5.3, 6.2 or baby DMAX? UPDATE post 57

[Runs2rch]

It’s not a raptor, the truck is quiet.

Right? I love our 3.5 Ford also. No V6 exhaust note, just turbo whistle. Mileage wise it averages just over 17. Leveled on 295/70/17's. Just a little less than the Chevy. Its nice having two trucks with good power.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Right? I love our 3.5 Ford also. No V6 exhaust note, just turbo whistle. Mileage wise it averages just over 17. Leveled on 295/70/17's. Just a little less than the Chevy. Its nice having two trucks with good power.

Still liking yours? Other than the cam phaser recall, mine has been flawless. There is something rattling inside the tailgate that is annoying though. I need to get in there and look at it.

 

[Runs2rch]

Still liking yours? Other than the cam phaser recall, mine has been flawless. There is something rattling inside the tailgate that is annoying though. I need to get in there and look at it.

Love it. It is technically my wife's driver haha. Only thing I have noticed is sometimes the tailgate light flickers. Intermittent though. I just changed the oil, air and cabin filters. 15k. I have been changing it every 5k. Using Motorcraft synthetic. Doing what I can to avoid any cam phaser issues.

 

[Cobalt232]

Real world this isn't true. I get better mileage with a 6.2 than anyone I know with a 5.3.

Ours (6.2) has been good mileage-wise as well. Ours was built late in the year where it does not have AFM due to the chip shortage either.

 

[pronstar]

Ours (6.2) has been good mileage-wise as well. Ours was built late in the year where it does not have AFM due to the chip shortage either.

That’s the way to buy a 6.2 or 5.3

 

[EmpirE231]

Sounds like 6.2 is the way to go

Now I just need GM to get their shit together.... first time in my lifetime that you can't just show up and buy the new truck you want. 2022's always released in September of the previous year... now gotta wait til "spring"

 

[EmpirE231]

Okay I gotta bump this back up....

I had my sights set on the 6.2 but looks like they are not accepting orders or building anymore new trucks with 6.2's currently.... So the baby dmax seems to be the next best option.

will I be disappointed with performance? Does it get up and go as good as a 5.3 at least? also any new news on reliability / issues with the motor other than the 150k belt replacement that is recommended and have to pull trans etc to do?

 

[Shlbyntro]

Okay I gotta bump this back up....

I had my sights set on the 6.2 but looks like they are not accepting orders or building anymore new trucks with 6.2's currently.... So the baby dmax seems to be the next best option.

will I be disappointed with performance? Does it get up and go as good as a 5.3 at least? also any new news on reliability / issues with the motor other than the 150k belt replacement that is recommended and have to pull trans etc to do?

you will not be disappointed at all. I drove a friends Yukon w/ the baby Dmax up to Michigan from Texas a couple months ago. tons of power and I averaged 28.5mpg doing it. In fact I had to set the cruise control to keep it below 90. I was thoroughly impressed and Im a Ford guy.

 

[Englewood]

Okay I gotta bump this back up....

I had my sights set on the 6.2 but looks like they are not accepting orders or building anymore new trucks with 6.2's currently.... So the baby dmax seems to be the next best option.

will I be disappointed with performance? Does it get up and go as good as a 5.3 at least? also any new news on reliability / issues with the motor other than the 150k belt replacement that is recommended and have to pull trans etc to do?

No way!!! It will smoke a 5.3...You will be glad you got the baby dmax. Mid 20mpg average and it QUIET with plenty of power!

 

[Chili Palmer]

Okay I gotta bump this back up....

I had my sights set on the 6.2 but looks like they are not accepting orders or building anymore new trucks with 6.2's currently.... So the baby dmax seems to be the next best option.

will I be disappointed with performance? Does it get up and go as good as a 5.3 at least? also any new news on reliability / issues with the motor other than the 150k belt replacement that is recommended and have to pull trans etc to do?

