difference in 1500 & 2500 LD ?

bad habit z71 · May 3, 2003

Ok i was wondering what the difference between a 2500 and 1500 Light Duty trucks? Springs? shocks? engines? How about betweena 1500 HD and 1500 Z71? The reason i ask is i tow everynow and then and lately i've pulled a 8,500 pound load with my truck and i know i'm over the limit.

I usually use a 1 ton truck but sometimes its unavailable and im kinda SOL. I was wondering if you can beef up a 1500 4x4 to haul a little more. I only have 3.73s and a 5.3 I thinkin about overload springs to help with the sag.

Bob G. · May 4, 2003

I don't know all the differences, but I know that the 1500HD/2500 have 8 lug rims, load range E tires, 8600 GVWR, 4L80 auto transmission. My 1500HD has a 2800lb payload, 3.73 gears/8,000lb tow rating. Tow rating is 10,000lb with 4.10 gears. You could beef up your springs for occasional towing, but I would step up in trucks for all the time towing. Just my opinion.

Bob G.

siskiyou · May 4, 2003

Just about everything is different. Go out to this address, click on the specifications link on the left and download the PDF file at the bottom of the page on specifications.

http://www.chevrolet.com/silverado/index.html

The 2500LD is not like the previous versions of the light duty that gave you heavier springs only. This has a larger engine, heavier transmission, frame, brakes, different steering ratio etc., basically a different truck. I think it weighs about 800lbs. more. The biggest drawback I see to this truck is roughly 5 mpg worse mileage than the 1/2 ton with the 5.3 engine.