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What's the difference???

bwinter1

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bwinter1 Enthusiast

bwinter1

Posted
Posted

I know this is probably a basic question but I am looking at a few used 2500's and 2500HD's.... They both have the 6.0 L, but what else am I missing by not getting the HD?

Coachmenguy Enthusiast

Coachmenguy

Posted
Posted

i have a '03 2500LD (light duty) and the only difference i can see is 1, the HD can tow 600lbs more, the HD has a taller frame past the rear axle, and mabye sits just a TAD higher, not much to notice, so really either, or will work just fine!! hope this helps!

dcsnyder Enthusiast

dcsnyder

Posted
Posted
I know this is probably a basic question but I am looking at a few used 2500's and 2500HD's....  They both have the 6.0 L, but what else am I missing by not getting the HD?

 

 

 

The 2500HD has a GVWR of 9200lbs. The 1500HD, OR 2500LD has a GVWR of 8600lbs. The 8600lb GVWR truck is built on the same frame as the 1500 series trucks are, while the 2500HD is buitl on the 1 ton frame. Take a look at the frame rails (Behind the rear tire) The HD has much thicker frame rails. The HD with a 6.0L comes standard with 4.10 gears while the Light Duty has 3.73 standard. A quick look at the stock exaust pipe also reveals a difference. 3" for the HD, 2-3/4" for the Light Duty. :D

mmmikkke Senior Enthusiast

mmmikkke

Posted
Posted

The 2500HD has the indestructible AAM1050 full floater rear axle. The LD has a smaller AAM950 semi-floater rear axle.

 

And the HD's frame is taller all the way along the truck, not just behind the rear axle. The plastic cap on the front bumper is taller.

 

Some HD model years had a "power dome" hood--a taller hood than was on the LD models. Looks tough!. The "power dome" years are (I think) 2002, 2003 and 2005.

 

The 2500HD had a more consistent ride too. The LD has a noticeable difference front suspension versus rear. Hit a bump with the LD and it's little bump, big bump. Hit a bump with the HD and it's big bump, big bump. I know it might sound rediculous but the big bump-big bump ride is a lot easier to take (after you get used to the truck), then the little bump-big bump ride of the LD.

 

I had an '86 K20 (8600 gvw), and a '95 K3500 (9200 gvw). I liked the ride in the '95 much better because it was consistent. When it came time to select my current truck, I was all over the 9200 gvw version. I didn't even consider 8600 gvw.

 

The HD will cost slightly more to service because of the heavier brakes and rear axle. But with the cost of fuel we're going to see over the next few years, you won't even notice the cost of service.

dcsnyder Enthusiast

dcsnyder

Posted
Posted
The 2500HD has the indestructible AAM1050 full floater rear axle.  The LD has a smaller AAM950 semi-floater rear axle.

 

And the HD's frame is taller all the way along the truck, not just behind the rear axle.  The plastic cap on the front bumper is taller.

 

Some HD model years had a "power dome" hood--a taller hood than was on the LD models.  Looks tough!.  The "power dome" years are (I think) 2002, 2003 and 2005.

 

The 2500HD had a more consistent ride too.  The LD has a noticeable difference front suspension versus rear.  Hit a bump with the LD and it's little bump, big bump.  Hit a bump with the HD and it's big bump, big bump.  I know it might sound rediculous but the big bump-big bump ride is a lot easier to take (after you get used to the truck), then the little bump-big bump ride of the LD.

 

I had an '86 K20 (8600 gvw), and a '95 K3500 (9200 gvw).  I liked the ride in the '95 much better because it was consistent.  When it came time to select my current truck, I was all over the 9200 gvw version.  I didn't even consider 8600 gvw.

 

The HD will cost slightly more to service because of the heavier brakes and rear axle.  But with the cost of fuel we're going to see over the next few years, you won't even notice the cost of service.

 

 

 

I often wondered if there was any difference in the axles between the two models. They are both rated at 6085lbs. I wonder if that might be a little on the conserative side for the AAM1050? Is the front rated the same?

I know the frame is heavier for the full length. I just pointed out the rear wheel well because it's easy to see without sticking your head under the truck.

mmmikkke Senior Enthusiast

mmmikkke

Posted
Posted

The AAM1050 is rated by AAM at 10,000 pounds capacity, which does not take into account the tires, suspension, and other components that GM uses to mount it. Search in google for "AAM1050" and you will easily find the AAM page that gives the specs for the 1150, 1050, and 950.

 

I'm pretty sure the front suspension components on the HD are not different from the LD, except that the torsion bars are stiffer. But I could be wrong...anybody know?

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