Has anyone had a 3/4-ton and 1-ton SRW truck or driven the two to feel the difference in suspension and driveability? I'm contemplating a 3500HD SRW CCSB, but I'm curious if it will feel closer to a 2500HD or a 3500HD dually? I had a '05 LLY dually, and it was great for towing but sucked to daily drive. Any input would be great!

Do they make a shortbed 1-ton in the NBS? I know in the classic body style all 3500 SRWs were long bed only....

This is dated, but I traded a 2004 2500HD extended cab for a 2006 3500HD extended cab SRW. Both were new when I bought them. Both 4WD and long beds. Bilsteins on both were the only mods I did.

I could not feel much of a difference in the suspension, but I would say the handling was better with the 3500, despite the extra leaf spring in the rear, due to the larger stock wheels (265s vs 245s) and the larger stock fuel tank (34 gal vs 26) which when full seemed to dampen the typical rear end judder going over bumps unloaded. I believe the extra leaf came into play only when the bed was fully loaded or towing heavy. Both trucks were the classic body style.

Not sure how applicable this would be to later models, though. Particularly 2011 with the new frames and wheel options.

Thanks for the info. Yes, they are going to offer a SB 3500. You can see the stats on it on GMC's website. As ridiculous as it sounds, I'm not sure if a 1-ton SRW will have the same demand when it's time to get rid of it as a 3/4-ton will.

Zero difference until loaded, that is the only time you will tell that the 3500 has the added leaf. Go for the 3500SRW, they are just cooler!

Sad part is if you are really loading a truck and using it you will want airbags anyways so the extra leaf is kind of a mute point.

Yeah, that's exactly what I was thinking. I put air bags on immediately for the heavy loads, so like you said, the added leaf may be pointless. I also think my dealer will want a deposit to order a 3500 SRW vs. the 2500. I refused to give a deposit without knowing exact pricing, so they said I can place my order without a deposit so long as it's something that will be easy to sell should I not take the truck.

Good topic. I was wondering the differences between the 2500 and 3500 CCSB SRW in daily driving.

I put air bags on my trucks but depending on the load the extra leaf will help the bags lift the load, especially on bumper pull loads. I am all about the 3500, I think they ride the same until load is on are a big bump is hit.

The GMC website won't let me configure a SWB 3500. Am I doing something wrong?

All it is is wider wheels with factory 265's and different leaf springs.

I'm not sure how one would go about comparing something that hasn't been built yet, but like said of the older models the 3500SRW in my opinion is a better setup. I think (contrary to popular belief) that the 2500's are undersprung in the rear and the 3500 main pack provides a more controlled (albeit a tad more firm) ride.

I'm a believer in the 3500SRW especially when adding a load.

Higher gvw rating as well, if u care about legal payload :D

Go for the 3500SRW, they are just cooler!


and rarer... less than 50 of us (or so) on this site!

I've noticed most of the newer Fords are 350's too... they seem to market differently. Out in the field and on dealer lots it's 90% F350's (at least around here) Yet in the past the big RV's/Fivers were mostly behind DMAX's. Although I am seeing more and more Turd's pulling them these days so I guess the General had to lose some market share during it's "restructuring"

I'd just install the 3500 spring pack on a 2500HD and be done. Cooler truck, same capabilities. One of the only CC/LB trucks I love is Chevy1925's truck.

I'd just install the 3500 spring pack on a 2500HD and be done. Cooler truck, same capabilities. One of the only CC/LB trucks I love is Chevy1925's truck.

But now you can get them in a CCSB ;)

I'd just install the 3500 spring pack on a 2500HD and be done. Cooler truck, same capabilities. One of the only CC/LB trucks I love is Chevy1925's truck.

what about a 2500 is "cooler" than a 3500?

My '09 3500SRW does NOT have the helper springs, and it is stock.

I personally cannot feel a difference between my 2500's and my 3500 SRWs, except the 2500s are shortbeds, and, as such, they "bob" a little more. On my CCs, the revised rear cab mounts made them "almost" 1500 like.

what about a 2500 is "cooler" than a 3500?
It doesn't look stupid stock, you can actually turn it without a football field worth of space, same capabilities, the real 3500's are DRW, the 2500's look better, longbeds are overrated, and did I say that 2500's look better? :D

It doesn't look stupid stock, you can actually turn it without a football field worth of space, same capabilities, the real 3500's are DRW, the 2500's look better, longbeds are overrated, and did I say that 2500's look better? :D
I was actually with you until this point. Longer wheelbase equals better ride, better center of gravity AND looks like a real truck.

Shortbeds ride bumpy and are for the wives to get groceries with.

I was actually with you until this point. Longer wheelbase equals better ride, better center of gravity AND looks like a real truck.

Shortbeds ride bumpy and are for the wives to get groceries with.
They may ride better, but I have noticed little difference under most conditions. The only long beds that look good are DRW. I have never once wanted a long bed, if I needed to haul something that wouldn't fit in a shortbed, I would use a trailer...