The new baby Dmax is now known as the LZ0, the horsepower has bumped up to 305 and the torque is now at 495 ft/lbs at a low 1500 rpm. I was holding out for an AT4X mainly because of the better interior, but I know I’ll never use any of that off road crap and save about $10k on just getting an AT4 with the 3.0 Diesel engine. With the power bump I may go that route. A 6.2 is still pretty tempting, but perusing the 1/2 ton truck forums there seems to be a lot more issues with the gas engines than the diesel.

 

[Doc]

Okay I gotta bump this back up....

I had my sights set on the 6.2 but looks like they are not accepting orders or building anymore new trucks with 6.2's currently.... So the baby dmax seems to be the next best option.

will I be disappointed with performance? Does it get up and go as good as a 5.3 at least? also any new news on reliability / issues with the motor other than the 150k belt replacement that is recommended and have to pull trans etc to do?

The new Lz0 3.0 comes out 2023 and has a nice bump in power compared to the LM2. I would go that direction, great fuel milage and just as snappy as the 6.2 on the street.

 

[EmpirE231]

No way!!! It will smoke a 5.3...You will be glad you got the baby dmax. Mid 20mpg average and it QUIET with plenty of power! View attachment 1154659

Nice truck! yeah the MPG's I keep hearing about is tempting... that would be the trade off vs. the power of the 6.2

 

[EmpirE231]

The new baby Dmax is now known as the LZ0, the horsepower has bumped up to 305 and the torque is now at 495 ft/lbs at a low 1500 rpm. I was holding out for an AT4X mainly because of the better interior, but I know I’ll never use any of that off road crap and save about $10k on just getting an AT4 with the 3.0 Diesel engine. With the power bump I may go that route. A 6.2 is still pretty tempting, but perusing the 1/2 ton truck forums there seems to be a lot more issues with the gas engines than the diesel.

Yeah I'm going with the regular AT4.... just had heart set on the 6.2. I am assuming they are not taking 6.2 orders due to issues with the motor... otherwise, why else?

I do want reliability / not being in the shop... so hoping the baby dmax can deliver that.

 

[Chili Palmer]

Yeah I'm going with the regular AT4.... just had heart set on the 6.2. I am assuming they are not taking 6.2 orders due to issues with the motor... otherwise, why else?

I do want reliability / not being in the shop... so hoping the baby dmax can deliver that.

I had a dealer tell me the 6.2’s are no longer on hold if I wanted to order one and if I order he’ll give me $1,000 off MSRP. I really want more off, but when will it happen?

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

I have been SERIOUSLY thinking of selling my Super Duty and getting the baby duramax.

 

[Englewood]

Nice truck! yeah the MPG's I keep hearing about is tempting... that would be the trade off vs. the power of the 6.2

Thank you!

Not to be a homer but I think you would like the 3.0 Diesel better. Ive had 4.8/5.3/6.0/6.2...Not going back, ever.

 

[Yldboyz]

Is the 3.0 available in the 2500 series? I have to test drive one of these things.

 

[EmpirE231]

I had a dealer tell me the 6.2’s are no longer on hold if I wanted to order one and if I order he’ll give me $1,000 off MSRP. I really want more off, but when will it happen?

Funny, my dealer said the reason my order has not been approved was because I wanted the 6.2. Said if I switched to the dmax, it would be approved.

haven't heard anything about any # off MSRP yet. On a order, are you supposed to negotiate that when placing the order? or when the truck arrives?

 

[Chili Palmer]

Usually the price is locked in when you order your truck and if any incentives come into play when it arrives you can apply those to your purchase price.

 

[RandyH]

I picked up my new 23 GMC HD duramax last week. Sizable dealership. All they can get currently in 1500 series is some turbo 4 - 2.7 liter right now. unless you order from scratch . They had only 5 or 6 new trucks, all 4 cylinder, all minimally optioned and then they dressed them up with Wheels and grill paint. Lipstick really.

its all they have to sell. But honestly i dont feel sorry for them. I paid sticker for the 2500. GMC did send me 3K cash because they canceled my 1500- 6.2 ultimate denali with super cruise. I swear they didnt make one of those in 22 after all the hype.

