Hello eveybody,

New to forum here and in a months time, I will be ordering an 05 Sierra
duramax. Can someone fill me in on the difference between the LLY and
the first generation? Second, I am not sure what model to get, whether
the 2500hd or the 3500. I am looking into ordering either an extended
cab long bed or a crew cab long bed (no dual wheels). The thing is, I
know the 3500 has stronger springs and different wheel sizes,
molding...basically appearances. but what about mechanical? Are the
axles different, is the front end stronger on the 3500? I just want to
make sure the truck is built to pull and haul heavy loads...Which may
mean stiffer springs in a 2500hd...



either way thanks for the input,

Justin

How heavy is heavy? In the bed or a trailer? If you'll be
anywhere near the GCVWR, go for 3500. Most say they are the same
other than tires and springs.

Well, it will be pulling primarily a bobcat (5800 lbs.), a trailer
(2200 lbs.), a backhoe attachment (1800 lbs.) and the bucket (roughly
350 lbs.). Often, I will add an auger and a set of forks...There will
also be a 25 or 35 gallon diesel carrier mounted in the bed. I'm sure
that the 3/4 ton can handle the payload in the bed, what about the
possible 10,000 lbs. behind it?





thanks

Easy!I haven't towed that much weight but almost and i haven't seen a hill in Mo. so for that I couldn't do 95 mph up it with the trailer behind it even when the truck was stock.

I'm pulling an 11,500 pound 5th wheel with a 2500HD with no problems at all, the truck handles the weight fine and the power is plenty enough.





04 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4x4 Extended Cab long bed Duramax/AllisonEdited by: Materialman

Basically the LLY is the only one available. It has redesigned heads and a differant turbo, and more we may never know about. The 2500 is the way to go. It weighs less and will get better fuel mileage. I have been over 30,000 gross with a 2500 and 34 foot flatbed, (by mistake), and it handled it fine.

Well, it will be pulling primarily a bobcat (5800 lbs.), a trailer (2200 lbs.), a backhoe attachment (1800 lbs.) and the bucket (roughly 350 lbs.). Often, I will add an auger and a set of forks...There will also be a 25 or 35 gallon diesel carrier mounted in the bed. I'm sure that the 3/4 ton can handle the payload in the bed, what about the possible 10,000 lbs. behind it?


thanks



I tow a Deere SSL (7000), 20' bumper pull trailer (4000), hoe (1800), trencher(1000), forks and extra bucket(600+), steel tracks (1000) quite often and my 2500 does a great job.


Bed full of laser,pipe,fittings, tools and general crap.


Juice on this truck does an even better job.


Once I had a 3000# asphalt roller w/ above and still did OK.


I'd go 3500 but I run a set of studded mud tires in winter and don't like the DRW in snow and ice and getting another set of 6 wheels and tires is a lot more $$$.

I have both, and basically made my 2500 into a near equivalent of the 3500 early on.





Rear springs and shocks are the differences. IMHO, the 3500 rear handl;ing is better. Steelwheels only, but I changed them to PYO's. 265's standard as well.





I can't find the difference up front, but my 2005 is just as high as my 2002 with the bars maxed out and 70,000 miles of sag on them...

The other day I pulled my 6000lb bobcat and 6000lb scissor lift on a 6000lb gooseneck trailer and I had no problems or worries.


Get some looks though.

can you get single wheel 3500's. i know iv saw ford f 350's with single wheels but iv never saw a new model chevy

Single rear wheel 3500's are now available.....

http://media.gm.com/division/2005_prodinfo/gmc/sierra/index.html

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=1><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top width=118></TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>GVWR (lb / kg)

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>Curb

Weight (lb / kg)

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>Payload (lb / kg)

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>Weight Distribution (% front/rear)

</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=118>2500HD Reg Cab, Long Box 2WD/4WD:

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>9200 / 4173

9200 / 4173

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>5177 / 2348

5437 / 2466

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>4023 / 1825

3763 / 1707

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>55 / 45

57 / 43

</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=118>2500HD Ext Cab, Short Box 2WD/4WD:

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>9200 / 4173

9200 / 4173

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>5404 / 2451

5664 / 2569

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>3796 / 1722

3536 / 1604

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>56 / 44

58 / 42

</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=118>2500HD Ext Cab, Long Box 2WD/4WD:

