[Tru2Chevy]

This month's Diesel Power Magazine has a used truck buyers guide in it. Here's what they have to say about the '05 and '06 D-max trucks:

Chevy/GMC '05 to '06

* Models: 2500HD, 3500
* Engine: 6.6L Duramax LLY ('05), or LBZ ('06) V-8 with Bosch common-rail injection
* Transmission: Allison 1000 (six-speed with LBZ engine) or ZF-6 six-speed manual
* Pros: Both '05 and '06 models were one-year-only trucks. The '05 LLY engines featured a larger variable-geometry turbocharger (which is thought to be superior to the LB7s), while the '06 LBZ engine featured a stronger short-block than previous years.
* Cons: The independent front suspension (IFS) is prone to failure during hard off-roading or boosted launches on the dragstrip. The LLY engines had overheating issues when towing hard, but other than that, these were very good model years for the Duramax engine.
* Performance Potential: If you're into Duramax performance, LBZ engines are thought to be the year to have. The '06 model (the last year before diesel particulate filters) featured stronger rods that could support up to 650 rwhp, without any extra emissions equipment. Both LLY and LBZ models feature the same plug-in power as the earlier LB7 trucks-they also need the same transmission upgrades.
* Price Range: $15,000 to $25,000 (depending on condition)
* Power Range: 300 hp (stock) to 1,100 hp (highly modified)
* What To Look For: A low-mileage '06 LBZ. While we wouldn't shy away from the '05 models, we'd still opt for an '06 if we could find one.

http://www.dieselpowermag.com/featur..._and_suvs.html

- Justin