I was actually with you until this point. Longer wheelbase equals better ride, better center of gravity AND looks like a real truck.

Shortbeds ride bumpy and are for the wives to get groceries with.

X2. The only shortbed I ever wanted was my older 69 SB 1/2 ton. Just as well own an El Camino...which I like as well now that I think about it. Otherwise if it won't haul a full sheet of plywood or a ton of other stuff I "used" to work with then I really don't need it in my fleet. If turning radius is a concern then a RC/SB would rule the day. But then I like land yachts and mine isn't a daily driver. Hmmm not sure what will be a daily driver when I get to that stage. Then maybe I'd appreciate a CC/SB or EC/SB. :D

I was actually with you until this point. Longer wheelbase equals better ride, better center of gravity AND looks like a real truck.

Shortbeds ride bumpy and are for the wives to get groceries with.

.............. and you don't have to worry about 5ver's hitting the cab during sharp turns with a LB. No slider hitch needed.
The Goose or 5ver hitch can be mounted ahead of rear axle with a LB for smoother ride. With a SB some mount the hitch directly over axle to gain clearance from cab which may cause a choppy ride when towing.

I wouldn't buy a SB if someone gave it to me! :rolleyes:

x3
Longbeds rule. Shortys are for groceries.
I laugh at the guys at work trying to jam all their shit in their short beds.:rolleyes: Try hauling a stack of 16 foot 2x8's and a few sheets of plywood in the back of your ccsb you will have more lumber behind the truck than in it:D They always have their back seat full of tools too.:eek:

.............. and you don't have to worry about 5ver's hitting the cab during sharp turns with a LB.
Yah...what he said. :D I didn't even think about putting my hitch in front of the axle. Dang, that's a good idea. My 5th wheel came with an adjustable 25k Husky as the previous owner had a short bed. I do notice a bit of chop but I attributed that to the moreride suspension. Just happens once in awhile but other wise the ride is smooooth. Like it has much of a choice with all that tonnage. When empty, it's another story even with them Sulastic thingy mo bobbers. They helped a bit but daaaaaaammmmn. Just wish Kelderman wasn't so expensive. There I go again, jackin the thread.:rolleyes:

I do like the looks of a short bed better (more sporty) and haven't had a long bed in over 25 years but this time around I ordered the long bed.There has just been way to many times that the short bed was a pain in the azz,and I wished I had a long bed.I've had to leave the tailgate at home to be able to haul 2 dirtbikes and tow the travel trailer at the same time.If you have to leave the tailgate down to haul longer things,then you have to strap everything down or put it in the back seat so it don't fall out.Also I've heard from to many people that the long bed tows much better.

My '05 3500 DRW was awesome for towing, but it was mostly because of the suspension. Turning with the 48' gooseneck was nice, too, but I HATED the DRW for daily driving. It was quite a bit worse on mileage, too. I don't pull the gooseneck trailer more than three times a year, so it's hard for me to justify a DRW for what equates to 7 days of towing a year. The rest of the time I'm either pulling my boat or 30' bumper pull trailer. I also consider the resale side of it. Like it or not, the SRW short beds are a LOT more popular. So, it'll be easier to sell. I wouldn't consider a SRW long bed. If I go long bed, it'll only be DRW.

It's all according to personal preference. FYI, I do go to the grocery store in my CCSB. ;)

My '05 3500 DRW was awesome for towing, but it was mostly because of the suspension. Turning with the 48' gooseneck was nice, too, but I HATED the DRW for daily driving. It was quite a bit worse on mileage, too. I don't pull the gooseneck trailer more than three times a year, so it's hard for me to justify a DRW for what equates to 7 days of towing a year. The rest of the time I'm either pulling my boat or 30' bumper pull trailer. I also consider the resale side of it. Like it or not, the SRW short beds are a LOT more popular. So, it'll be easier to sell. I wouldn't consider a SRW long bed. If I go long bed, it'll only be DRW.

It's all according to personal preference. FYI, I do go to the grocery store in my CCSB. ;)
Good point!

I'd like some opinions on 3500 vs. 2500 ride differences. For the sake of argument, lets keep it apples to apples though.....

SRW long bed 2500 vs. SRW long bed 3500

That way we can assume they same type of difference between the 2500 and 3500 SRW short beds...

By the way, I'd love to get a new CCSB truck, and I'm thinking go with the 3500 just to have the extra capacity if needed, unless it will comprise ride quality for day to day driving.

.............. and you don't have to worry about 5ver's hitting the cab during sharp turns with a LB. No slider hitch needed.


I guess I'll never understand this argument. I personally have never been close to having this problem or in a situation that I needed to have my truck and 5er at a 90 degree angle. Do you all realize the type of bind you are putting on your trailer wheels with double and especially triple axle trailers when you have the need to turn this sharp?

