What makes a GM so much lighter

[Farmer_Jon_D]

If you ever look up the weights of the different brands of HDs, ford and dodge are about 500 pounds heavier than a GM. What is it about GM that makes their trucks lighter, but yet can handle more gvws?

[Tucson_02Silverado]

I don't think it is the entire 500 pounds, but the "HydroFormed" frame is suppose to be a relatively big weight savings, along with less than half the weld points of previous frames.

 

 

Edited......I found out that the average weight savings from the frame is 15Lbs, so 485Lbs more to find.

[TROYROBO]

i think its lighter composites throughtout entire truck--possibly  a little better enginering--darn did i say enginer- suppose to shoot them first -then start the project -shame on me        

[RyanbabZ71]

thin sheet metal  

[DuckhunterInTN]

I totally agree.  Thin sheetmetal and lack of a solid front axle are the two biggest reasons, IMO.

[sutak]

If you ever look up the weights of the different brands of HDs, ford and dodge are about 500 pounds heavier than a GM. What is it about GM that makes their trucks lighter, but yet can handle more gvws?

The Dodge and Ford has the solid front axles as opposed to the GM's independent suspension. I would guess that's the reason in weight difference.

Larry.

[k1500chevy97]

The SFA would make any truck heavier . but stronger

Maybe thats why a few guys from here are switching over to the ford 3/4 and 1 ton models for that solid front axle  :thumb:

[odoh]

I'd say its the sheetmetal ~ mine is thinner than that of my 84 Toyota! Hard to believe. The transfer case is said to be of magnesium alloy. Still at 6900#s my Dmax is plenty heavy ~ and of course, wouldn't wanna drop the G80 GM locker on ones foot. ~ odoh

[Farmer_Jon_D]

thin sheet metal  

All these new trucks have just as thin sheet metal though....

[odoh]

Thats to say GM isn't "Thinner"?

 

~ odoh

[Jpshostr]

thin sheet metal  

All these new trucks have just as thin sheet metal though....

Sure they all do, but GM is the worst by far.  When you can't put a over the rail toolbox in one without adding extra support, something is wrong.

 

This thin sheetmetal is good for the way GM wants to sell trucks now, as daily drivers to city people, but they are a joke to those who abuse them.  Reason I've really gone sour on these new GM trucks.

[miclri]

I was born and raised a GM man. And #### proud of it. GM trucks are lighter because of superior engineering.

[RyanbabZ71]

GM trucks are lighter because of superior engineering.

 

They will be superior when they hire me in May to work on the interior design team.  I have been fixing rattles in my truck since new.  Its a never ending battle

[HillHound]

I could be wrong but I doubt the thinner sheet metal weighs 500 or 600 lbs less for GMs versus Ford/Dodge.  

 

I can't see the differentials being solid in the Ford/Dodge makes for all of the extra weight either-reason being is that even though GM uses IFS, it still has 2 half shafts and a big front differential, right?

 

My guess is that in addition to the difference in axles, some of the extra weight comes from the difference in front suspension parts.  For example, a Ford SD 4x4 has front leaf springs and all the mounting brackets and supports for those.  The F250 SD has 2 front leafs on each side rather than torsion bars.  I'm guessing this weighs a little more than the 2 torsion bars on GM IFS models.

 

I'm not saying one type is better than the other-in fact the lighter weight makes for increased suspended weight ratings and tow ratings.

 

I think the front tow loops on my F250 weigh about 50lbs each!

[HillHound]

Actually, the Ford F250/350 2wds have a twin I-beam front suspension with coil springs rather than a solid axle/leafs.

 

Dodge 2500/3500 2wd have IFS too.  I think Dodge 4x4 and 2x4 HD models both use coil spring overs in the front end still unless they changes this year?  

 

Ford is the only one still using front leafs unless one of the foriegn manufacturers does it too.