G
Guest
·Everyone, I am new to this site and really need some objective help. After much research, and thought, I bought a 2500HD D-max 4WD Ext. Cab. Before I purchased, my choices were the Z71 and the D-max. My criteria were: 1) good off-road ability, 2) good daily driver, and 3) respectable fuel economy. I spoke with GM product specialists (5 or 6 times) about ground clearance, curb weight, tires, tire options, fuel economy, etc., and every time GM told me the D-max had better clearance. Granted, it weighs more than the Z71, but with 50% more torque, they (GM) told me not to worry about off-road ability, especially if I went to a bigger, more aggressive tread. I then went to my dealer and we configured both trucks on their system. Again, the dealer's computers agreed with GM about the clearance (the system said 10.6" of minimum clearance). The dealer had the two trucks, but the 2500HD on their lot was a 6.0L (gas burner) with the MT1 trans. It sure looked a lot higher than the Z71 and GM (again) told me the D-max had the same specs. as the 6.0. Well, when I took delivery of the vehicle, it looked fine so I drove it to my tire guy the next Saturday. You can imagine how stunned I was to learn that not only did my new truck not have better clearance (actual 7.4", not the 10.6" I was repeatedly told), but I couldn't modify the tires. If I did, I would void several warranties. Man, I was hot. I called my dealer back the next Monday, and told them the facts. They re-configured the 2500HD D-max on their system and it still claimed my truck had the highest clearance. (By the way, the dealer has been great to me. The sales manager printed out the specs., signed and dated it, and put it in my file as evidence.) Obviously, I don't drive in 4WD every day, but when I need one, I need a good one. I duck and goose hunt in Arkansas and West Tenn. where mud and ruts are the main obstacle. I know the truck's torque will sled me along, but I'm not crazy about rubbing the belly of the frame and differential all the time.
Now, my question: Have any of you (or anyone you know) taken a D-max off-road? If so, please tell me where and how it performed. What can be done (within reason) to the truck (i.e., tires, turn the torsion bars, etc.) to get better clearance? I have begun the process to have GM buy my truck back based on misleading statements by them. After all, my buying decision was based on the info. GM gave me. If I do have GM buy it back, where do I go from here? I need a full sized truck and would like to stay with a diesel. I've thought of getting a Ford F250 PSD (I know, I know) since it has solid axles and much better clearance. (Between the axles anyway.) I have not driven my truck since I bought it (April 25, '01) and won't until I get some answers from GM. Any help/advice you can give would be appreciated.
Feel free to ask me questions. Thanks.
Greg Lees
Now, my question: Have any of you (or anyone you know) taken a D-max off-road? If so, please tell me where and how it performed. What can be done (within reason) to the truck (i.e., tires, turn the torsion bars, etc.) to get better clearance? I have begun the process to have GM buy my truck back based on misleading statements by them. After all, my buying decision was based on the info. GM gave me. If I do have GM buy it back, where do I go from here? I need a full sized truck and would like to stay with a diesel. I've thought of getting a Ford F250 PSD (I know, I know) since it has solid axles and much better clearance. (Between the axles anyway.) I have not driven my truck since I bought it (April 25, '01) and won't until I get some answers from GM. Any help/advice you can give would be appreciated.
Feel free to ask me questions. Thanks.
Greg Lees