2500 HD, What's that get me? [Archive] - Diesel Place : Chevrolet and GMC Diesel Truck Forums

: 2500 HD, What's that get me?


MSP2AK
08-24-2005, 11:36 PM
I have an 04 2500HD. Can somebody take a moment to explain the differences from a straight 2500.

I was under the impression that the HD includes a 1 ton chasis. Does that also mean the brakes and other suspension items (shocks/springs) are also beefed up and can therefore handle more that a straight 2500 can? Hmmmm....

MSP2AK
08-25-2005, 12:41 AM
ttt

_nar_
08-25-2005, 01:18 AM
Yes. 2500=8600 gvw 2500HD=9200 gvw, taller frame to fit allison etc...

srode
08-25-2005, 06:15 AM
According to GMC and Chevrolet web pages, there isn't a 2500 anymore, only 2500HD. The 2500 may have been replaced with the 1500HD. The 2500HD is GMs 3/4 ton truck now it seems.

Black Dog
08-25-2005, 07:02 AM
Yes
(much) stronger frame
higher spring rates
bigger brakes

Cougar GT-E
08-25-2005, 12:37 PM
Don't forget much lower clearance under the truck. If you go off road, the HD clearance is poor. I have blisters from working the come along.

jb

_nar_
08-26-2005, 02:35 AM
Only thing really affecting clearance on the HD is the rear end. Thing hangs low... A big set of tires will help clearance a lot though.

Black Dog
08-26-2005, 06:57 AM
Only thing really affecting clearance on the HD is the rear end. Thing hangs low... A big set of tires will help clearance a lot though.

The frame hangs a lot lower also.

cdhd2001
08-26-2005, 10:38 AM
According to GMC and Chevrolet web pages, there isn't a 2500 anymore, only 2500HD. The 2500 may have been replaced with the 1500HD. The 2500HD is GMs 3/4 ton truck now it seems.

In 2003 the 1500 HD's were re-badged 2500 LD's.

In 2004 the 1500 HD was deleted and replaced with the 2500 LD.

For 2006 GM switched back to 1500 HD.

Still the same light duty 3/4 ton truck.

The 2500 HD was GM's 1 ton SRW for 2001-2004. The 2004-up 3500 SRW is a long bed only 2500 HD with extra leaf springs, 265 tires and 3500 badging.

Difference between 3500 DRW and 2500 HD is the dual wheels (for rear capacity), extra leaf springs, and lower capacity 215 tires.

Aside from the above listed differnces the 2500 HD, 3500 SRW & 3500 DRW share all other compenents including chassis, brakes, radiators and etc.

The big reason GM called the 1500 HD (instead of 2500) and the 2500 HD (instead of 3500) was for marketing. Many people WILL NOT BUY a 3/4 ton, BUT they WILL BUY a "heavy" 1/2 ton. Same goes for the 2500 HD.

ratlover
08-26-2005, 10:50 AM
:iamwithst .

DURAtotheMAX
08-26-2005, 10:57 AM
So basically the 1500HD's/2500LD's have more in common with, say, a 2500 Suburban/Avalanche than they do with our 2500HD trucks...correct?


---Ben

cdhd2001
08-26-2005, 01:06 PM
So basically the 1500HD's/2500LD's have more in common with, say, a 2500 Suburban/Avalanche than they do with our 2500HD trucks...correct?


---Ben


Yep! 2500 LD pu and 2500 suburban have the same chassis. That is the reason why the 8.1L in the suburban/avalanche have the 4L85E instead of the Allison. Plus, the 8.1L is detuned.

cdhd2001
08-26-2005, 01:08 PM
:iamwithst .


You calling me stupid!?:D ):h :muahaha:

Lennox69
08-26-2005, 01:12 PM
i believe he is!!!

TheBac
08-26-2005, 01:24 PM
Yes. 2500=8600 gvw 2500HD=9200 gvw, taller frame to fit allison etc...


The frame hangs a lot lower also.

The GVW is correct. The frame is not taller, nor does it hang lower on the 2500HD. The only diff is that on Allison-equipped trucks, GM had to install 2 inch body lifts so the tranny would fit.

ratlover
08-26-2005, 02:39 PM
yup ):h :lol:

_nar_
08-26-2005, 11:23 PM
Tom is right. I meant body mounts welded higher on frame to clear allison.

P.A.S
08-27-2005, 09:17 AM
I work with someone who has a 01' 1500hd.(03 2500LD) It was hard at firt to see why my 04 2500hd sat higher in the rear. The frame over the rear axle is different. And with the duramax, and I believe the 8.1 gas, with the allison, it comes with the eaton 3:73 rear end.:)