I have been looking at 2500HD's with the LBZ, CC, 4X4 and I ran across the same combination today, but in a 3500 version. It is the single rear wheel as opposed to a dually (which I do not want) so other the the 3500 rating as compared to the 2500 there is not much of a visible difference with the exeption of the long bed. I know that the 3500 is really more truck then I need even though my family has a working farm with cattle, large gooseneck trailers and so on, but the dealership that has the 3500 is pretty willing to negotiate. Evidently 3500 SRW's are not very hot sellers. Anyway, other then a ride penalty where the 3500 would be a bit more stiff, would I see any other differences? Would the fuel mileage be much worse? I have searched, but I could not find where anyone had asked the same question. Thanks for the help.

the 3500 srw has the same "ride" as the 2500hd but a little more gvw,over load springs,etc....that does not effect the ride,just payload cap-hope this clears things up for ya'-

I have had my 3500 CCLB SRW for two weeks now and I like it better than my 03 2500HD CCSB. I think this rides better than my old one, but it is only getting 13.5 mpg. My old truck was getting 18 in town and 22 on the freeway. that was with the edge and 4" exhaust. I also only have 2400 miles on it too, so it should get better. Plus I need put on the upgrades when they come out.

Oh, when I got my 03 new it was only getting 12mpg.

In Ohio, the 3500 costs more to license. It irritates me that my '91 is a V3500 and costs $35 more to license than my '04 2500HD, and they both have the exact same GVW. Also, the 3500 comes with 265/75/16 tires instead of 245s, and I believe the rim is 7" wide instead of 6.5", and they only come w/steel wheels.

The 3500 SRW has stronger hubs, larger brakes and of course the heavier suspension. Once loaded (> 500 lbs in the bed) the 3500 CC rides about the same as the 2500 HD CC, not sure why, but that's what I found when comparing the 2 before I bought the 3500. May be due to progressive loading springs? You'll need a step on the 3500 as it sits higher than the 2500.
If the money's the same I'd go with the 3500.

My 3500 SRW is a WT model and it does stand taller than the 2500HD. I found the suspension was too soft with the stock shocks and had the Rancho 9000's adjustables added. Much more stable ride.
With the WT, I do give up the convience of electric windows and door locks but is not a a big problem. It hauls my Lance ext cab camper very well.
Plenty of power. I hauled the camper and loaded covered utility trailer up a 7% grade in D and it never whimpered this past weekend. I just kept it at 60.

The 3500 SRW has stronger hubs, larger brakes and of course the heavier suspension.

Actually, the only difference is the increased spring capacity and steel wheels which allow for the higer GVW.
Brakes and running gear are the same across both. :)

Weight differences shouldnt be enough to make a difference. And they should weight pretty close. With a 3500SRW you will have 265 tires instead of the 245's......I duno how this effects mialge since I have never had my stock 245's for long enough to notice what milage was :lol:

Buy the truck based on if you need the GVW or not, and if there are cost concerns or legal issues. some places have city ordinances that will bust you for a 3500 becasue they think its a 1 ton. a 2500HD is a 1 ton truck.....but some dont see it that way. Also buy based on options you can get or want and whats cheaper. Pretty much the same truck with different option availibility, some extra springs in the back and different wheel and tire combos(were the GVW increse comes from)

I've got the 06 3500 drw d/a and getting 17.9 mixed on the last tank.
I'm not sure but I think you get a larger fuel tank too.

GM calls the 2500HD a 3/4 ton and the 3500 a 1 ton. There's quite a few neighborhoods around here that won't let you park a 1 ton in the driveway overnight because they see them as commercial trucks. Some enforce the neighborhood bylaws, some don't. I have heard of people getting cited for them in neighborhoods though.

:grd: :exactly: if you want the extra chit buy it,if not,wish you had it:p:

I went back to the dealer tonight after hours to take another look at it, and it is a good looking truck being greystone metallic. If they will shoot me a good deal then I might take it (once my car sells) but man that CC LB is a BIG truck! It looks good though and it is a nicely optioned LT1. I did notice quite a collection of bugs on the front end and rear veiw mirrors, looks like it may have been transferred or traded from somewhere else. Maybe a few extra miles will be another good place to beat them up on the price though.... :)

Get what you want! You are the one who has to like it!

Myself, I didn't like the turning radius of a crew cab long bed dually at all! Like the Titanic in "U" turns! I've got an LBZ 4x4 crew short bed and I like the ride and turning radius much better than my 1 Ton dually! To each his own!