1500hd vs 2500hd

[trappermat]

So i have found that a 1500hd is basically a 2500 and a 2500hd is meant for pulling. Is this true? I've been looking around at them and wondered what exactly ids the difference in gas milage and ride?

[69gmcc10]

For the 1500HD thre were not many options on them. They are all 4 door shortbeds with a 6.0L and a 4l80E, they came with a choice of 2wd or 4wd, cloth or leather and a 3.73 or 4.11 ring and pinion in the diffs. If you want to pull allot of weight with the 1500HD be sure to get the 4.11 gears, there is about (from memory, so don't kill me if it is not dead correct) 1500 lbs of total payload between the 2 different gear sets.

The 2500HD has a 2" taller frame rails to accommodate the optional Duramax and trasn because that assembly hangs 2" lower than a gas engine and trans and they didnt want it hanging below the frame rails. the gas 2500 and the 2500HD are real close in total payload.

I have a 1500HD w/ 3.73 and it tows good, i just need to keep my speed up and I have no problems. I have also towed with a 2500HD allot and the only difference I can notice is the 4.11 gears. Engine, tires, brakes, transmission, axles... are all the same but that gearing makes a difference.

[clinebarger]

Yes, A 1500HD is identical to a standard 2500LD, However 1500HD's are only available in Crew Cab short bed configuration.

1500HD & 2500LD also shared the same powertrain, 6.0L/4L80E/14-Bolt 9.5" semi float rear axle.....5.3L engines were optional for a few years in the 2500LD, But I have never seen one in person.

Both shared the 8600# GVW.




2500HD's are basically a SRW 3500, In fact the only difference on SRW 3500 is overload springs, Cab clearance lights & are only available with an 8ft bed.

The Frame is thicker & taller, Gives a 2" body lift over the 2500LD/1500HD to clear the optional Allison trans & Duramax down pipe.

Standard powertrain....6.0L/4L80E/14-bolt 10.5" full float.
Optional powertrain....8.1L/Allison/AAM 11.5" full float.
Optional powertrain....6.6L Duramax/Allison/AAM 11'5" full float.

2500HD's have a 9200# GVW.



6.0L v.s. 6.0L......You will not see a big difference in MPG on either one, The 2500LD/1500HD may net 1-2mpg better than a 2500HD.

The 8.1L will net some pretty dismal MPG unloaded V.S. 6.0L, But when pulling Heavy....The 8.1L can outshine the 6.0L.

The Duramax gets the best MPG out of all the powertrains, But the admission to this ride can be expensive.

[clinebarger]

69gmcc10, I did not see your post before posting, I'm a hunt & peck typer

[69gmcc10]

Originally Posted by clinebarger

69gmcc10, I did not see your post before posting, I'm a hunt & peck typer

Not a problem. I would rather have people hear your expert words of advice than some hack like me.