1500 or 1500HD?

tlap · October 8, 2005

How can you tell from the VIN if a truck is a 1500 or a 1500HD? My "03 GMC has no badging stating if it is in fact a HD. I bought it used from a dealer and the paper work states that it is a HD. I am trying to figure out if the front ring gear is a 9.25". If it is, I would like to install an Elocker in the front. The dealer told me it is a 9.25", but I don't believe that the parts guy at the dealer always knows the facts.

Thanks

dogzapper · October 8, 2005

The easy way is to look at the wheels; the standard 1500 has six lugs. The 1500HD, 2500LD and 2500HD all have eight lugs.

Not very scientific, but it'll work.

Steve

tlap · October 8, 2005

Thanks Steve, I'll check it out.

Tony

highup1500hd · October 8, 2005

another easy way to tell is if it has 4 doors The only way to get a crew cab in 03 was to get an HD. The 1500 did not come in crew cab in 03. Also, the 1500 doesn't have a 6.0l option, and that is the only motor available in the HD. So, if you have either a 6.0l or a 4 door truck and you know it isn't a 2500 it is positively a HD

mcreyaufmiller · October 8, 2005

but didn't the extended cab have 4 doors? maybe not real doors, but 4 opening doors.

tlap · October 8, 2005

Great info. Thanks. Yes mine does have 4 doors, 8 lugs and a 6.0L. So I can say that the front IFS is a 9.25" ring gear, the same as the 2500HD. Does anyone have any experience with the Elocker in the front. I will only be using it in the sand at the dunes pulling my Toy Box.

Tony