Im considering getting an 05 chevy. Either a 2500hd or 3500. Either will be a extended cab 4x4 with the duramax/allison combo. If I go with the 2500hd I'd get the short bed, but with the 3500 long bed, both SRW's. I'd be plowing with it, so the 3500 would be quite a long one, but everything i'd plow would be commercial lots, no residential. I drive over 600 miles a week. I'd also be using it to do landscaping, and eventoully having an ez dumper in the bed, or a truck craft.

I can get a sweet deal on one, its just a matter of what will suit me best. Sense I'm getting the diesel with an extended cab, I figured the 3500 would be a smarter choice. I know both the hd's and 3500s are one tons.

Anyway, with that info that you have, and what I will be driving and what im doing with it, what do you guys think i'd be better off in. Im planning on getting one as soon as I sell my ford, hopefully soon!!! I really need a diesel too, im spending over $600 A month on gas!!!

Thanks fellas!!! Im looking forward to joining the Duramax family! I just dont hope I get addicted to it, but I think I will, because im already addicted to trucks.

P.S. How much money should I set aside for the break in, because I know ill have to change the trans fluid, filter, oil, filter, and diff's. How much is that stuff usually, btw, I'd like to go all synthetic, and I'd be doing it myself.

Thanks again!

There is little if any price difference between the SRW's. The ride is smoother in the 2500, but the 3500 will ride level with 3500lb in the bed.

3500's come in SRW's right?

Because I DO NOT want a dulley.

Thanks!

That's what I have is a 3500 SRW. New for 2004.5 up.

If you do not need to put something very heavy in the bed, I'd probably stick with the 2500. I have an 11.5' camper, so it works better for me.

The 3500 SRW comes with 265 tires instead of 245's.

I do not regret the getting 3500SRW. Seems it can pull it's weight:

http://www.qinsp.com/Pat/McRatPull.JPG

Don't be no wimp, get the 3500.
Everyone know's they build the 3500's better than the 2500's anyway.

And a Dually would look even better, but that's just my honest opinion. :)

McRat,

What's wrong with your truck in that picture?

I don't see no cloud of black smoke following you :confused:

You need a bigger box :D

I got 5k miles on my SRW 3500 crew cab, and love it, it pulls like a nothing else and rides great. I dont think the back end is loose or bouncy at all, and that is on the limiter on the expressway at 95mph. Just get the 3500, its good to know u have the extra capacity there if u need it.

If your going to work it go with the 3500, my 2500hd pulled like a champ but when you loaded up the bed it sure didn't feel like a 1ton!

3500 srw is the way to go. i have one bigger springs bigger tires more carrying capacity. well just more of a good truck. price diff on trucks speced the same about 800 bucks. trade in later priceless

yeah im leaning towards the 3500.... but I just wanted to get everyone elses oppinions. I may not need the 3500 ATM, but in 3 or 4 years I may need that extra capicity (spelling?). I plan on keeping it for 7-10 years, so I mine as well get something that I wont regret in the distant future.

I cant wait until I sell the ford so I can get the duramax :-D 4 people are intrested in buying it, so hopefully they will. But we shall see. I may even trade it in, if it comes to it. I cant afford to keep getting 6mpg and spending over $500-600 on gas each month... I realize ill still spend alot with the diesel, but not as much. And I NEED a new truck.

I have had both!! My first duramax was a 2500HD ext cab 4x4 short bed. It had the allison tranny and the LB7 engine. This truck pulled my 12.5k Fifth wheel camper around like it was a pop up camper. It also handled pretty good for a short bed truck. The only reason I went to the 3500 was to get the crew cab dooley. (more room for the kid gear and a dvd system in the roof) The only downside will be if you want aluminum wheels from the factory. GM has not figured out that aluminum wheels will mount to a 3500 chassis. It amazes me that they will fit the 2500 and the 4500 though. Either way you cannot go wrong.

doesn't the 4.10 ratio drop the mileage significantly? I would bet the operating costs on the 3500 are higher.

Can you get a 3500 with the 3.73 ratio?

My rig has the 3.73 As far as I know you can only get the 3.73 with a duramax. I believe you can get a 4.10 with a powerstroke as an option. No words on fuel mileage. I need to have a reflash done on mine to see if that helps. Now I get about 13 to 14 dry and about 6 pulling my trailer. So we will see

Duramax with the Allison will get you the 3.73 ratio. Standard engine/transmission is the 4.10 ratio.

On the 2500HD, the GAWR of front axle is 4,670#. Mine actually weighs 4,050# on scales full of fuel without any cargo. I don't know how much a plow weighs, but you don't have much room before you're over. Is the front axle rating on the 3500 different?

If you know you're going to be plowing, IIRC, there is a heavy front susp option for plowing. To the best of my knowledge, the fronts are the same, whether they rate them different or not.

McRat,

Ask the camera person not to take pictures when your at idle/brake release. They should always wait till you mash the little pedel. ):h

I Love Mine, Keep Seeing 2500 Hds,makes Me Feel Better Than Thou!!!!j/k-michael

There is little if any price difference between the SRW's. The ride is smoother in the 2500, but the 3500 will ride level with 3500lb in the bed.
Owning both, I'd say the 3500 rides better. Now I prefer a firmer ride, but if the road gets crappy, the 3500 handles it better. My 2500 has an extra leaf, closely approximating it to a 3500SRW, but the 3500 is still better.

Only drawback is the painted wheels, but I put a set of Michelins and PYO's on mine

If i wanted to, later down the road if I did decide to buy the 3500. could I buy a set of the stock 2500hd rims (the chrome ones) and put them on? Or are the bolt patterns different?

Also, How umuch $ should I be ready to ahve in for the normal break in stuff, like oil, tranny fluid, diff fluid?

Im really looking forward to getting a 3500!!! Just gotta sell the ford... ARGHHHHH

Thanks again fellas!