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>9200 / 4173

9200 / 4173

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>5561 / 2522

5846 / 2652

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>3639 / 1651

3354 / 1521

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>56 / 44

58 / 42

</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=118>2500HD Crew Cab, Short Box 2WD/4WD:

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>9200 / 4173

9200 / 4173

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>5506 / 2497

5524 / 2506

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>3570 / 1619

3293 / 1494

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>57 / 43

59 / 41

</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=118>2500HD Crew Cab, Long Box 2WD/4WD:

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>9200 / 4173

9200 / 4173

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>5768 / 2616

6049 / 2744

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>3432 / 1557

3151 / 1429

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>57 / 43

59 / 41

</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=118>3500 Reg Cab, 4WD – dual rear wheels:

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>11400 / 5171

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>5903 / 6044

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>5497 / 2493

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>54 / 46

</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=118>3500 Ext Cab, 4WD, single rear wheels:

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>9900 / 4491

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>6239 / 2830

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>3661 / 1661

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>53 / 47

</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=118>3500 Ext Cab, 2WD/4WD, dual rear wheels:

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>11400 / 5171

11400 / 5171

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>6044 / 2742

6346 / 2879

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>5356 / 2429

5054 / 2292

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>54 / 46

53 / 47

</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=118>3500 Crew Cab, 4WD, single rear wheels:

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>9900 / 4491

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>6094 / 2764

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>3806 / 1726

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>54 / 46

</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=118>3500 Crew Cab, 2WD/4WD, dual rear wheels:

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>11400 / 5171

11400 / 5171

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>6245 / 2833

6546 / 2969

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>5155 / 2338

4854 / 2202

</TD><TD vAlign=top width=118>53 / 47

54 / 46

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Duramax 6600 6.6L V-8 (LLY) Truck Engine

2005 Model Year Summary



Class-leading torque, lower emissions
Variable-geometry turbocharger
Revised fuel system with new injectors
Two-piece rocker covers
Fast-heating glow plugs and controller
Improved engine control module (ECM)
Revised air induction with resonator
Improved water pump
New cooling fan ratio
Revised oil level sensor
Cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) for all applications
Catalytic converter for all applications
Eliminate EGR intake throttle and air heater for California
"Not to Exceed" certification in California
Click on this link for the Full data details:

http://media.gm.com/division/2005_prodinfo/powertrain/engines/PWT_2005%20LLY.htm

That list seems a lot like the changes to the 04.5 LLY (except the tourque). Everything else came around for the '04LLY, and just carried over to the '05.

Would it be possible for a dealer to porgram an '04 LLY with the '05 calibrations to increase the torque (although they probably wouldn't)?

Duramax 6600 6.6L V-8 (LLY) Truck Engine

2005 Model Year Summary




Class-leading torque, lower emissions
Variable-geometry turbocharger
Revised fuel system with new injectors
Two-piece rocker covers
Fast-heating glow plugs and controller
Improved engine control module (ECM)
Revised air induction with resonator
Improved water pump
New cooling fan ratio
Revised oil level sensor
Cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) for all applications
Catalytic converter for all applications
Eliminate EGR intake throttle and air heater for California
"Not to Exceed" certification in California
Click on this link for the Full data details:

http://media.gm.com/division/2005_prodinfo/powertrain/engines/PWT_2005%20LLY.htm

From an advertising standpoint, the 'rated' power of the current trucks, Dodge/Cummins, Ford/Powerstroke and GM/Duramax, are increasing in small increments to stay ahead of the competition. 310/590 versus 605 Ft Lbs, that is a small incremental increase that looks good on paper, but would you be able to verify it via 'seat of the pants' or even on a dyno? Maybe you could, but can you be sure that the stronger truck was stronger because it had different programming to MAKE it stronger or is it just the luck of the draw?
(You can take 10 engines all built on the same day by the same crew, and not all of them will put out exactly the same power; some will be stronger than the others.)
Is the Advetising Department saying that 'we have upped the torque to 605 Ft Lbs from 590' when in fact it was 605 all along?? Or they don't think that anybody will be able to tell 590 from 605 Ft Lbs? These engines (Cummins, PowerStroke, Duramax) are nowhere near their design limitations regarding power output. In say, 5 years, the LLY might be at 340 HP and 710 Ft Lbs. Using the same parts..just that right now it's 'detuned' and the engineers have built it so they can increase the power rating every year or two to get ahead of the competition. :)
As for a 'reflash' that makes a 590 LLY into a 605 LLY, I doubt one exists, or that there are any differences elsewhere. I think that it's all marketing and advertising right now.
I might be going out on a limb by asking this, but how much stronger does the LLY actually feel and perform compared to an LB7? Jumping from one to the other, with an 85 Ft Lb difference, you'd think there would be a noticable difference.
For the sake of comparison, when we add a 'box' such as the Edge or other brand, and have an extra 200+ Ft Lbs, there's NO DOUBT that there is an increase!

