Difference between 2500 and 2500HD???

[BlackSilver]

All other things being equal, what is the underlying difference between a 2500 and a 2500HD?

 

Seems to me you get a lot more choices in the HD, like fer instance I can't get an LT Extended cab 2WD in 2500, but I can get it in 2500HD?  

 

What's up with that?

[Shaners]

There is a difference in GVW (obviously).  I think the HD may have a bigger rear-end but I'm not positive...

 

The 1500HD crewcab and the 2500 are the same trucks basically.

 

the HD can only come with the 4.10 rear end with the 6.0L.

 

the frame is lighter on the 2500.

 

and so-on...

[BlackSilver]

the HD can only come with the 4.10 rear end with the 6.0L.

Are you sure?  The way I read it, I can order the 2500HD with 6.0, 8.1, or DMax engines, and either 3.73 or 4.10 rear end.

 

Damn, I hope so, because I need an 8.1/Allison 2WD LT with 3.73 locking rear.

 

The way I read it, I can get that in a 2500HD, but not in a 2500.

 

So back to my original question......  what is the underlying 'thing' which makes it 'HD' ??

[antig24]

this is how I think it all works out

the 1500 is 1/2 ton

the 2500/1500HD are 3/4 ton

the 2500HD/3500 are a ton

[kengsxr]

2500 is the "old" 3/4 ton.

hd has a larger rear end (same as 1 ton)

9200 gvw instead of 8600

[Shaners]

Damn, I hope so, because I need an 8.1/Allison 2WD LT with 3.73 locking rear.

Maybe I didn't say it right.

 

The 6.0L is only available with the 4.10 gears in the HD's

 

The 8.1L can come with either 3.73 or 4.10 gears

 

The Dmax only comes with 3.73 gears

[meganuke]

As an owner of a 2002 Sierra 1500 HD crew cab with a 6.0 and 3.73 gears, I believe Shaners is wrong.    

 

I have a friend with a 2002 Silverado 2500 HD regular cab.  We compared both trucks pretty closely and found only a few differences.  His truck came with a 6.0 and 4.10 gears, and a snow plow prep package.  All other options were the same.  The only difference between the 2500HD and the 1500HD is the GVWR, 9200 vs. 8600.  He also has a bigger gas tank because he has the long bed and I have the short bed.

[CMNTMXR81]

Ok, right from Chevrolet.com

 

I compared extended cab, short bed as that is a common combo 4x4.

 

GVWR

2500 = 8600

2500HD = 9200

 

Payload

2500 = 3152

2500HD = 3152

 

Curb weights

2500 = 5448

2500HD = 5630

 

Trailering

2500 (Vortec 6000)

 Manual = 10,300

 Auto = 8,300

 

2500HD (Vortec 6000)

 Manual = 10,200

 Auto = 10,200

 

2500HD (Vortec 8100)

 Manual = 12,000

 Automatic = 12,000

 

2500HD (Duramax Diesel)

 Manual = 12,000

 Automatic = 12,000

 

Those differences may seem trivial.  But the major differences between the 2500 and the 2500HD is the engine and transmission availability.  The HD's can be opted with the 8.1 gas or DuraMax 6600 diesel.

 

In all honesty, these two numbers seem kinda conservative for the HD's and I think it's more chassis/tow equipment related.  I know HD's with a 5th wheel can pull well around 16,000lbs.

 

Aside from towing, the GVWR is the only major difference.  600lbs may not seem like much more, but to put it in perspective, 600lbs is the weight of a large ATV.  So essentially, an HD in addition to what a regular 2500 can carry, can also add the additional weight equivalent to an ATV.

[BlackSilver]

Somebody said:

 

As an owner of a 2002 Sierra 1500 HD crew cab with a 6.0 and 3.73 gears, I believe Shaners is wrong.    

 

The only difference between the 2500HD and the 1500HD is the GVWR, 9200 vs. 8600.  

Since GVWR is primarily a function of frame/axle/suspension strength and is completely independent of engine/tranny/gear ratio/bed length, then clearly there is a difference in the frame, axles, or suspension (or all three?).

 

[CMNTMXR81]

The frame on an HD is substantially beefier than a regular 2500.  That's no secret.  Otherwise actual axles are the same between the two.  I'm still looking for gearing choices.

[MemphisDoug]

Remember too, if you want a crewcab, you have to get a HD.

[CMNTMXR81]

I don't see anything mentioned about gearing anywhere.  

 

What I did notice is that the 2500 you can get the Autotrac system with.  Whereas 2500HD's come with the regular "Shift on the fly Insta-Trac" system.  A switchable part time 4x4 system.

[Shaners]

As an owner of a 2002 Sierra 1500 HD crew cab with a 6.0 and 3.73 gears, I believe Shaners is wrong.    

Since the question posted did not ask about the 1500HD I was refering to the 2500HD when I posted the reply about gearing.  The 1500HD and the standard 2500 series trucks both have the 6.0L engine and a choice of rear gears (3.73 or 4.10) and that's the bottom line.  The 2500HD has only one choice of rear gear with the 6.0L and that is the 4.10!!!

 

And "AutoTrac" is not an option on the 2500HD, like it is on the 1500HD and probably the 2500.

 

My reply to "BlackSilver" was yes the 3.73 or the 4.10 gears are available with the 8.1L in the 2500HD series...

 

I hope I didn't confuse anyone else...  LOL

[DaveRuane]

C'mon guys the big reason to choose the HD is the BULGE HOOD!

 

(and the main reason I didn't choose the otherwise nicer styled GMC)

[wolfie]

the frame on the 2500HD is bigger.. I believe it's the same frame as the 3500 as it has a sticker on the frame with a number that starts with a 3... a 2500HD is the same truck that you used to get as a 3500 single wheel. and don't forget the extra few inches that he 2500HD is taller.... they needed the space for tha alison.. The grill and hood are different too...until September at least.