Newbie Convert From Ford Sd

Frank2009 · April 22, 2009

Hello Guys,I have owned a chevy suburban in the past1996 bought a new H2 Hummer in 03 Sold it three years later, Went to a 2006 Ford Sd 6.0 powerstroke I got Stroked!!Any ways Im Finding myself in in the market for a new Hd deisel truck, Im looking for sugestions, I have looked at and driven a 2009 Silverado 2500hd ltz with a duramax & allison. I loved the truck, are there any differences between a 2008 & 2009 besides a better rebate? can any one comment on a 3500 as far as ride harshness over the 2500?

2cnd ? I always lift my trucks I dont want anything over 4" I would like to run a 35" tire, any sugestions?

pennzoil29 · April 22, 2009

Welcome aboard Good to see you're wanting back in a GM truck. I can't give you any advice on the diesel.

Roofer · April 22, 2009

Welcome to the site. ;)

As far as 2500 vs. 3500, there is much difference. IMO, you know if you need the 3500. If you don't know that, then you probably don't need it......If that makes sense.

The Duramax and Allison will put your mind at ease after owning the powersmoker.

pwall · April 22, 2009

Welcome!

You'll like the duramax/allison....

Frank2009 · April 24, 2009

Thanks for the input, I tow a car trailer with my Land Rover Defender 90 all over the place as well as my Sanger boat with tandem trailer, Are the brakes the same on a 2500 & 3500? if the only diffence is spring capacity then I will go with the 2500 and air spring the rear like I did with my F250.

Welcome!
You'll like the duramax/allison....

cfeiring · April 28, 2009

the 2500 and 3500 trucks basically differ in the axles and the suspension on the single wheels; and the dulley(sp?) has the bigger fender flare and different tire size as well vs the single rear wheel cousins.

the 09 has a few bells and whistles that the 08 but as far as I know the 7.5-09 are all basically the same no real mechanical changes.

if you can find an 08 that meets the needs/wants then grab it, otherwise get a 09 now for they are the last ones to be made as gm is going to shut down for the summer and restart with 2010 production model year units.

I have a 25oo and it has done everything I have wanted it to do.

The GM truck is far better than the ford when I was getting ready to throw the money on the table.

If you dump the ford for a GM truck you will not be unhappy.

Just make sure to get a truck with the capability that you will need.

Griptruk · April 30, 2009

One important difference of a 3500 over a 2500 is the GVWR.

No mods you can do will change this legally.

-Jer

Bluedog · April 30, 2009

Get a 3500 if you have the choice. Extra GVW and for some reason 3500 SRW's are a few hundred dollars less sticker than the 2500's...

Ride isn't really any different between the two. I'd hold off on the lift and larger tires for awhile. Most report a decrease in fuel mileage with larger tires, and some dealers are pretty pissy about working on a truck with non-stock tire sizes. GM has a bulletin that directs the dealer not to perform warranty service for drivability \ engine \ transmission issues unless stock tires are on the truck. YMMV with any particular dealer however.

You will never look back after driving a Duramax / Allison truck!