Do you really need a 3500 HD to pull a 35' 5TH wheel? Currently i'm in a slide-in camper. A guy asked me what i would recommend 2500 OR 3500?

Depends on how many miles you plan on towing. If it were me, and I was on the road a lot with a 35' fiver, I'd want the DRW. The wider track enhances stability and traction, not only for slippery conditions while maneuvering but also two extra tires on the road with weight on them with the DRW in the event of a panic stop. Plus what is the pin weight, or weight over the rear wheels when the trailer is hitched to the 5th wheel? And consider DRW distributes that load between four tires, the duals, and each individual tire has less weight on it, meaning less heat and better reliability. In the event of a blowout, I'd want DRW with all that weight.

Also, what is the CGVWR on the 2500HD vs 3500? If you are towing at or near the GCVWR (Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating), legally you're better off being UNDER the combined loaded truck and trailer weight. If there's an accident and you're involved, the insurance companies may find out you're overweight and hold you liable. Don't confuse GVWR with CGVWR. The former is the truck's max weight with a load and no trailer; the latter, CGVWR, is the combined weight of both truck and trailer.

I need to find the list of the Combined capacities and post them here. When I find it I'll post it.

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 summary=""><THEAD><TR class=odd><TH colSpan=6>2500HD AND 3500</TH></TR><TR class=odd><TH id=trail6a colSpan=6>DURAMAX 6600 V8 WITH AUTOMATIC AND MANUAL TRANSMISSION</TH></TR><TR class=odd><TH class=odd id=trail6c colSpan=2>Model</TH><TH id=trail6d>Box Length (ft.)</TH><TH class=odd id=trail6e>Max. Trailer Weight (lbs.)<SUP>1</SUP></TH><TH id=trail6f>Required Axle Ratio</TH><TH class=odd id=trail6g>GCWR<SUP>2</SUP> (lbs.)</TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=odd><TH scope=row>2500HD 2WD</TH><TD class=odd>Regular Cab</TD><TD class=even>8</TD><TD class=odd>16,000</TD><TD class=even>3.73</TD><TD class=odd>22,000</TD></TR><TR><TH scope=row> </TH><TD class=odd>Extended Cab</TD><TD class=even>6.5/8</TD><TD class=odd>15,700/15,600</TD><TD class=even>3.73</TD><TD class=odd>22,000</TD></TR><TR class=odd><TH scope=row> </TH><TD class=odd>Crew Cab</TD><TD class=even>6.5/8</TD><TD class=odd>15,400/15,300</TD><TD class=even>3.73</TD><TD class=odd>22,000</TD></TR><TR><TH scope=row>2500HD 4x4</TH><TD class=odd>Regular Cab</TD><TD class=even>8</TD><TD class=odd>15,600</TD><TD class=even>3.73</TD><TD class=odd>22,000</TD></TR><TR class=odd><TH scope=row> </TH><TD class=odd>Extended Cab</TD><TD class=even>6.5/8</TD><TD class=odd>15,500/15,000</TD><TD class=even>3.73</TD><TD class=odd>22,000</TD></TR><TR><TH scope=row> </TH><TD class=odd>Crew Cab</TD><TD class=even>6.5/8</TD><TD class=odd>14,200/13,400</TD><TD class=even>3.73</TD><TD class=odd>22,000</TD></TR><TR class=odd><TH scope=row>3500 Single-Rear Wheel 4x4</TH><TD class=odd>Regular Cab</TD><TD class=even>8</TD><TD class=odd>15,400</TD><TD class=even>3.73</TD><TD class=odd>22,000</TD></TR><TR><TH scope=row> </TH><TD class=odd>Extended Cab</TD><TD class=even>8</TD><TD class=odd>15,000</TD><TD class=even>3.73</TD><TD class=odd>22,000</TD></TR><TR class=odd><TH scope=row> </TH><TD class=odd>Crew Cab</TD><TD class=even>8</TD><TD class=odd>14,800</TD><TD class=even>3.73</TD><TD class=odd>22,000</TD></TR><TR><TH scope=row>3500 Dual-Rear Wheel 2WD</TH><TD class=odd>Extended Cab</TD><TD class=even>8</TD><TD class=odd>16,600<SUP>3</SUP></TD><TD class=even>4.10</TD><TD class=odd>23,500<SUP>3</SUP></TD></TR><TR class=odd><TH scope=row> </TH><TD class=odd>Crew Cab</TD><TD class=even>8</TD><TD class=odd>16,400<SUP>3</SUP></TD><TD class=even>4.10</TD><TD class=odd>23,500<SUP>3</SUP></TD></TR><TR><TH scope=row>3500 Dual-Rear Wheel 4x4</TH><TD class=odd>Regular Cab</TD><TD class=even>8</TD><TD class=odd>16,700<SUP>3</SUP></TD><TD class=even>4.10</TD><TD class=odd>23,500<SUP>3</SUP></TD></TR><TR class=odd><TH scope=row> </TH><TD class=odd>Extended Cab</TD><TD class=even>8</TD><TD class=odd>16,300<SUP>3</SUP></TD><TD class=even>4.10</TD><TD class=odd>23,500<SUP>3</SUP></TD></TR><TR><TH scope=row> </TH><TD class=odd>Crew Cab</TD><TD class=even>8</TD><TD class=odd>16,100<SUP>3</SUP></TD><TD class=even>4.10</TD><TD class=odd>23,500<SUP>3</SUP></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<DL class=disclaimer><DT>1 <DD>Maximum trailer weight ratings are calculated assuming a base vehicle, except for any option(s) necessary to achieve the rating, plus driver. The weight of other optional equipment, passengers and cargo will reduce the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow. See your Chevy dealer for additional details. </DD><DT>2 <DD>Gross Combination Weight Rating. </DD><DT>3 <DD>With automatic transmission. The available manual transmission will reduce the trailer weight rating by 1,500 lbs. </DD><DT>NOTE: <DD>Trailer kingpin weight should be 15 to 25 percent of total loaded trailer weight (up to 3,000 lbs. on 2500HD models and up to 3,500 lbs. on 3500 models). • Addition of trailer kingpin weight cannot cause vehicle weights to exceed Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (RGAWR) or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). These ratings can be found on the certification label located on the driver door or door frame. • Fifth-wheel hitch is available as a dealer-installed accessory on select models. </DD></DL>

