I kinda bought a 6.5 diesel truck that is a 1994. They indicated is was a 2500 but I got to scratching and it has 6 lug wheels so I called in the VIN and they say it is a 1/2 ton. Not real sure what the differences are but I think I got screwed a bit here. May just have to back out of the deal. Now I am wondering if it is a 6.5 or a 6.2?? I did not ask but I know it has the 4L80 and 3.73 gear.

Id this truck what we would call a heavy 1/2 or what the heck is it? Just a half ton with a 6.5 diesel?

thanks

do a vin check.............look in the stickys

They made a 2500 light duty with a 6.5 diesel in it rated at 7200 GVWR with 6 lug wheels. And they also offered the 6.5 in the 1500 4X4 with 6 lug wheels.

It may be a 1/2 ton truck, if it is 6 lug then it is most likely a 1/2 ton 4x4. Are you planning to haul heavy?

If it is a 1994 then it has a 6.5L turbo. The only difference in the 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton is that the 1/2 ton had an EGR system and less power form the factory. Swap over a "F" code ECU and block off the EGR and you wll have the same power. I have also read on here that the diesel 1/2 ton was beefed up more than a gasser 1/2 ton, but not quite as strong as a 3/4 ton..kind of like a 5/8 ton. Nearly all of them have a 4L80e, but a few had the 4L60e. If it is a 4L60e, run fast. A 4L80e is what the larger trucks had and is a strong tranny.

Also, I believe all 1/2 tons had 3.42 gears, but I am not certain on that. If you plan to haul heavy then look into a 3/4 or 1 ton truck. If you plan to haul light then a 1/2 ton would be a much better truck. The ride is a lot smoother, The lower gears are a lot more fuel efficient, and they are much lighter.

My 6 lug 1996 K1500 has a 4L80E with 3.73's...

Yeah, I did call my dealer with the VIN and they said 1/2 ton, 4l80, and 3.73. I am interested in the F computer. I am a little new with the 6.5 stuff so help me get up to speed. Will all the sensors be interchangable with the "other" computer? Is this a substantial difference? I will want to dig some power out as I plan to use it every now and then for a goose neck trailer but maybe once a month locally. My primary concern is MPG!

The reason I was worried about the 1/2 ton is I have one now and the brakes suck, the ball joints wear out fast, and the drive line is not stout. I know this thing has 6 lug hubs so I guess if the dealer says 1/2 ton, do I take that as fact?


OH!! This rig has 300K on it. How many miles are the 6.5s good for? I am concerned I just bought a worn out pig.

A '94 truck is OBD I and easier to upgrade to "heavy duty" using an F code chip. The computer doesn't need to be swapped. 300K is a lot on the clock unless some engine work has been done?

I agree. There is no way I would push one to 300 without pulling it down for a freshen up. Do you think 1800 is too much for an ex cab z71 silverado?

So the F chip is basically the E-prom chip from an OBD1 2500? Can I just get a better performance prom or burn one for the truck? Sorry, a little new on the diesel stuff yet.

Some people say it's only money? If you're handy with wrenches than it's a go. Try to get as much history as you can. I'm not a body man but turn wrenches for a living so to R&R a component isn't too bad.

At least two of the vendors here have any kind of performance upgrade you want. The "chip" swap is easy and makes a huge difference.

Before you go out and purchase a stock F-chip, you might give a call to Heath Diesel and talk with him about the Max-E-Tork eprom. That and the Turbo-Master boost controller are the easiest and single best upgrade you can imagine for improvements in power, fuel economy and personal satisfaction.
http://www.heathdiesel.com/T/Chevy-GM/Chevy-9495/Performance-Upgrades/

I've got the same rig more or less, whats the power difference between a 1500 v 2500 from the factory, just curious.

Another way to tell the difference between a 1500 with the upgraded rear suspension, and a 2500 light duty is to check for a rear sway bar. If it has one it is a 1500, no bar means 2500.