1500HD vs. 2500HD

AlanTDickey · September 30, 2003

Can anyone tell me with certainty, in concrete, accurate terms (all bravado and half-guessing aside) what are the significant differences in the 1500HDs and 2500HDs - assuming both have the same 6.0L engines and other basic features such a 4x4?

I know the 1500HD alone has the autotrac 4x4 option.

Curb weight of the 1500HD is only 41 lbs less and it is only 0.1 inches shorter.

Yet, I saw one listing where the 2500HD had 2 more full inches of clearance (10.6" vs. 8.3"). Is that true? If so, is that because of the frame?

Also, is the 560lbs payload difference and 2000 lbs towing difference due to the different frames?

Are the exhaust systems the same?

Thanks in advance.

Shaners · October 1, 2003

There is a rear gear option of 3.73 on the 1500HD (only 4.10's on the 2500HD).

The transfer case in the 2500HD is different (heavier) therefore no autotrac.

I believe the 2500HD frame is a bit heftier, and that there may be a slight body lift also.

The payload capacities would be due to springs/torsion bars.

I'd bet the exhausts are the same...

I'm sorry I don't have the concrete info you need...

Mega Dogmeat · October 1, 2003

The 2500HD is basically a "heavier" 2500 truck than the 1500HD, which is actually a 3/4 ton truck.

The 2500HD has a "beefier" frame, etc ...

The 1500HD utilizes the 8.75" 12 bolt rear diff, and the 9.2" front IFS diff (same as all 2500-series trucks) whereas the 2500HD uses the new-as-of-2001 9.5" front IFS diff, and the new 10.5" 14 bolt full floater rear axle ...

The differences in engines and transmissions are that you can get a 496 big block and the Duramax with a 2500HD as opposed to 1500HD/2500's ... .

All in all, it's just a bigger truck.

bigdogs · October 1, 2003

My 2500HD uses the 11.5" full floater rear. Also 3.73 gears due to the Allison/Duramax combo

LARSONEM · October 1, 2003

2500HD GVW is 9200 pounds as opposed to 1500HD GVW at 8600 pounds.

AlanTDickey · October 3, 2003

Thanks for feedback guys.

It looks from GMC's website like they have discontinued the 1500HD.

I think there is a non-HD 2500 CC now - maybe it's the same thing with a diff name?

Mega Dogmeat · October 3, 2003

GM basically is re-working their badging and series names for the 04' trucks.

I read on another foum that the "2500 series" trucks will only be available in "work truck" trim levels in regular and extended cab configurations, and available as an LS or LT model in CC configurations. There will be no more "1500HD" labeling from what I understand.

I guess the 2500HD will also remain basically the same, but they're changing the "3500-series" trucks.

I guess the new "3500" will be a SRW truck with a 9900lbs. GVWR, and the 3500HD will be a dually with an 11,400lbs. GVWR.

Big trucks I guess....

I wish I could figure out what the actual differences in the "new 3500 SRW" and the "2500HD" are. ...

bowtiepatroit · October 5, 2003

My 02 1500 HD has 14 bolt rearend. Comparing the frames 2500 is 6 inces, 2500HD is 8 inces 1500hd is 8 up to the point where the rearend meets and it slips to 6 inches. The front end of the 1500HD is the same as a 2500HD. The tranny is a l485E and the transfer case has same gears as 2500HD but has the Caddy Auto track option. The springs on 1500HD is the same as 2500HD. and the t bars are set lower from the factory.

Exhaust is not the same with the 8.1 option but is the same with the 6.0.

The reason I bought mine was the price, I pulled mine off the lot with 4 miles for 22,900 out the door.