2500HD - 3500 Diference

[tpinck]

I have a GMC 2005 2500HD D/A, I have been told that the 2500HD has the same engine, transmission, frame, and axels as the 3500. The 3500 has bigger tires and more springs and that is the only difference.

 

Anyone know if this is true or not????

 

Tim

[Jay P]

Thats the only differences I can see between my current truck and the 2500HD I traded. The 3500 only comes in a long box also.

[Haulin' 8.1]

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=50740

 

This post is about 5-7 below yours and covered the exact same topic. I thought this was a repost.

 

Vernon

[SilveradoWV]

I think that link is comparing a 2500 to a 2500HD, not the 2500HD to a 3500 which was the question of this topic...

[Trouttrooper]

Yup, pretty much the only difference.

 

2500HD - 245/75/16 tires on 16X6.5 rim

G80 rear axle optional

 

3500 SRW - 265/75/16 tires on a 16X7 rim

overload leaf spring setup

G80 rear axle standard

[tpinck]

This being the case, if I have the G80 axle and add timberns or airbags I should be able to safely carry more weight.

 

I chose the 2500HD because I like the extend cab and SLT option package. These were not available on the 3500. Maybe I am underthinking this but it seams to me, given the differences in the two models, if I need more I can add to this to get there.

[builderpaul]

This being the case, if I have the G80 axle and add timberns or airbags I should be able to safely carry more weight.

 

I chose the 2500HD because I like the extend cab and SLT option package. These were not available on the 3500. Maybe I am underthinking this but it seams to me, given the differences in the two models, if I need more I can add to this to get there.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

Its mostly the tires that add the additional weight capacity. 265 on the 3500.

I think the 3500 has a 11.5 full float rear end and the HD has a 10.5 full float.

[tpinck]

Well - thanks to all for the great responses, I have a little more reasearch to do and terms to learn. At this point I am not worried about it just wondering.

 

tim

[mmmikkke]

It'd be interesting to learn what a 2500HD and 3500 similarly equipped (regular cab long bed) weighs. Should be that the 3500 only weighs enough more to account for the rear axle and larger wheels/tires.

[bluenote]

Its mostly the tires that add the additional weight capacity. 265 on the 3500.

I think the 3500 has a 11.5 full float rear end and the HD has a 10.5 full float.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

Actually, if you option a 2500HD with the Duramax diesel or Vortec 8100, it has the same AAM 1150 rear axle (11.5" full-floater). The 2500HD's with the Vortec 6000 have the 10.5" semi-floater.

[Trouttrooper]

Its mostly the tires that add the additional weight capacity. 265 on the 3500.

I think the 3500 has a 11.5 full float rear end and the HD has a 10.5 full float.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

Actually, if you option a 2500HD with the Duramax diesel or Vortec 8100, it has the same AAM 1150 rear axle (11.5" full-floater). The 2500HD's with the Vortec 6000 have the 10.5" semi-floater.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

 

Not sure exactly what axle it is but a 2500HD with the 6.0 definitly has a full floater. I've pulled hubcabs off my work truck enough to see that big hub sticking out.

[builderpaul]

Its mostly the tires that add the additional weight capacity. 265 on the 3500.

I think the 3500 has a 11.5 full float rear end and the HD has a 10.5 full float.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

Actually, if you option a 2500HD with the Duramax diesel or Vortec 8100, it has the same AAM 1150 rear axle (11.5" full-floater). The 2500HD's with the Vortec 6000 have the 10.5" semi-floater.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

 

Not sure exactly what axle it is but a 2500HD with the 6.0 definitly has a full floater. I've pulled hubcabs off my work truck enough to see that big hub sticking out.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

 

2500HD with the 6L is 10.5 FULL FLOAT.

[bluenote]

Not sure exactly what axle it is but a 2500HD with the 6.0 definitly has a full floater.  I've pulled hubcabs off my work truck enough to see that big hub sticking out.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

2500HD with the 6L is 10.5 FULL FLOAT.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

OK, I stand corrected. I knew the 2500HD's with the 6.0L had the AAM 1050, but didn't realize that was also a full-floating axle. I know AAM rates the 1050 only a few hundred pounds less capacity than the 1150....and both of them are actually rated by AAM for several thousand pounds higher than the 6900 figure that GM gives in their literature.