Sentinelist
Active Member
My account still works! A hello from several years ago (and shout-out to Leroy in particular!). The rig in my signature you might remember was bartered for some major perimeter fence work at my property back in 2017, after not using the rig much or being able to justify it versus an offer I couldn't refuse back then. These things happen. I have been diesel-less and truck-less ever since. Land Cruisers, utility trailers and a rooftop tent have been playing the supporting role in the interim.
Just now getting the thought back to stick another GMT400 back into that spot for doing truck things, but this time as a Suburban K2500. Classic truck project that I can use for ranch duties while tweaking it in my spare time and use for some camping trips. Was initially figuring my odds on just getting lucky if I found a clean 454 gasser, but I may have lucked out in finding a clean 6.5TD. It's a 1995 with 280k+ mi. on it but a 2-owner/single family owned rust-free southern states example with few minor needs I can address later and listed for a great price as such. Am waiting to hear back from the seller for additional questioning. A few up-front general concerns:
1. Is getting back into an original 6.5TD, with a DS4 no less this time, still a reasonably wise move here in fiscal 2023? Or should I stay away these days, give up all hope, and go back to looking at 454s or assume a Duramax fate? I haven't kept up (here, obviously) with the 6.5 scene since 2017 at least. It's great to see some old familiar names and the 6.5 activity here still, Leroy's site, and a few others I remember that appear to be still in the biz.
2. My last OE 6.5TD threw a rod or something at about this same mileage. I had it swapped with a mil-spec used Optimizer 6500 in 2015. It seems these and P400s are a lot less - if at all - available anymore? I just read the P400 thread here about no more civilian sales. What are the options these days when the OE mill goes south?
3. No idea if the PMD has been relocated on this one yet, which I would do immediately and then buy a spare along with going down Leroy's recommended checklist, but I'd also be planning a DB2 conversion sooner than later after I got this one home. Am thinking about flying out and driving it home from the east coast in a few weeks if it passes a PPI and doesn't have any glaring major needs. Some technicals from past experience I'll have checked out there first.
Anyway, I'm looking at what appears to be a dusty unicorn I can shine back up pretty quickly, really miss having a 'real truck' diesel around with that sound, but wary of the time and changes that have gone by as I look forward. Not sure if a 6.5 is still a feasible game to play or if I'll have to continue waxing nostalgic instead. No interest or budget for a Duramax or newer truck- this would once again be a 4th vehicle for me for spare duties that will sit outside (but under a cover probably). Any feedback would be appreciated while I figure out next moves- had to come back to you guys first. Cheers and thanks for everything here over the years.
Just now getting the thought back to stick another GMT400 back into that spot for doing truck things, but this time as a Suburban K2500. Classic truck project that I can use for ranch duties while tweaking it in my spare time and use for some camping trips. Was initially figuring my odds on just getting lucky if I found a clean 454 gasser, but I may have lucked out in finding a clean 6.5TD. It's a 1995 with 280k+ mi. on it but a 2-owner/single family owned rust-free southern states example with few minor needs I can address later and listed for a great price as such. Am waiting to hear back from the seller for additional questioning. A few up-front general concerns:
1. Is getting back into an original 6.5TD, with a DS4 no less this time, still a reasonably wise move here in fiscal 2023? Or should I stay away these days, give up all hope, and go back to looking at 454s or assume a Duramax fate? I haven't kept up (here, obviously) with the 6.5 scene since 2017 at least. It's great to see some old familiar names and the 6.5 activity here still, Leroy's site, and a few others I remember that appear to be still in the biz.
2. My last OE 6.5TD threw a rod or something at about this same mileage. I had it swapped with a mil-spec used Optimizer 6500 in 2015. It seems these and P400s are a lot less - if at all - available anymore? I just read the P400 thread here about no more civilian sales. What are the options these days when the OE mill goes south?
3. No idea if the PMD has been relocated on this one yet, which I would do immediately and then buy a spare along with going down Leroy's recommended checklist, but I'd also be planning a DB2 conversion sooner than later after I got this one home. Am thinking about flying out and driving it home from the east coast in a few weeks if it passes a PPI and doesn't have any glaring major needs. Some technicals from past experience I'll have checked out there first.
Anyway, I'm looking at what appears to be a dusty unicorn I can shine back up pretty quickly, really miss having a 'real truck' diesel around with that sound, but wary of the time and changes that have gone by as I look forward. Not sure if a 6.5 is still a feasible game to play or if I'll have to continue waxing nostalgic instead. No interest or budget for a Duramax or newer truck- this would once again be a 4th vehicle for me for spare duties that will sit outside (but under a cover probably). Any feedback would be appreciated while I figure out next moves- had to come back to you guys first. Cheers and thanks for everything here over the years.
