2500 HD higher than 1500 HD?

shuug · May 3, 2004

When looking at the 2500 HD I can see the frame under the truck. You can't see it on the 1500HD. How can the 2500 not be higher if the frame shows?

Frank S · May 3, 2004

The 2500 HD does sit on top of the frame unlike the 1500 HD.

A friend of mine who is also a board member (Salvage ZR2) has an '03 1500 HD and parked next to me at Hooters this past friday and the difference is very noticeable.

shuug · May 3, 2004

I guess that would mean that you can put bigger tires on the 2500. I'm trying to get 325 60 18's on 9" rims on the 2500.

Shaners · May 3, 2004

I understand that there is about 2" of body lift on the 2500HD.

shuug · May 3, 2004

If they are 2" higher than the 1500 and I can find a way to get another inch or two then I can make the 325's work.

Charlie in TX · May 3, 2004

I can only speak for GMC's I have no idea about Chevys but it must be similar.

My 2500HD has a 2.5in black plastic spacer between the grill/head lights and the bumper. The 1500/1500HD use the same bumper, grill and headlight. That would lead me to believe the body is mounted 2.5 in higher on the 2500HD verses the 1500, 1500HD (and non HD 2500s).

As far as mounting 325 60s. I have no idea. 325s are 13in wide. I think you need wider than 9in wide rims. 325 60s 16s are 31.5 in tall (and as mentioned 13 wide). 285 75 16s are 33in tall and 11 wide. It just might work.

On edit, I see you stated 18 in rims. That makes the 33.5in tall. You will need a lift to keep them from hitting me thinks.

shuug · May 3, 2004

The terra grappler's are 12.83 in wide and they are 32.99 in. dia. They call for a 9.5 in. rim so they will work there fine but I just don't know if they will go on the truck. I have the 1500HD now with 285 60 18's on the same rim. If the 2500 is 2.5 in taller than the 1500 and I can get 2 more in with green keys then it might just work...kind of doubt it though.

Roofer · May 3, 2004

The difference you see is the frame rails. 2500HD has 10" frame rails. All the GM trucks can fit about the same size tire because of the way the fenders are raised or lowered. It will be tough fitting 325's. 305/70's barely fit with trimming.