 

[Englewood]

Is the 3.0 available in the 2500 series? I have to test drive one of these things.

The 3.0 is for 1/2 ton and 6.6 is for 2500hd and up.

 

[Done-it-again]

I wanted a Yukon XL with the Dmax but was told they wouldn't produce it and only the 6.2 for now... Options ares till being removed at factory during the build even if ordered with them.

 

[J DUNN]

This was my post in another thread about baby dmax in a yukon xl. Hope the perspective helps you.


I'm waiting to order a 2023 yukon xl with the 3.0. Last week I got a 2022 1500 Crew Cab short bed with the 3.0. Drove it to Powell and got 28 mpg average and never filled up. Filled up before coming home and drove 545 miles home from Powell and had 135 miles left in range, CRAZY! All not towing of course, truck bed was full of gear though.

Towing experience, for what it's worth: We store our 28' Cobalt out at Powell. Boat is 7500 lbs plus gear and trailer maybe close to 11k. Because we don't have the yukon XL yet we had to take two trucks so we had my new truck and my 2017 Denali Dually there. I wanted to test the 1500 launch and tow ability so I can confirm that it will be enough for when we only have a small group like our adults only trip in a couple of weeks. Anyway, it towed great considering the load I put on it. It was flashing warnings about the trailer exceeding GVWR. I towed 7 miles from storage to ramp, did one launch and one retrieval at the end of the week and then towed Cobalt back to storage. I was very impressed. The 3.0 was NOT the weak point, plenty of power. Pulling onto highway from a turnoff we were on an uphill with boat behind us, I hit the gas to make it across and not disturb traffic too much, rear tires start spinning until traction control kicks in, the power was there for sure. WEak point in towing was the suspension but to be expected for what I was doing.

After having the truck for 2 weeks with the 3.0 I'm fully impressed and will for SURE order my yukon xl with the 3.0. MPG is awesome and power is there when needed.

 

[satellitemike]

I have been SERIOUSLY thinking of selling my Super Duty and getting the baby duramax.

I'll trade you some golf balls and lessons!

 

[Done-it-again]

This was my post in another thread about baby dmax in a yukon xl. Hope the perspective helps you.


I'm waiting to order a 2023 yukon xl with the 3.0. Last week I got a 2022 1500 Crew Cab short bed with the 3.0. Drove it to Powell and got 28 mpg average and never filled up. Filled up before coming home and drove 545 miles home from Powell and had 135 miles left in range, CRAZY! All not towing of course, truck bed was full of gear though.

Towing experience, for what it's worth: We store our 28' Cobalt out at Powell. Boat is 7500 lbs plus gear and trailer maybe close to 11k. Because we don't have the yukon XL yet we had to take two trucks so we had my new truck and my 2017 Denali Dually there. I wanted to test the 1500 launch and tow ability so I can confirm that it will be enough for when we only have a small group like our adults only trip in a couple of weeks. Anyway, it towed great considering the load I put on it. It was flashing warnings about the trailer exceeding GVWR. I towed 7 miles from storage to ramp, did one launch and one retrieval at the end of the week and then towed Cobalt back to storage. I was very impressed. The 3.0 was NOT the weak point, plenty of power. Pulling onto highway from a turnoff we were on an uphill with boat behind us, I hit the gas to make it across and not disturb traffic too much, rear tires start spinning until traction control kicks in, the power was there for sure. WEak point in towing was the suspension but to be expected for what I was doing.

After having the truck for 2 weeks with the 3.0 I'm fully impressed and will for SURE order my yukon xl with the 3.0. MPG is awesome and power is there when needed.

Let me know what you hear about the 3.0 in a Yukon, but I've read and heard that the order will not be approved by GMC once submitted or you will be pushed back and could be a 9-10 month build.

 

[BTR]

I have a 1500 with the 3.0 dmax. 28 average mpg and 38 highway when not towing. Tows our stuff way better than the 5.3L it replaced.

