RE: [A/S] Why no Duramax/Allison in the Suburban

["Dick Martin" <suburbandvr@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

You are 100% correct.  The Duramax/Allison (D/A) is much too large.  The
engine is easier to install than the transmission.  In addition to what you
mention the transmission main case is also very long.  The seldom mentioned
rear end is also a problem.  A D/A combination will rip up the normal
Suburban differential.  If you take a look under a D/A truck you will also
see a monster driveshaft.  650 ft/lb of torque will do major damage to the
standard drive train.

If I remember correctly the GM vans are using a modified TH400 transmission.
I am sure you can get details on GM's, Edmonds or another web site.  The
changes made to the van version are more than "de-tuning" because the first
thing buyers would do is get a programmer and change things to get the
torque back and then have to go in for a transmission warranty repair.  This
would be right after they bad mouth GM and the van making a public relations
nightmare for GM.  I think this is partly the reason why GM is slowly
transitioning the diesel to less than HD chassis'.

Dick Martin
'06 GMC Sierra Duramax
'04 34' Classic Limited SO
  http://home.earthlink.net/~driveabout