GM 2500hd vs 3500HD

[DRH1175]

I am looking at buying a crew cab 4x4 HD with the duramax diesel. What is the real difference between the two as far as hauling and snow plowing? I don't want the dooly. Thanks

[Scott K]

If you are going to use it for plowing, I would go with the 3500!

[DRH1175]

Why is the front end stiffer or something?

[lawdog]

I am looking at buying a crew cab 4x4 HD with the duramax diesel. What is the real difference between the two as

1000HD that's the difference. sorry couldn't resist...

you'll have stiffer suspension with the heavier load rated truck. Some of the option packaging will likely be different going up to the 3500 line too, but I don't know details on that.

[DRH1175]

So is the Ford Super Duty a tougher truck. I know of a lot of people who plow with the F250s. Hmm maybe the Chevs aren't meant to do as tough of work?

[Scott K]

So is the Ford Super Duty a tougher truck. I know of a lot of people who plow with the F250s. Hmm maybe the Chevs aren't meant to do as tough of work?

I would say the 7.3 was better! But after that I have no coment!

[Shack]

Quote:

GM 2500hd vs 3500HD

More leaf springs is all I could find.

Good luck.

Ya, the 7.3l was a great motor, but the 6.4l has not had nearly the issues of the 6.0l .

[DRH1175]

With all of this said. Is either the 6.6duramax or the 6.4 ford a better diesel. They change so much that I can't tell? My father in law has the 7.3 and I like that motor. His work also has a f550 with the 7.3 that has over 350k and still runs like new. I guess the thing that made me think of trying the Chev is the Allison. I have heard they are bullet proof.

[kr8r.tom]

i've seen 3500's that weren't duallys. the rear gear ratio is probably lower than the 2500. 3.73 to 4.11 and additional springs for payload.

[DrKen]

A 2500 is a 3/4ton and the 3500 is a 1 ton. It comes from the fact that was the rated amounts they could carry in the beds 1500 lbs for the 3/4 and 2000lbs for the 1 ton. Thus the difference is in the suspension. The springs and possibly the differentials and similar will be a little heavier on the one ton. Your towing capacity will also increase. My friends one ton dodge can be rated for up to 18k towing and my 3/4 ton duramax is rated for 12k tops. In Minnesota your licensing will also be different as a 1 ton is considered a commercial vehicle. Frames and bodies are identical and parts are interchangeable. You will be able to option out a 1 ton more heavily for towing etc. As far as snowplowing, I doubt you would see any difference in performance or longivity.

[Wildabeast]

You won't be able to get a snowplow prep package on a 2500HD crew cab, Duramax - too much weight in the front. You may also have a problem finding a plow dealer that will install one. The 3500 SRW comes with the long box and has an extra spring in the rear. There are some other differences but nothing major. With either you can build up the suspensions, improve the IFS with a few judicious parts. If you want to plow, either get the gas, go with an extended cab, or get a different brand (something with an SFA). Having said that, there are plenty of folk's that take 2500HD Duramaxes and install plows. You may have an interesting time obtaining warenty service if you do that however. Timbrens up front or the modified Bilstein setup with an airbag (in the shock housing) would be a good idea to help with the extra load as well as the Cognito leveling kit (to correct some geometry and shock issues).

[LMITOUT]

Lot of people plow with a Duramax and they have snow plow packages available, ext cabs do for sure, unless something changed very recently. Turning up the torsion bars to regain what was lost when the plow was hung would be a start prior to pumping aftermarket parts into it.

[Wildabeast]

Snow prep package w/ Duramax on a 2500HD; Regular Cab yes, Crew Cab and Extended Cab no; it's been that way for the 2007.5 and newer models. Need to go with a 3500 or go with a gas engine. Cranking torsion bars up will just kill your ride, you need some more shock throw which is where the Cognito kit comes in (along with some Bilstiens). The geometry of the IFS on the 2500 and 3500 is a bit goofy, they could have done better.

[LMITOUT]

I have a 2006, that's why I said they must have changed the availability of the snow prop package recently. I've turned the torsion bars and have the Bilstiens as well. The ride isn't that much harsher than when it rolled off the lot quite frankly. After all, it is a HD truck and is to expected.

The bars were adjusted to level out the stance and don't feel the Cognito kit was really necessary in my case. If I wanted to go higher then it may be something to look at, but until then it's working just fine.

[superbee]

The 2500 will be more than enough truck for what you have described doing. You will be sacraficing ride comfort as well if you go to the 3500. Are you going to exceed the towing and load capacity of the 2500? If not stick with it, the plow isn't going to be too much for the truck. If it is to much for the Chevy, then get a Dodge or Ford.

[Wildabeast]

There isn't much difference in ride quality between a GM 2500HD and a 3500 SRW. The one big difference is the length of the vehical if you get a Crew Cab 3500 SRW (3500 has the full 8' bed) which can make for an adventure trying to park it downtown Minneapolis. When you equip a 2500HD with a Duramax/Allison combo you add a bunch of weight up front, enough so that when you add a plow you go over the vehicals gross front axel weight rating. Take a look at the fitment guides from the major plow makers as well as the build options available from GM. A good hint is that you can't build a 2500HD with the snow plow prep package if you want a Duramax in a Crew Cab or Extended Cab model. A better option in a new truck is one that has a solid front axel. Or better yet, go find a Texas/Florida vehical with the Diesel and a Manual transmission from a few years back and use that for a plow truck. Of course you can install a plow on a new Crew Cab 2500HD w/Duramax. You just need to beef up the front suspension a bit (a lot), forgo any warrenty from GM, and find a place that will actually install the plow (or do it yourself because the reputable dealers won't do it on your truck).

[DRH1175]

What is the difference in MPG's between the 6.0gas and the duramax?

[jltimm]

I don't own either one, but I'd bet the 6.0 gets about 10-13 and the Duramax gets around 16-19 average. I had a friend that had a 6.0 and said it was a gas hog. He sold it and got another and claimed it was better on gas than the first one.

[LMITOUT]

I've had both and concur with what jltimm said.

[Roofer]

The difference between them is the 2500HD has one less leaf spring in the rear and the wheels/tires are different. If you want to plow, I wouldn't suggest that new of a vehicle, but that's my opinion. With the IFS in the Gm's use the Timbrens (do a search) and you will be fine. With a diesel truck of any kind, none of them are made for plowing. The engine is just too heavy. Not saying you can't do it.....many, many people do, but it isn't recommended.

There may be some truth in needing the 3500HD SRW for a plow prep package. I'm not sure right now.

As far as a Ford diesel or a GM, take your pic. My father inlaw works at the Ford dealership.....that being said, I will stick with GM if I want to keep it out of the shop. Even though, if I had a Ford or Dodge he could fix it for me......it would just be too often like our 2000 F550.

My 2002 2500HD Duramax has been VERY good to me.

My recommendation would be to find one pre-07. That is before all the new emmissions junk that just costs you money.

[DRH1175]

is the duramax worth the money? or is the 6.0 Gas a good engine for the 2500hd?

[Scott K]

Its only worth it if you are going to use it for what its intended for, pulling heavy loads.