 

[Xtrmwakeboarder]

I have a 1500 with the 3.0 dmax. 28 average mpg and 38 highway when not towing. Tows our stuff way better than the 5.3L it replaced.

Wait, what? 38 mpg hwy? How is that possible?

 

[NicPaus]

Wait, what? 38 mpg hwy? How is that possible?

Downhill with a back wind?

My River neighbor just got a new baby DMax. Said empty on highway he got 28.9 mpg. Paid over 60k for that little truck.

 

[Englewood]

Wait, what? 38 mpg hwy? How is that possible?

Hate to be that guy but there is no chance whatsoever. 28mpg MAYBE!

 

[Englewood]

Let me know what you hear about the 3.0 in a Yukon, but I've read and heard that the order will not be approved by GMC once submitted or you will be pushed back and could be a 9-10 month build.

Might be a new thing but my wife got a Yukon w 3.0 diesel last summer.

 

[Ace in the Hole]

I have been SERIOUSLY thinking of selling my Super Duty and getting the baby duramax.

If I was to sell my truck its replacement would be a suburban with the 3.0.

 

[J DUNN]

Wait, what? 38 mpg hwy? How is that possible?

Downhill with a back wind?

My River neighbor just got a new baby DMax. Said empty on highway he got 28.9 mpg. Paid over 60k for that little truck.

Hate to be that guy but there is no chance whatsoever. 28mpg MAYBE!

Downhill, too funny. Yeah so I was with you guys, a disbeliever. There is a few things to consider here. You're kind of wrong but also kind of right. I can't speak to the 38 but I can for sure speak to the 35mpg claim, I've done it. Drove from my house in Mission Viejo to my shop in Fullerton and back and got 35mpg AVERAGE!!!!!! This trip is probably 50 miles total and had light traffic. Now, here is what I had to do to get that, I had to go 65-70mph. So most of us don't drive that way. I was watching the instant mpg and set cruise to where I got the best mpg. I can do it again, start a fresh trip mileage and take a pic to show all you disbelievers. I was shocked, personally. Now, for the 38 claim, I guess if you were out on the open highway for a couple hundred miles you might get some stretches where you could get 100 mile average to be 38 but nobody drives that way normally.

Now, @Englewood sounds like you're speaking from experience with the yukon? I can't really speak to that, I'm guessing 28 is believable for the yukon. My experience is in a chevy 1500 bone stock.

 

[FROGMAN524]

I have been SERIOUSLY thinking of selling my Super Duty and getting the baby duramax.

First a Hallett and now a GM? You’re heading in the right direction.

 

[BTR]

Wait, what? 38 mpg hwy? How is that possible?

Vegas with no stops and minimal traffic. Seriously. I was blown away.

 

[Englewood]

Downhill, too funny. Yeah so I was with you guys, a disbeliever. There is a few things to consider here. You're kind of wrong but also kind of right. I can't speak to the 38 but I can for sure speak to the 35mpg claim, I've done it. Drove from my house in Mission Viejo to my shop in Fullerton and back and got 35mpg AVERAGE!!!!!! This trip is probably 50 miles total and had light traffic. Now, here is what I had to do to get that, I had to go 65-70mph. So most of us don't drive that way. I was watching the instant mpg and set cruise to where I got the best mpg. I can do it again, start a fresh trip mileage and take a pic to show all you disbelievers. I was shocked, personally. Now, for the 38 claim, I guess if you were out on the open highway for a couple hundred miles you might get some stretches where you could get 100 mile average to be 38 but nobody drives that way normally.

Now, @Englewood sounds like you're speaking from experience with the yukon? I can't really speak to that, I'm guessing 28 is believable for the yukon. My experience is in a chevy 1500 bone stock.

What's weird is my wife only gets 20mpg in Yukon.I have 34's on my Sierra w/ 3.0 and get low 20's. Ive not heard of anyone getting what you got. If you are getting that good of mileage, don't change a thing!

