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Real differences between 2500's vs 3500

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Pookster

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Real differences between 2500\'s vs 3500

Trying to find the acutal differences between the two, but so far, Im comming up with not too much.

Cab/frame/body= seems the same from what I could find.
Brakes= I believe the 3500 had bigger brakes-But I cant seem to find if they are different on the front. Rear brakes are only different if it was a 14bSF vs 14bFF and dually drum brakes were bigger.

Engine- The engine/tranny combo's looked identical between the two. No special choices for one vs the other.

Tire Size: I think the 3500's got 245 standard, and the 2500's were getting something slightly smaller standard.
 
Re: Real differences between 2500\'s vs 3500

All of these replies are IIRC, so don't quote me /forums/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif

[ QUOTE ]
Cab/frame/body= seems the same from what I could find

[/ QUOTE ]
I believe the 3500's got a heavier grade steel for the frames VS the 2500's

[ QUOTE ]
Brakes= I believe the 3500 had bigger brakes-But I cant seem to find if they are different on the front

[/ QUOTE ]

The 3500's did get bigger front pads and rotors.

The 3500's obviusly have a higher trailer weight rating, 10,500 for 3500's vs an average of 8000 for 2500's depending on engine and gearing.


I hope this helps some /forums/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif

Krennen
 
Re: Real differences between 2500\'s vs 3500

Most of the time the true 1tons will get those auxilary rear overload srpings. YOu know the type that ride on top of the normal spring and hit the frame brackets once the truck is loaded up. I could be wrong though...
Blake
 
Re: Real differences between 2500\'s vs 3500

thats what Im wondering- the C/K series of pickups had minimal frame differences between the 2500/3500- I didnt take a micrometer or anything, but it looks as if the frames are identical.

Was just hoping someone had some real specs somewhere!
 
Re: Real differences between 2500\'s vs 3500

You really need to specify what range of years you are talking about. The differences between the two models vary whether you are talking about the '87-older, '88-'98, or current generation trucks.
 
Re: Real differences between 2500\'s vs 3500

Interesting tid-bit:
The '91-'99 3/4 ton suburbans had a "snow plow" option with gave them 1 ton torsion bars as well as 1 ton brakes front and rear. With that option came another - dual alternators.

I have only ever heard of two such suburbans; both were diesels.
 
Re: Real differences between 2500\'s vs 3500

I thought that the 3500 has a taller frame.
 
Re: Real differences between 2500\'s vs 3500

88-98 is the specific years Im questioning.


dual alternators would be sweeeeet. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Any way to retrofit that into my truck?

[ QUOTE ]
You really need to specify what range of years you are talking about. The differences between the two models vary whether you are talking about the '87-older, '88-'98, or current generation trucks.

[/ QUOTE ]
 
Re: Real differences between 2500\'s vs 3500

I won't guarantee everything below is accurate, but it's based on what I have actually seen or have heard from reliable sources....

Starting in '88 Chevy had a "light-duty" 2500 that was basically a 1500 with the exception of the 14SF rear axle and probably some heavier springs. These are easily recognized by the 6-lug wheels. I also believe the 350 (5.7L) or 6.5L TD were the biggest engines available. For transmissions I think the 4L60 (700r4) was common, not sure if the 4L80E was available or not. I also believe that there were only 6-lug 2500 trucks available for at least a year two.

The "heavy-duty" 2500 had 8-lug wheels and still used, at least most of the ones I have seen, the 14SF rear axle, however the front axle and suspension was bigger (I believe it's the 9.25" IFS diff??). The springs were heavier but I'm not sure if the frame was any different. I also believe the 454 was available and the autos were 4L80Es.

For the 3500 SRW, the only noticable difference I have seen was the 14FF rear axle. Engines, transmissions, front axle, etc...all appeared to be the same. It did appear to have heavier rear springs.
 
Re: Real differences between 2500\'s vs 3500

I have a little to add:

[ QUOTE ]
Starting in '88 Chevy had a "light-duty" 2500 that was basically a 1500 with the exception of the 14SF rear axle and probably some heavier springs. These are easily recognized by the 6-lug wheels. I also believe the 350 (5.7L) or 6.5L TD were the biggest engines available. For transmissions I think the 4L60 (700r4) was common, not sure if the 4L80E was available or not. I also believe that there were only 6-lug 2500 trucks available for at least a year two.

[/ QUOTE ]

The 6.5 trucks came with 4L80 transmissions. The 2500LD was available until 93-94.

[ QUOTE ]
The "heavy-duty" 2500 had 8-lug wheels and still used, at least most of the ones I have seen, the 14SF rear axle, however the front axle and suspension was bigger (I believe it's the 9.25" IFS diff??). The springs were heavier but I'm not sure if the frame was any different. I also believe the 454 was available and the autos were 4L80Es.

[/ QUOTE ]

9.5" SF rear came in small block 2500HD trucks only, 14FF came with 7.4 and 6.5 trucks.

[ QUOTE ]
For the 3500 SRW, the only noticable difference I have seen was the 14FF rear axle. Engines, transmissions, front axle, etc...all appeared to be the same. It did appear to have heavier rear springs.

[/ QUOTE ]

14FF used in single wheel trucks and small block dual wheel with wider drums, D70 in 7.4 and 6.5 dual wheel.

That sums up my limited knowledge. Might be wrong, though./forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif
 
Re: Real differences between 2500\'s vs 3500

My 3500 SRW does not have the aux. overload spring on top of the standard spring pack. Has tow package from factory.

From what I recall the 245 was the standard tire on 2500/3500s. The 1500s had the shorter 225s.

When I worked at the dealer I seen a '90 reg cab 3500 IFS truck with SRW. It was outfitted with 454/TH400 and D70 SRW.
Only one I have ever seen.
 
Re: Real differences between 2500\'s vs 3500

Ok, aside from the LD 2500, the regular 2500 and the 3500's only real difference is the... possibility of a stiffer spring, and a 14b/D70 axle?

Are the front brakes the same as well on the SRW models?
 
Re: Real differences between 2500\'s vs 3500

[ QUOTE ]
Trying to find the acutal differences between the two, but so far, Im comming up with not too much.

Cab/frame/body= seems the same from what I could find.
Brakes= I believe the 3500 had bigger brakes-But I cant seem to find if they are different on the front. Rear brakes are only different if it was a 14bSF vs 14bFF and dually drum brakes were bigger.

Engine- The engine/tranny combo's looked identical between the two. No special choices for one vs the other.

Tire Size: I think the 3500's got 245 standard, and the 2500's were getting something slightly smaller standard.

[/ QUOTE ]

As was stated above, frame differences are taller section and thicker guage, not visible by the naked eye but still stronger.
 
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