harness. It can rub through where it goes over the alternator and short out causing it to misfire and run like poo. Also the #2 and #7 injector connectors at the injector. Look up what's called the "ice pick fix" and that can help too. Otherwise clean the maf sensor and check for codes.

But I'd definitely buy it. If you get it running well you could easily double your money in no time at all.

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+1 on what Bob S said.

Yes, if the ONLY problem is the turbo, and the rest of the truck is in good shape then it's a good deal.

If either of those things aren't the case, or you aren't looking at this as a truck to keep, then no.

Not disagreeing with gr8shot, but I wouldn't buy it as an investment, unless I was certain the turbo was the only issue.

 

well i bought it. its really in great shape. the vains in the variable geometry turbo are sticking. i found a stock turbo on duramax forum for $300. i have been driving it the last couple days, and one of the techs at work seen it and offered me 6k cash for it and its not even fixed yet.

 

Good deal, let us know how it works when you get a fully functional turbo on there.

 

also figure on $2000 to repair/replace the transfer case.

 

Transfer case can be fixed for much less then $2000. Try $75 for the fix, and just a bit more if it needs the back half of the case. Anyone that is mechanically inclined can do it.

 

I'd sell it to the guy at a $1500 profit and find a cummins

 

unless the jerk off the owned it kept driving it, like most do, until it barfed all the oil out, smoking the main shaft, main gear, oil pump, case half, planetary and if a 246 the clucth pack.



rebuilt case is 1100-1400$
if you have to have a shop do it, $400ish


the case half is $180
the saver is $45 and epoxy to patch your existing case.

i did 40+ in the last 2 years.

 

At 280k the tcase issue should have already shown up and caused problems and been fixed.

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Yeah i cant wait to get a good turbo on it. Hopefully the turbo will come in early this week and i will have it put on wednesday or thursday so i can use it to pull atv trailer to badlands this weekend. I need to do some more research on the transfer case pump rub issue (and what it takes to prevent problems). I looked the transfer case over and checked the fluid level. The only thing i see wrong with it now is a little play in the slip yoke. It also shifts into high and low 4x4 without any issues. I will try to figure out how to get a pic of the truck up for you guys... i think i need a couple more posts though. as for trading it for a cummins, think i am going to keep the duramax. most of my extra money is going tward building a 4bt to stick it a jeep tj

 

alright i think a pic is attached to this post. my first one so take it easy on me if it dosent work.. and its off my phone to

 

Didn't the d-maxes have major injector cracking issues up to 2005?

 

Injector problems were only on the lb7's which were made til mid 04 model yr. 04.5 and up are just fine.

A place called merchant automotive sells a pump rub fix kit for the tcase. That's the best place to buy it.

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thanks! i will look into that