2500HD vs 3500 SRW

[Trouttrooper]

OK, I'm thinking of entering into the eternal abyss of debt here in a month or two. ....Well, not quite that bad.

 

My future purchase would be a Crew Cab, 4X4, 8 foot bed, 8.1/Allison, 4:10 gearing, along with a few bells and whistles. I'm planning on ordering one since I haven't been able to find what I want on the dealer lots for the past couple years.

 

What I can't get a straight answer on is what is the mechanical difference between 2500HD and 3500 SRW for my configuration. I know they use the same frame and the 3500 has the overload springs. Do they use the same axle and brake size? It's not like there's too many things left to be different. Curb weight is different between the two so there's gotta be something making the 3500 heavier.

 

I'm leaning towards the 3500 SRW for a variety of reasons (bigger is better for one ) but at about $2,200 difference I had in pricing the two I could be very satisfied with a 2500HD.

 

 

BTW, anyone want a '99 GMC Sierra 2500 SLE Ext. cab long bed with 73,000 miles? Doesn't have the CSK.

[496 CUBIC INCHES]

The 3500 has a higher GVWR IIRC its 9900lbs,about 700 more than the 2500HD. The 3500 comes with 265s,while the 2500HD comes with 245s. IIRC most of the extra payload is in the higher weight capacity of the 265s.If you're in need of the extra payload (fifth wheel,loaded work truck) get the 3500.

 

If you search back a few weeks,there was a good discusion about the 2500HD vs. 3500 SRW.

[Scyry]

You get the bigger diffy, think 11.5"

[Trouttrooper]

Oops, all that and I really didn't even ask the question I wanted. I want to know what gives the 3500 the 9900 gvwr and the 2500HD the 9200 gvwr. Is it just from different tires and extra leaf spring? If that is it then I'll get the 2500HD.

 

Thanks for the replies. I guess I didn't search back far enough on previous threads, have to try again.

 

[LiftedHDRado]

If I was to go buy another truck I would buy the 1 ton (3500HD) diesel.

[Trouttrooper]

If I was to go buy another truck I would buy the 1 ton (3500HD) diesel.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

Naw, no diesel for me. I don't put on near enough miles to justify the expense, plus I can't stand the smell of it and it's half again as much per gallon at the pump where I live.

 

Only times I really use my truck is hauling hay, horses, firewood, camping and hunting. Otherwise I drive my Lumina that gets 30+ mpg.

 

[Truckman031]

You might as well get the 3500, because bigger is always better. You won't lose much if any mpg, but you have a few things to gain. Plus, there aren't many 3500 SRWs out there.

[builderpaul]

OK, I'm thinking of entering into the eternal abyss of debt here in a month or two. ....Well, not quite that bad.

 

My future purchase would be a Crew Cab, 4X4, 8 foot bed, 8.1/Allison, 4:10 gearing, along with a few bells and whistles.  I'm planning on ordering one since I haven't been able to find what I want on the dealer lots for the past couple years.

 

What I can't get a straight answer on is what is the mechanical difference between 2500HD and 3500 SRW for my configuration.  I know they use the same frame and the 3500 has the overload springs.  Do they use the same axle and brake size?  It's not like there's too many things left to be different.  Curb weight is different between the two so there's gotta be something making the 3500 heavier.

 

I'm leaning towards the 3500 SRW for a variety of reasons (bigger is better for one  ) but at about $2,200 difference I had in pricing the two I could be very satisfied with a 2500HD.

 

 

BTW, anyone want a '99 GMC Sierra 2500 SLE Ext. cab long bed with 73,000 miles?      Doesn't have the CSK.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

Not much dif between the 8.1 or duramax 2500HD and 3500. They all use the 11.5 FF rearend. (The 6.0 2500HD uses the 10.5 FF so there is a little differance there)

Most of the extra capacity is because of the larger (265) tires on the 3500.

The 3500 comes with the G80 standard (optional on HD). The 3500 has steel wheels standard the HD have the chrome.

 

My opinion:

If I were going with the 8.1 or duramax I would stick with the HD and change the tires. You then have pretty much the same truck with nicer rims.

If I where going with the 6.0 I would go with the 3500 for the larger rear end.

[silverado3500]

Does the 3500 with a 6.0 come with the 11.5 FF or the 10.5 FF?

[THE BIGPUNN]

i think the main differences between the 2500HD and 3500, is the 3500 has more stock payload ability, dual rear wheels offer more stability when towing larger fifth wheels or goose trailers, and you get an 8ft bed. personally, i wouldnt get a dually unless i was towing larger fifth wheels with heavy hitch weight often.

[GSchretter]

I love my 3500. Can pull anything never a worry.

 

I thought I would never use my one ton to the max but I was wrong.

 

Try pulling a 31' fifth wheel with a 16 ft trailer attached the 5th wheel with a Cj5 on the trailer. I thought I would never but now I do.

 

I do not think the duel wheels make a difference. I have the single wheel but I am running 305/70/16 so they are about the same. Of course I do not go over 55 with that much load. If I was pulling horses or something of high value duel wheels might be a good idea.

 

What is important if you are going to pull a 5th wheel get a 8ft bed. More room for turning. Those guys running a 6 1/2 bed have to watch hitting their cab on really hard turns. The chance of it happening is about 5% percent.

 

I put about 5600 lb on stone in my truck and I can not tell the difference with the load or not.

 

I hope I helped some.

 

One thing to remember. For resale value; When someone sees a 1 ton they think I bet that truck was driven hard and with a 2500HD it can go both ways. You want to buy a 1 ton for one thing. Tow your house if you want. Ha Ha..