 

[NicPaus]

You guys must drive 55. My neighbor is a old guy that drives way slower than I would. I thought 28 was great. But the price he paid for the truck he would have to drive over a million miles to be ahead of buying a 5.3. My 5.3 average was about 18 all highway best was 22mpg on a river trip not towing.

 

[84miller]

I have been looking for a replacement truck. Here is what I have learned from multiple videos. For towing, get a 3/4 ton because the 1/2 tons can meet towing needs, but are way to lean on payloads which is a huge issue. The 3.0 diesel have remarkable mileage, but have two negative issues, again no payload, but also 3.0 diesels are not user friendly for short trips. Per the experts, the 3.0 diesels should be started and run for a minimum of 40KM, if not, you are going to have major issues with the DEF/expensive filter replacements. I am buying used and have decided 3/4 ton chevy 6.0 or ford 6.2 . Would consider the larger diesels but diesel fuel is more expensive, my mechanic does not work on diesel and at my age I do not need the longevity.

 

[EmpirE231]

okay with the 3.0... is there a recommended factory gear ratio for the AT4?

pretty sure my build was a 3.23

EDIT: actually checking back on the site, seems the 3.23 is the only option

 

[ArizonaKevin]

okay with the 3.0... is there a recommended factory gear ratio for the AT4?

pretty sure my build was a 3.23

EDIT: actually checking back on the site, seems the 3.23 is the only option

With any offroad package 3.23 is the only option, if you get max tow package you can get 3.73 but max tow cannot be mixed with at4, x31, z71 etc package

 

[Activated]

You guys must drive 55. My neighbor is a old guy that drives way slower than I would. I thought 28 was great. But the price he paid for the truck he would have to drive over a million miles to be ahead of buying a 5.3. My 5.3 average was about 18 all highway best was 22mpg on a river trip not towing.

I have been messing around building Cadillacs’ and Suburbans. The smaller diesel motor isn’t significantly different that the other options.

 

[NicPaus]

I have been messing around building Cadillacs’ and Suburbans. The smaller diesel motor isn’t significantly different that the other options.

View attachment 1154835
[/QUOTE]


Yeah that's worth it. I looked at them in 2021. Thougt it was 6k more then. I was looking for a 1500. But couldn't find any with the 6.5' bed. The 5.3 with 4x4 leather Z71 package was around 45k. Have the printout somewhere. I needed longer bed so I went with a 2500 same exact options for like 2800 more. He bought what they had and paid over 60k plus fees. Not a LTZ and not sure of its even 4x4.

 

[Gelcoater]

Downhill, too funny. Yeah so I was with you guys, a disbeliever. There is a few things to consider here. You're kind of wrong but also kind of right. I can't speak to the 38 but I can for sure speak to the 35mpg claim, I've done it. Drove from my house in Mission Viejo to my shop in Fullerton and back and got 35mpg AVERAGE!!!!!! This trip is probably 50 miles total and had light traffic. Now, here is what I had to do to get that, I had to go 65-70mph. So most of us don't drive that way. I was watching the instant mpg and set cruise to where I got the best mpg. I can do it again, start a fresh trip mileage and take a pic to show all you disbelievers. I was shocked, personally. Now, for the 38 claim, I guess if you were out on the open highway for a couple hundred miles you might get some stretches where you could get 100 mile average to be 38 but nobody drives that way normally.

Now, @Englewood sounds like you're speaking from experience with the yukon? I can't really speak to that, I'm guessing 28 is believable for the yukon. My experience is in a chevy 1500 bone stock.

Without trying to sound like a negative nelly here.
The Lye-O-Meter is usually a liar

Doing the math after a fill up is more accurate for actual mileage.

If I do it right I can take a pic of mine showing all you disbelievers my 05 Ram 3500 gets 99mpg

 

[Done-it-again]

@J DUNN what GMC dealer do you deal with? The Yukon I was waiting for got damaged in transit, now I'm searching for another dealer........