I do completely understand the argument of a smoother ride. Makes perfect sense with a longer wheel base. It would also make sense to have a little smoother ride having the hitch in front of the axle. Makes sense.

For those that say SB's aren't real trucks or are grocery getters......really, this isn't grade school. Its simply a matter of preference. Some of us like the looks a little better with the short bed, the shorter turning radius and some other bonuses. Each have their positives and shortfalls.

You have a lot less damaged cabs with long bed

I guess I'll never understand this argument. I personally have never been close to having this problem or in a situation that I needed to have my truck and 5er at a 90 degree angle. Do you all realize the type of bind you are putting on your trailer wheels with double and especially triple axle trailers when you have the need to turn this sharp?

Agreed, doing a U-Turn is Hell on trailer wheels and doesn't happen often, but when you're a mile down the country type single lane road with the 5ver, and the sign says "CAUTION, 22% grade", ( :eek: ), you have two option, back up or do a U-Turn.
I don't want to go there again.

Cowdoc, I couldn't build the single rear wheel 3500 on the webiste either, but my dealer did it on his in-house terminal, so they are definitely available.

Also, TrevorD, I had a 2007 2500 LTZ crew cab long box, and also bought a 2008 3500 LTZ crew cab long box a year later. No difference in the ride until loaded, as already noted.

Trying to park a longbed near any vehicles in a parking lot just isn't happening sometimes though. Hell, my SB can be a real pita to get in and outta spots around town. That actually was the deciding factor in between the two trucks I was looking to buy when I bought mine

Save yourself a few hundred dollars; buy the 2500 and put 3500 badges on it!

All depends on what you are gonna use it for, SB is easier to get around and if you are just gonna pull trailers and don't need the bed space then why not, now as for me at the ranch I need the bed space when I need to move 100 or so bags of feed from one side of the ranch to the other, plus the tool box just takes to much away from a sb.

Yep, if you have a Transfer Flow toolbox/fuel tank, plus a fifth wheel hitch, it all works much better with a long box. Smoother ride with the trailer on the back because of the longer wheelbase, and smoother too for passengers in the back seat when there's no trailer on the back. Thank goodness there's a choice so that everyone gets what they need for their specific needs.

All depends on what you are gonna use it for, SB is easier to get around and if you are just gonna pull trailers and don't need the bed space then why not, now as for me at the ranch I need the bed space when I need to move 100 or so bags of feed from one side of the ranch to the other, plus the tool box just takes to much away from a sb.
Right, I can respect that, but to say that shortbeds are less capable...
Yep, if you have a Transfer Flow toolbox/fuel tank, plus a fifth wheel hitch, it all works much better with a long box. Smoother ride with the trailer on the back because of the longer wheelbase, and smoother too for passengers in the back seat when there's no trailer on the back. Thank goodness there's a choice so that everyone gets what they need for their specific needs.
Agreed.

[quote=Brad92;3891682]Right, I can respect that, but to say that shortbeds are less capable...

Not saying they are less capable just saying that I need more space. I have the fuel tank and tool box combo as well, so a sb wouldn't work for me.

You have a lot less damaged cabs with long bed
You get more damaged trucks with long beds, since you can't turn without hitting stuff in parking lots. ;)
[quote=Brad92;3891682]Right, I can respect that, but to say that shortbeds are less capable...

Not saying they are less capable just saying that I need more space. I have the fuel tank and tool box combo as well, so a sb wouldn't work for me.
I know, I was just talking about other people.

The 2500 HD has 5 leaf springs.

The 3500 SRW has 6 leaf springs.

The 3500 DRW has 6 leaf springs and a frame mounted set of overload springs that only engage when the truck is loaded.

The 2500 HD has 5 leaf springs.

The 3500 SRW has 6 leaf springs.

The 3500 DRW has 6 leaf springs and a frame mounted set of overload springs that only engage when the truck is loaded.

My '06 and '05 3500SRWs with 9900GVWs have an overload spring as you describe, but my '09 9900GVW 3500SRW does not.

towing capacity when towing a gooseneck or 5ver with a ext cab long box is only 400lbs. differant on 2011's. I don't know the price differance between the 2500 and 3500. I assume the 3500 cost more?

here is a 3500 short bed
http://www.lawrencechevy.com/VehicleDetails/740784863

The front end and tires and rims look 200x better than the LMM's.

The front end and tires and rims look 200x better than the LMM's.

Agree about the front bumper and the 32" tires are sweet. Also, looks very level for a 3500... normally the rake's horrific on the SRW 1 tons...

I actually prefer the LMM optional 17s though to these 18s as goes style...:)

-Rob

I would always buy a long bed but it doesn't fit in my garage and garage kept is very important to me. As far as turning, give me a break unless the spots are real big I ain't getting my 2500 CC/SB in on one shot anyways so who cares. If I have to walk farther from the parking lot to the store and if I complain about that then shoot me because besides turning old I turned into a *****!