Buy a truck that needs a trans?

[nevs83]

Hey guys

First, thanks to all the guys that follow these forums and provide info on a regular basis.

Here's my deal, in the market for a Duramax. Found one nearby with everything I want but the guy says that the trans went out. Says the trick won't move at all on its own accord.

Here's the truck:
2007 Sierra 2500HD CCLB
110k miles
4wd

If I got the truck for $11,000 and put a new tranny in, who thinks this would be a good deal?

If so, what do you all suggest? I've never replaced a tranny. I'll use it primarily for towing a heavy 5th wheel. I want the best tranny out there.

Ready....go

 

[Josh2002cc]

Where are you located? Besides being close to a reputable transmission builder yes, that is a smoking deal providing the truck is clean and in average shape.

Look at it this way, if you spent $5,000 on a repair you would still have about $10,000 in equity. Not bad.

 

[BudTX]

I agree with Josh. If the truck is otherwise clean and trouble free, that can be a smoking deal.

 

[Whitetail Addict]

My question would be "Why did the trans go out?".

 

[Josh2002cc]

My question would be "Why did the trans go out?".

Just posing another angle on your question here. Don't shoot!!

Who cares "why" at this price? Even if he went to gm and bought a brand new trans and paid full retail he would be well ahead on this purchase.

 

[Mike L.]

Might have a transfer case problem. Even if you had to replace both, it's worth it.
Of course it may have a bad ignition switch causing a no move situation. That would be neet.

 

[Dirtymaxx03]

Id pick it up as long as there aren't any surprises and a transmission is all it needs. Helluva deal

 

[Whitetail Addict]

Just posing another angle on your question here. Don't shoot!!

Who cares "why" at this price? Even if he went to gm and bought a brand new trans and paid full retail he would be well ahead on this purchase.

The flip side to that could be an engine that had been ragged on (a fact that would make me, personally, very leery of an LBZ) and has potential issues.

 

[Josh2002cc]

The flip side to that could be an engine that had been ragged on (a fact that would make me, personally, very leery of an LBZ) and has potential issues.

Very true.

 

[SwitchBack]

I'd buy it just to flip it at the very least. You stand to make a pretty penny on it at that price.

 

[nevs83]

Sounds like I have the answer I was looking for. What about replacing it? I want to put the most solid tranny in that I can get. What do you guys suggest?

 

[JoshH]

Where are you, and where is the truck? If you pass on it, I might be interested in it at that price. Of course, if you're close and you do buy it, I could help you get the trans fixed up also.

 

[TheBac]

Hell yes, buy it. Thats an exceptional deal if the rest of the truck is in good shape.

#4 where are you located. That way we can recommend where to take it to r-n-r the trans.

 

[nevs83]

Southern California. Simi Valley to be exact

 

[nevs83]

This truck is about 1.5 hours driving time away from me. How best do you guys suggest getting it home (or to the shop)? Assuming I could get it in some type of neutral gear, could I use a car dolly from U-haul or do I need a flatbed trailer or what? I think hiring a tow company to do it would cost a pretty penny.....I know I know...I'm saving all this money with this sweet deal right??....but still, hard to fork out the cash to someone just to bring this thing to my shop.

 

[JoshH]

There's no doubt you should take it to Mike then. He'll get you straightened out.

 

[RedHotGMC]

Take it to mike he is in LA.

 

[Big Block 88]

I wouldnt car dolly it... Get a solid car hauler, winch her on you maybe could get the transfer case in N. Trans can be in park and with transfer in neutral it will roll freely if i remember correctly.

Mike would be the best builder for u for sure. Hit him up and he will give u a stout trans.

One thing i woukd do is find someone with efi or a tech 2 and see what codes are there. I would start the truck and see how it sounds. Make sure it isnt knocking or missing, for the most part allisons are pretty tough but somthing made this one give up. If it was rodded the lbz does have in some cases issues with pistons.

 

[Cornell]

I wouldnt car dolly it... Get a solid car hauler, winch her on you maybe could get the transfer case in N. Trans can be in park and with transfer in neutral it will roll freely if i remember correctly.

Mike would be the best builder for u for sure. Hit him up and he will give u a stout trans.

One thing i woukd do is find someone with efi or a tech 2 and see what codes are there. I would start the truck and see how it sounds. Make sure it isnt knocking or missing, for the most part allisons are pretty tough but somthing made this one give up. If it was rodded the lbz does have in some cases issues with pistons.

Everything this guy said, saves me typing it myself. :rofl:

 

[nevs83]

Thanks guys. Anything else you can throw my way as far as checking this thing out before committing to it? I'm pretty new to diesels so you can imagine my apprehension when I'm checking out this truck and I can't even drive it