I'm thinking of getting an 02 Gmc with the Duramax. Truck has 107k miles, auto, 4x4, crew cab. I'm looking for feedback on troubles, problems, overheating etc concerning that year. I've talked to some people and got quite a wide range of opinions but nothing worth using. I "heard" the early years had trouble with overheating when pulling, others say don't get an 05, 06 is the only good year. If I werre to get this truck what are some things I should do/upgrade etc. I plan on pulling a 6k lb boat up and down steep mountain grades (Phoenix, Flagstaff area) which can range from 1600' to 8000' elevation. I've seen info on Juice and Bullydog.
Thanks for feedback!!!!!!!!  

An 02 is the LB7 version of the duramax.  Sure some early models had overheating issues but those are easily fixed.  Most choose an 06 because its the LBZ version and was the most powerful version before the emission ridden LMM came out.  The LB7 was the most fuel efficient of the duramax's.  I would suggest an Edge Juice with Attitude, as well as gauges and a 4" turboback exhaust system.  I am running a killer special on all of the items I mentioned.  Also, for the most information you will ever find anywhere, visit www.duramaxforum.com and tell em 4x4fantasy sent ya!  They are the MOST knowledgeable dmax owners you will ever find.  

The problems you will have with the early DURAMAX are the injectors, they say CHEVY will give WARRENTY for the injectors till 200,000 miles, BUT TO BE ON THE SAFE SIDE CALL GM AND MAKE SURE !!!!!!!!!!  

gm will warranty the injectors i know a guy at work they have put injectors in his 01 twice, there are alot of poeple still running the factory injectors with alot more miles though. It sound like the truck was taking care of with not many miles on it just remember diesels are going real cheap now make sure you dont over pay  

The GM dealer here will warranty the injectors, but you're gonna become very fimiliar with the dealership. My fiancees da(and my boss)has 3 duramax's, and one of them has had the injectors replaced at least once a year for the last 3 years. Dont know what year it is, t has the angled headlights, maybe an 06 or so. Anyway, the owner of the dealership appologized and said he would like to do more but GM had his hands behind his back. He told us they(GM) knew of the problem and wont do anything about it but give you the same shitty injectors. This truck has over 200,000 miles on it, but they are all highway mile, in fact this truck only gets used for business trips, i dont even think the bumper hitch has ever been used. That truck also had some problem with the fuel system, it gave him all kinds of problems from day one, and the dealer once again apologized and put an aftermarket fuel system on there, FASS maybe, i dont know, now it has a big filter in the rear fenderwell. He has three duramax's and two fords. The D'max isnt a bad truck, not my personal choice, id bever own one, but to each his own, right. One of the trucks has only had one real problem, it goes thru rear axle seals like a fat kid thru candy. my fiancees granddad had alzhiemers and he filled it up with gas and drove it till it quit, and after they fixed it, not one problem. Their other one tows about 12 to 14 thousand pounds almost every week of the year from North GA to NC, and it has always run good but goes thru rear axle seals like crazy, too. Other than that they are good trucks, definitely ride better than my dodges and their fords.  

O.K. it seems the common problem here are the injectors. It seems that the dealer even has trouble getting it right. Would instaling aftermarket injectors when the time comes be a better alternative? I know I'm going to spend about a grand for doing so, but now the problem has been solved the first time and I now have better performance at the same time. Does replacing with aftermarket injectors solve the problem?  

If it were me, I'd definitely go with aftermarket injectors. More power and usually better mileage, so long as you don't go too big. It certainly won't be free like the GM warranty injectors, but the way I understand it, those "free" replacement injectors the dealership will put in are just refurbished ones that took a dump in somebody else's truck.  

jonionthespot:
O.K. it seems the common problem here are the injectors. It seems that the dealer even has trouble getting it right. Would instaling aftermarket injectors when the time comes be a better alternative? I know I'm going to spend about a grand for doing so, but now the problem has been solved the first time and I now have better performance at the same time. Does replacing with aftermarket injectors solve the problem?

You know your going to have to spend a grand or so????....a grand!!! for 8 injectors! If you can find D-max performance injector for $125 each, you need to share your source...lol. There is a set on e-bay for $3,800.00  

I have an o2 Dmax and havent had any troubled but the PRNDL switch which is apparently common in them.  other then that i love my truck, and have no complaints.  I know when i hook it up to the float and put a load on she doesnt struggle none.  

i have and 02 duramax and i havent had any troubles with it, you dont hear of any overheating problems with the trucks mine had a lot of hot suppers and its still working fine