 

[EmpirE231]

Well the order is in! 2023 AT4 w/ the baby dmax.

2023 comes with the updated / new gen baby dmax (LZ0), which is supposed to have about 10% more power

 

[J DUNN]

Without trying to sound like a negative nelly here.
The Lye-O-Meter is usually a liar

Doing the math after a fill up is more accurate for actual mileage.

If I do it right I can take a pic of mine showing all you disbelievers my 05 Ram 3500 gets 99mpg

Haters will say it's fake. LOL, JK.

No problem NN, 3 weeks from now when I finally have to fill up my truck, lol, I'll take a pic of full tank (should be 24 gallon tank size) then I'll do my experience described above in order to double check the lie o meter. I'll drive to work and back at 65-70 hwy speeds and then fill up near home. I'll do the math to double check.

The lie o meters last lie was last week when my mom drove my truck home from Powell. She filled up after some other hwy driving and range said 750 miles. It's a 24 or 22 gallon tank, I don't recall for sure.

 

[J DUNN]

@J DUNN what GMC dealer do you deal with? The Yukon I was waiting for got damaged in transit, now I'm searching for another dealer........

I don't have one. I was working with Jay Photoglu (sp?) to order mine but bailed when he finally could get an allocation to order we were pushed to 2023's and those are supposedly not coming in Summit White. Now I'm waiting on the bench looking for a used Yukon Denali XL in Summit White with 3.0, anywhere across the country. I'm not a fan of that pearl sh%# color but I will say it has gotten better with this model, more white than the cream color it used to be.

 

[Done-it-again]

I don't have one. I was working with Jay Photoglu (sp?) to order mine but bailed when he finally could get an allocation to order we were pushed to 2023's and those are supposedly not coming in Summit White. Now I'm waiting on the bench looking for a used Yukon Denali XL in Summit White with 3.0, anywhere across the country. I'm not a fan of that pearl sh%# color but I will say it has gotten better with this model, more white than the cream color it used to be.

Yea, to find one on the lot right now sucks and correct no summit white for 23'.... I'm not a fan of the pearl white either, just because it's a pain to match for repairs, but both my platinum ford's are.

I found an Ultimate in OK with the 3.0, checking to see if its in stock or transit.... The problem is only 10% of Yukon's are being built with the 3.0 as they are using them in trucks . The 6.2 doesn't bother me, so either would do...

 

[J DUNN]

Yea, to find one on the lot right now sucks and correct no summit white for 23'.... I'm not a fan of the pearl white either, just because it's a pain to match for repairs, but both my platinum ford's are.

I found an Ultimate in OK with the 3.0, checking to see if its in stock or transit.... The problem is only 10% of Yukon's are being built with the 3.0 as they are using them in trucks . The 6.2 doesn't bother me, so either would do...

I got tired of doing lifters on the 6.2's (ask @wishiknew) , and I like the improved mpg of the 3.0. Eventually things will loosen up and more builds will be coming out. Heck, maybe by then I can convince my wife we don't need the Yukon, lol. Her E400 Wagon scoots her around just fine.

 

[Runs2rch]

I got tired of doing lifters on the 6.2's (ask @wishiknew) , and I like the improved mpg of the 3.0. Eventually things will loosen up and more builds will be coming out. Heck, maybe by then I can convince my wife we don't need the Yukon, lol. Her E400 Wagon scoots her around just fine.

What year 6.2? I know there was a bad run of parts at some point.

 

[Done-it-again]

I got tired of doing lifters on the 6.2's (ask @wishiknew) , and I like the improved mpg of the 3.0. Eventually things will loosen up and more builds will be coming out. Heck, maybe by then I can convince my wife we don't need the Yukon, lol. Her E400 Wagon scoots her around just fine.

Heard the lifter issue was more on 21-22 years 6.2, not sure if there was a change or not for 23'..... Any case good to know, as I'm not a Chevy/GMC guy. I like Fords, but don't care for the Expedition.