Is there a difference between the frames for a 2500 and 3500?

Jettech1 · July 2, 2023

I was just watching one of JB reviews videos and he mentioned, and so did the window sticker, that the 3500 has a different frame. He was referring to the max tow package that is available on the 2500 2024's. They did put in the extra overload leaf springs like the 3500's have, but do the 3500's actually have a different frame is my question? I was under the impression that the 2500 and 3500's had the exact same frame, the differences were the extra 2 overload leafs and larger torsion bars for the front.

Edited July 2, 2023 by Jettech1

MTU Alum · July 3, 2023

The frames are the same. Flint can only handle 15 different frames. The 20 series crew cab standard box is slightly different from 30 series crew cab standard box. The difference is the 20 series frame does not have the fasteners in the frame for the overloads. GM makes so many 20 series crew standard boxes it can save a few hundred thousand dollars by removing the fasteners.

#iworkforGM

kylant · July 3, 2023

just as i thought. the only difference is the 3500 frame has the overload leaf bumpstop brackets, the 2500 does not

Jettech1 · July 3, 2023

3 hours ago, MTU Alum said:

The frames are the same. Flint can only handle 15 different frames. The 20 series crew cab standard box is slightly different from 30 series crew cab standard box. The difference is the 20 series frame does not have the fasteners in the frame for the overloads. GM makes so many 20 series crew standard boxes it can save a few hundred thousand dollars by removing the fasteners.

#iworkforGM

I really appreciate that info.

Kerry Pulaski · July 16, 2023

I ordered my '24 2500HD Duramax with the Max Trailering Pkg. (code: NHT). This includes a "3500HD Frame", 3500HD Leaf Springs, 3500HD shocks, and 12 inch Rear Axel. Gooseneck/5th Wheel provision.

From the posts here, looks like the 2500/3500 frames are the same metal thickness and grade of steel, only difference is the 3500HD Overload Springs & Bracket Hardware are added. Being in the metal fab business, I had thought the 3500HD frames would be thicker & stronger PSI rated steel.

I saw in the Upfitter documents, the 3500HD Chassis Cab frame IS different, being straight rails from the cab to the taillights.

Jettech1 · July 16, 2023

7 hours ago, Kerry Pulaski said:

I saw in the Upfitter documents, the 3500HD Chassis Cab frame IS different, being straight rails from the cab to the taillights.

Interesting. I'm with you on the frames being the same thickness but what you just said is quite interesting. Now what exactly is the Chassis Cab frame? Is that the one you can put a box bed on like on the work trucks that I see running around? I'm thinking that frame is different from the general short bed or long bed that we typically see on the roads today for most users.

C/K Man · July 16, 2023

The frame of the 'box delete' cab and chassis 3500HD's is the same as the pickups. They are fully boxed and configured for an 8' body. The dedicated chassis cab model frames are substantially different. The frame on those trucks is a C-channel from the cab rearward, have standard width rail spacing aft of the cab, and are configured for 9' and greater (depending on wheelbase) bodies.

MTU Alum · July 16, 2023

Flint can only handle 15 different frames. You have to commonize items.

#iworkforGM

Jettech1 · July 16, 2023

17 minutes ago, C/K Man said:

The frame of the 'box delete' cab and chassis 3500HD's is the same as the pickups. They are fully boxed and configured for an 8' body. The dedicated chassis cab model frames are substantially different. The frame on those trucks is a C-channel from the cab rearward, have standard width rail spacing aft of the cab, and are configured for 9' and greater (depending on wheelbase) bodies.

And that answered that question. Thank you so much for that!!

Kerry Pulaski · July 20, 2023

Just got my '24 2500HD with the Max Trailer option. Has the 2500HD Frame, with 3500HD Rear Leaf Springs and Three each overload leaf springs. Also a 3500HD 12" axle.

Pryme · July 20, 2023

49 minutes ago, Kerry Pulaski said:

Just got my '24 2500HD with the Max Trailer option. Has the 2500HD Frame, with 3500HD Rear Leaf Springs and Three each overload leaf springs. Also a 3500HD 12" axle.

Congrats on the new truck. Might want to take a second and pull that rear diff fill plug and see if it’s low. Everyone who’s checked has reported them low.

Kerry Pulaski · July 20, 2023

Thanks for the Tip on the Diff. Fluid. Should have her in my driveway this Sat. Having the Roadmaster 1.5" rear anti-sway-roll bar, Leer cap, Bed Slide-out installed, and Woolwax Rustproofing done now.

Able to sit in and fire her up yesterday. Duramax 6.6 Sooooo much quieter than the one in my '16. Hood scoop IS Cold Air Functional !!

Kerry Pulaski · July 20, 2023

Forgot to add, the NHT Max Trailer Pkg., the order & build sheet also says 3500HD Shocks are also included. These are actually Rancho's that came with it. Eventually will replace those with either Bilstiens or Fox.

Hoginedgewood · July 22, 2023

My I pad and this web site are battling something fierce!

carkhz316 · July 30, 2023

On 7/3/2023 at 7:48 AM, MTU Alum said:

The frames are the same. Flint can only handle 15 different frames. The 20 series crew cab standard box is slightly different from 30 series crew cab standard box. The difference is the 20 series frame does not have the fasteners in the frame for the overloads. GM makes so many 20 series crew standard boxes it can save a few hundred thousand dollars by removing the fasteners.

#iworkforGM

Finally, someone actually spells out the differences. Thank you. I knew it had to be a trivial difference between the frames. This explains it.