you can get3500's with singles now

Good discussion. LB7's had internal injectors with numerous problems, LLY's went with external injectors, a variable vane turbo, and some other minor mods. As with any new engine LLY issues are coming out as well. Both pull very well, the LLY has more hp/tq stock, though LB7's can be tuned with aftermarket programmers to produce higher hp/tq as well. I believe the axles are the same on the 2500/3500 trucks.

3500's will be a bit heavier, but whether this equates to a serious degradation in mpg's is questionable. My stock 3500 DRW does as well as any of the other stock LLY 2500's I've seen posting (15-16 city, 18-19 highway), no juice, no AFE, simply stock. Agree with previous poster that stability (footprint) on the dually's is better, though driving DRW's does take some getting used to. Mama JJ prefers to drive the 3500 over the Ford Ranger now that she's used to it, go figure!

I find some peace of mind knowing I don't have as many limitations with the 3500 DRW over the 2500/3500 SRW's. While a 2500/3500 SRW would have handled most situations I planned to encounter, it was at the high end of its operating capacity to do so. Additionally, if I have a rear flat tire while towing my 40', 16-18k pound 5ver I'm not dead on the side of the road in an undesirable location, but able to limp someplace convenient to pull into. While towing my 5ver in 40-50mph gusts during Hurricane Frances my rig was planted solid on the road, no sway. SRW's were all over the road, many pulled over. I probably should have pulled over as well come to think of it.

You will be surprised how quick the weight adds up in the bed of your truck. Adding a 25-35 gallon diesel tank is going to put 400lbs+- additional weight back there. Figure 15-20% pin weight for any 5ver or gooseneck trailer you attach. Add a full tanke of fuel, luggage, hitches, tool boxes, gear, etc., and it adds up fast. Hope this helps. Good luck! JJ