newbie with 2500 questions

norsk · March 31, 2006

Hi all,

New to the site here. I have done some searching but have only found some helpful info, so I thought I would ask directly...

I am thinking about a new 2500HD 4x4 with the 6.0 and 5spd manual. I like the way they look, and have heard in general god things about them. However, how does the 5spd hold up? I know they offer the ZF 6spd that is bombproof, but no dealers have that. How is the 5spd when paired with the 6.0. By the way, I don't really do any towing, and if I did it would be relatively (5k lbs) light. Second, I am concerned about the ground clearance. The Chevy website claims over 10 inches at rear axle (more than an inch higher than Ford), but just looking at the truck I notice that the frame is very low and the rear differential is quite low too. Is getting hung up a realistic concern? Finally, are there any problems with the 4x4 system. I like how Ford has manual hubs so you can still get 4WD if there is an electrical problem (which I guess is not uncommon in Fords)- is there any similar problem the GMs?

Oh yeah, the truck would be my daily driver. As said, I wouldn't really tow anything regularly, but I would haul heavy weights in the bed. My primary concern regarding the ground clearance and 4x4 is that I have a cabin in REMOTE Minnesota that just getting back to without walking requires driving through ruts, mud, and deep snow in the winter. I also pull logs out of the woods, and haul large loads of firewood in the bed.

Thanks for any info.

mmmikkke · March 31, 2006

All I have that might help is some info about how Ford might use up an extra inch of ground clearance assuming they have the same wheels and tires as GM uses...

Ford makes their own axles. GM and Chrysler both get their axles from AAM, and they're similar but not identical.

The AAM axles are what used to be referred to as the Corporate 14 bolt. GM spun AAM off a few years back.

Rear axle wise the AAM is bulletproof, it'll handle very heavy loads without any problem, which I know from personal experience. The AAM axle used in the 2500HD is rated by AAM at 10,000 pounds. Note however that that's the axle by itself, and the springs and shocks and brakes GM uses don't earn the same rating, so overall GM rates the AAM axle in the 2500HD at 6084 pounds.

I'm pretty sure that a Ford-built axle in any given load capacity has a "pig" that's quite a bit bigger than the AAM axles.

There are quite a few guys on this site that have 5-speeds, and some of them have suggested to others (including me) that they should try a 5-speed. So they must be pretty happy with them.

One bad thing, though, and this could be a deal killer. Ask the salesman to disable the automatic power locks if he can. I bet he can't. With a manual trans, there's something funky about how they lock, and stay locked, until you take your key out, in the 2005 and 2006 trucks. Try them out. If it kills the deal make sure the salesman knows that's why. GM needs some negative $$ feedback on this.

Trouttrooper · March 31, 2006

I believe the 6-speed manual is only with the 8.1 or Dmax.

As for ground clearance, ya a SFA kinda forces stuff up to sit a little higher but then you've also got a pumpkin up front that will hang low in the middle. If clearance in ruts is an issue the best way to solve it in any setup is taller tires.

GM's front hubs were notorious for failing in the early and mid '90s with the thermo style actuator. Splash a little snow on it and it couldn't stay hot enough to keep the front end engaged. They have redesigned and greatly improved since then. The need for a manual override isn't necessary (although mid '90s I would have said different).

mmmikkke · April 1, 2006

Had manual hubs on my '86 K20, then the thermal locker on my '95, and now the solenoid-based locker on my '05. Like the 05 just fine. Sure beats having to get out of the truck.

Daubs · April 2, 2006

Hi all,
New to the site here. I have done some searching but have only found some helpful info, so I thought I would ask directly...

I am thinking about a new 2500HD 4x4 with the 6.0 and 5spd manual. I like the way they look, and have heard in general god things about them. However, how does the 5spd hold up? I know they offer the ZF 6spd that is bombproof, but no dealers have that. How is the 5spd when paired with the 6.0. By the way, I don't really do any towing, and if I did it would be relatively (5k lbs) light. Second, I am concerned about the ground clearance. The Chevy website claims over 10 inches at rear axle (more than an inch higher than Ford), but just looking at the truck I notice that the frame is very low and the rear differential is quite low too. Is getting hung up a realistic concern? Finally, are there any problems with the 4x4 system. I like how Ford has manual hubs so you can still get 4WD if there is an electrical problem (which I guess is not uncommon in Fords)- is there any similar problem the GMs?

Oh yeah, the truck would be my daily driver. As said, I wouldn't really tow anything regularly, but I would haul heavy weights in the bed. My primary concern regarding the ground clearance and 4x4 is that I have a cabin in REMOTE Minnesota that just getting back to without walking requires driving through ruts, mud, and deep snow in the winter. I also pull logs out of the woods, and haul large loads of firewood in the bed.

Thanks for any info.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Welcome norsk!

Sounds like you have your heart set on 6.0/5spd manual tranny. Not a bad choice. I was a die hard manual tranny guy until I got my 99 Silverado. Auto spoiled me. I do have 72 K-20 with 350 and 4 spd though.

Seems like your main issue is ground clearance. Like another said, best way to deal with that is upgrade tires. You can go to 285's on your HD if you crank the t-bars (search for topics on this forum, it's easy). Should increase your ground clearance quite a bit over the 245's that will come stock.

The 6.0 is good motor and will do you right for towing 5k or less. MPG ain't going to be that great, but no HD gasser is these days. Don't think you will have any issues with the 5 speed manual tranny. About only problem will be finding one. You may have to order one to suit your needs. Most dealers stock themselves with autos. Good luck.

HillHound · April 2, 2006

Ford makes their own axles. GM and Chrysler both get their axles from AAM, and they're similar but not identical.

Ford's current Superduty front axles are from Dana. The front one on my F250 is a Dana 60. They have been at least since 1999.

And yeah, the ground clearance on 2500HDs are low. The rear axle clearance isn't really much different than any other HD pickup. But the problem area is the chassis components between the axles.

The lowest point on my stock 4x4 and a 2003 2500HD 4x4 is the transfer case crossmember. On my truck this bracket rides about 15/16 inches off the ground and on a stock 2500HD you get in the neighborhood of 11/12 inches. I've measured them before as have some guys on this site. I don't hear too many people having real world problems with it so I guess it depends on how rough the gorund is you drive on.