04 2500HD Vs. SRW 3500.. sorry if this is a repost

[Mega Dogmeat]

Ok, I don't know if this has already been answered over and over again, but the last time I saw any discussion about it, nobody really knew what the differences between the 2500HD and 3500 were for the 04' model year other than what numbers GM had posted on their website, which were somewhat misleading.

 

Ok, so we know that from 2001-2003 the 2500HD and 3500 trucks were %99 identical, the only difference being that one was a dually and one wasn't. Same frame, same drivetrain, same everything, and they both had a #9200 GVWR.

 

Ok, so now in 04', we have the "new" 3500 series, which comes as an SRW model with a #9900 and a DRW #11,400 GVWR.

 

Ok, so is the 04' 3500 the same frame, same differentials, same what as the 2500HD? The reason I ask is because the pictures on GM's website looks like the 3500 has bigger brakes or something, and I'm assuming comes with heavier springs.

 

So, what's the difference in components? Is the frame bigger on the 3500? Does it still use the 14 bolt FF, and 9.5" front diff, etc? What are the differences in the brakes, etc?

[bluenote]

The 2001-2003 2500HD and 3500 models did share the same frame, axles, brakes and drivetrains, but the 3500 was only available as a dually with 11,400 GVWR. The 2500HD was the only model with the 9,200 GVWR. The 3500 did have a beefier spring pack in the rear to go along with the dual wheels. The new 3500srw will also share the same components with the other two, with the differences from the 2500HD being: 1)265 OEM tires with a higher total load rating than the 2500HD's 245 OEM tires, 2)a slightly beefier spring pack in the rear. Since the 3500srw will only be availabe with a long bed and 4x4, you will still see a lot of 2500HD's out there. In fact, if you had two trucks with the same cab size, but with the 2500HD being a short bed and 2wd, it would actually end up having a payload capacity very close to the 3500srw.

[builderpaul]

I am currently shopping for a new rig. Looked into the 3500. It is only about $120 more than the HD (optioned the same). It has bigger tires but painted wheels. I presently drive an OBS 3500 srw (which is now the HD, ie 9200lbs gvw) and dont need any more gvw so I may just go with the HD put bigger tires on it in a few years when the old ones wear out. I think most of the new 3500 extra gvw comes from the bigger tires.