2500 VS 3500

[Elkrut]

Looking to upgrade my 1500 to a 2018  2500 Duramax.  Can't find the color and trim package that I want in the 2500 but dealer has it in 3500.  He says it's the same truck(engine, chassis etc) except for a few floating leaf springs that engage when the weight is on.

 

Is the gas mileage the same?  Is it a rougher ride than the 2500?  Any input would be appreciated on the differences.  Thanks in advance...

[f8l vnm]

i would imagine the 3500 will ride rougher , and besides the springs, i thought the frame was also a little thicker ? 

 

Either way your  getting the best option and thats the DirtyMAX 

[Logan Lanfear]

2500 and 3500 frames used to be the same.  So they probably still are.  It definitely depends on the specs of the truck itself.  I would assume you could get larger axles and larger brakes on a 3500.  Bigger springs and more towing and capacity.  Also more engine output?  Not sure about that one.  

[carkhz316]

Everything is the same between 2500 and 3500 except the springs (as mentioned), and the 3500 get's the 11.5 rearend. Frame is the same, IIRC

[Osirus]

Don't know the specifics of the '18s but the difference between 3/4 ton and 1 ton (non-DRW)s is usually just springs.

[jhplak325]

52 minutes ago, carkhz316 said:

Everything is the same between 2500 and 3500 except the springs (as mentioned), and the 3500 get's the 11.5 rearend. Frame is the same, IIRC

2500’s with Duramax also get 11.5 rear. 

[SkiDooNick700]

3 hours ago, Elkrut said:

Looking to upgrade my 1500 to a 2018  2500 Duramax.  Can't find the color and trim package that I want in the 2500 but dealer has it in 3500.  He says it's the same truck(engine, chassis etc) except for a few floating leaf springs that engage when the weight is on.

 

Is the gas mileage the same?  Is it a rougher ride than the 2500?  Any input would be appreciated on the differences.  Thanks in advance...

Yes I would MPG would be the same.

 

Yes, I bet the ride is rougher.  How much, Im not sure.  A test drive will be helpful. If your cool with the ride, 3500 single rear wheel is the way to go!

 

If I was in your shoes, Id consider it luck that they have it in a 3500 but not 2500!

[Loco Diablo]

My buddy went from a 2015 duramax Denali 3500, to a 2017 duramax Denali 2500.
I’ve ridden/driven both quite a bit. Very similar in ride quality, handling,etc.


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[rjpoog1989]

You’d be stupid to go 2500 diesel.  The payload limit on the truck will limit your abilities to use the duramax to its potential.  You’ll be much better off with the 1-ton.  The difference is only the rear springs.  

[gforce_15]

an additional overload spring in 3500 (not noticeable when driving unloaded), and I am pretty sure there is no 20" wheel option on the 3500's and have heard no TPMS on the 3500.

[SkiBum5.0]

Check with your insurance provider as well as I heard the increased payload puts it into some higher tier of risk - second hand info so double check

 

[Big Whiskey]

On the gassers, a 3500 gets a heavier duty rear axle than the 2500, but you're going Duramax so that doesn't matter. The only differences between a 2500 & 3500 Duramax (worth mentioning) are the added overload springs, increased payload, no mandatory TPMS, and required 18" wheels. Everything else is the same. Get the 3500!  

[Loco Diablo]

I’m pretty sure that here in ma, one tons require DOT stuff. Medical card, first aid kit, etc.. (commercial vehicles, business owners)

 

 

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[CNC Repairman]

I was in the same situation. I got the 3500 and have no regrets!

[Ride S40T]

Know this thread is a bit old.  Been driving the 2019 Denalis (2500 and 3500SRW ) over the past two weeks.   Amazingly, the 3500 rides better due to the 18” wheels.  20” on the 2500s.  That little bit of cushion makes a difference in the seat.  Found all other characteristics to be identical.  And as best I can tell, they both ride on the same Spring setup when not towing.   Seems the small bit of overload springs are the only thing different on the suspension and are not in play when scooting around empty.