Difference K2500-K3500 SRW

Gunruner · March 6, 2003

Question for you folks(experts). What is different in the drive train between a 2500HD 4X4 and the 3500 4X4 when both have Identical engines/transmissions/axle ratios and single rear wheels? I don't think the frame is any different, so what's the difference? Aside from price. I'd really like to know. ???

Shaners · March 6, 2003

I don't think you can buy a 3500 single rear wheel... because it is actually called a 2500HD. The GVW of the 2500HD is 9200 lbs. or the equivalent of a 3500 series SRW.

I believe the GM line-up to be...

2500 = 8600 GVW

2500HD = 9200 GVW

3500 = 11400 GVW (but it is a dually)

I was under the impression that all 3500 series trucks were duallies. (please correct me if I'm wrong)

k1500chevy97 · March 6, 2003

I was under the impression that all 3500 series trucks were duallies. (please correct me if I'm wrong)

I also thought that all 3500s were dual rear wheels since the change in the 2001 model year ??

Only 1 ton truck that you can get single rear wheels with is the F-350 i believe

Cruiser2500HD · March 6, 2003

Yes.. that is correct.. just checked the manual.... 2500HD is SRW version of "1 Ton" and 3500 is dual rear wheel.

I would say that 1/2; 3/4; and 1 ton are kind of misnomers.... I think the payload of a 3500 w/ dual rear wheels is around 5,000 lbs (2.5 tons) and the payload of the 2500HD is 3100 lbs (1.5 tons). Obviously, in most cases, the payload goes up as you get into the 250 / 2500 and especially in the 350 / 3500 range but I'm not sure a SRW F-350 would have a payload capacity of the Silverado 3500 w/ dual wheelseven both are referred to as "1 Ton" trucks. It would be interesting to compare the 2500HD SRW w/ the F-350 SRW and the 3500 with the F-350 dullie.... anyone have these numbers handy?

robsawatsky · March 6, 2003

It also depends upon what year you are talking about. The axles can and do differ between the 2500HD and 3500 even if the ratio is the same. 3.73 is available on 2500HD, 4.10 is standard on 3500. The lightest GVW 2500HD with gas engine may still have a partial floating axle (they did in 2000, not sure about now). Spring rates and ride heights vary.

GVW Range/Payload: 2500HD: 8600 - 9220 / 3076 - 3760

3500: 11400 - 12000 / 4941 - 6200

WEFs99 · March 6, 2003

It also depends upon what year you are talking about. The axles can and do differ between the 2500HD and 3500 even if the ratio is the same. 3.73 is available on 2500HD, 4.10 is standard on 3500. The lightest GVW 2500HD with gas engine may still have a partial floating axle (they did in 2000, not sure about now). Spring rates and ride heights vary.

GVW Range/Payload: 2500HD: 8600 - 9220 / 3076 - 3760

3500: 11400 - 12000 / 4941 - 6200

Bob....do you have the figure for max trailer weight for a K2500 (light duty) 6.0 with 4.10's? We were just discussing this on the 1500 forum.

Gunruner · March 6, 2003

I was unaware that GM had discontinued the 3500 SRW. Sorry for the confusion guys. I was wondering why everyone was referring to the 2500HD as the 1 ton. My 2500HD 4X4 has the 4.10 ratio and if i'm not mistaken the axle is a full float and Identical, other than the dually ends, to the K3500 for '03?(not talking springs). I never saw many 1 ton SRW trucks out there before they stopped making them, but I sure see alot of 2500HDs now. I suppose the prices on the 1500 4X4s have gotten right up there with the 2500HD so why not go heavier and higher.

Shaners · March 7, 2003

Bob....do you have the figure for max trailer weight for a K2500 (light duty) 6.0 with 4.10's? We were just discussing this on the 1500 forum.

The towing capacities for the K2500 (non HD) with 4.10 's are:

Ball Hitch: 10,300 lbs

Fifth Wheel: 10,300 lbs

Note: these are for the K2500 (4x4) model that is only available in an excab shortbed configuration.

WEFs99 · March 7, 2003

Thanks Shaners....that's more than I thoughr it would be.

Shaners · March 7, 2003

Thanks Shaners....that's more than I thoughr it would be.

According to the info I have it is actually 100 lbs more than a excab short bed 4x4 2500HD is rated for!!!!

BKColeman · March 7, 2003

Only 1 ton truck that you can get single rear wheels with is the F-350 i believe

Dodge offers their 3500 in a SRW. It comes standard as a DRW, but has an option to remove the dual wheels and lowers the price about $870 if I remember right. I don't know what that does to the GVW though.