1500-2500 tow comparisons

y5e06 · July 2, 2004

I'm looking for a cheap tow vehicle. something to tow a 3400lb car, 2000lb open trailer and about 500lbs of spares and tools.

I'm thinking along the lines of a late '80's to early '90's 2500, probably gas engine. I was thinking a 1500 but I want a solid tow vehicle. What are the differences, transmission and engine wise for these? Is there a HD designation for these early 2500's? How do I tell a light duty vs a heavy duty? did all 2500's come w/ the 4L80E (th400?), even those w/ 5.7's? would a 5.7 be sufficent to tow 6000lb+ load easily? The sole purpose of this vehicle is to tow, so MPG is of importance. I'm trying to keep it above 10, maybe 11mpg if possible.

Any input? What about the desiels of this vintage?

snoman · July 2, 2004

A 5.7 with 4.10 gears and stock tires and a OD trannywould do very nicely. I would suggest a LD 3/4 ton if you can find one over a 1/2 ton (no need for a HD 3/4 ton) The reason being that the LD 3/4 has a much stronger rearend (a 14 bolt 9.5" ring geared semifloater) than the 1/2 ton does. Yes you can tow with a 1/2 ton as people do but the 9.5 is more bullet proof than the 10 bolt used in 1/2 tons and since you are buying used, even if the 9.5 has been abused some or neglicted by previous owner it will still have a good service life left. If you move up to a HD 3/4 ton, it has even a heavier axle yet (a truely bullet proof 10.5 ring geared full floater but it weighs a good bit more and has more internal power lose to straddle mounted pinion bearings (3 sets of pinion bearing too) and hubs bearings for full floating axles that will cost it a little in MPG over a LD 3/4 ton. The 9.5 axle is still able to support over 5000lbs so if you get "crazy" you have some reserve. My two cents anyway.

GlennRMK · July 3, 2004

Since Texas is pretty flat and low elevation, I don't think a 350 will do too bad.

But, towing I wouldn't be surprised if a 454 could get the same mileage. Less empty though.

I'm assuming your looking for an auto. The 4L80E in the 3/4 ton is a little heavier duty. Probably a better choice.

In a stick, it really wouldn't matter.

4.10 gears, which only a 3/4 ton will have is probably the way to go.

The diesels in those years suck. Stay as far away as you can.

Just my 2 cents.

snoman · July 3, 2004

454's of that era did not do well on fuel towing or not and I would stay away from them. 350's will do a lot better if properly geared for towing. Most that complain about very poor mileage with one towing have tall gears relative to load. I have towed with 350 for 30 years in many trucks and properly geared they can move some very serious weight. I pulled a loaded 4 horse trailer with one of mine many times years ago when I had horses and it never left me wanting (It was properly geared) If you go with 2500HD you will take a mpg hit over a LD 2500 as they do weight more and have higher driveline drag for reasons stated above. Also, a 2500LD will have a 700R4 or a 4L60 (depending on year) and it has a deeper first gear (3.06 vs 2.48) than 4L80 which seems to help mileage around town as it help truck get started out loaded or not with leess converter "slipage" and getts you off the stall quicker to. they also have a tall OD than the 4L80 (.7 vs .75) which together with lighter weight and lower drive line drag should deliver better mpg when not towing with 4.10. Based on what post said, he cold get by with a 1/2ton in a pinch but a LD 2500 would be added "insurance" in his planned usage. Also the LD 2500 would ride a lot better too unloaded which is something to consider. My K3500 which is just a bit stiffer than a 2500HD can me "nasty" on rough roads unloaded.