What is the difference between a 1500HD and 2500 Chev/GMC

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carguy

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• Jul 6, 2009

• #1

Trying to understand all the differences between a Chev/GMC 1500HD and a 2500 truck. Sure one is a 1/2 ton and the other a 3/4 ton. Both can have a 6.0L engine (is one cast vs aluminum). What are the differences in carrying capacity, trailering, brakes etc. I'm seeing afew 1500HD's out there and wondering if they are worth it. I'd like a truck to carry a sled deck (in BC) and tow a (significant) trailer in future.

To note some other differences inside, a 1/2 ton has more airbags (so I've been told) and latch systems for carseats. The 3/4 ton would have dual front airbags but not all the features of the 1/2 ton because its seen as a work truck and not a family mover.

 

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B C

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Montucky

• Jul 6, 2009

• #2

Depending on the year, the only difference is the emblems.

 

94fordguy

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• Jul 6, 2009

• #3

Correct me if I am wrong... but if I remember right, back in the 70's, trucks evolved from the F-100 to the F-150 and from the Chevy C/K 10 to C/K 15 (and now to the C/K 1500) and they became known as "Heavy Halfs".

How is it possible to have a heavy half 1500HD...?

so the heavy half just got heavier... lol

kinda funny if you think about it

As to the question at hand, my GUESS would be that a 1500HD would probably be halfway between a 1500 and a 2500... just as a 2500HD would be halfway between a 2500 and a 3500 in terms of capacity.


My $.02

 

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ADRENALINE

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• Jul 6, 2009

• #4

What year? I know GM made the HD and the only difference was the spring capacity (not the # of leafs). Once you get to the 2500 HD you get the full floating rear differential vs the 1500 "heavy half" will only have semi float differential....BIG difference if you plan on hauling weight. 6 lug = semi float. 8 lug = Full Float differentials.

 

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cableguy

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Lake Country BC

• Jul 7, 2009

• #5

check the stickers on the door and the glove box it will give you the correct gvw thats all that matters to the DOT. 2500 may have larger brakes also

 

Dogmeat

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• Jul 7, 2009

• #6

carguy said:

Trying to understand all the differences between a Chev/GMC 1500HD and a 2500 truck. Sure one is a 1/2 ton and the other a 3/4 ton. Both can have a 6.0L engine (is one cast vs aluminum). What are the differences in carrying capacity, trailering, brakes etc. I'm seeing afew 1500HD's out there and wondering if they are worth it. I'd like a truck to carry a sled deck (in BC) and tow a (significant) trailer in future.

To note some other differences inside, a 1/2 ton has more airbags (so I've been told) and latch systems for carseats. The 3/4 ton would have dual front airbags but not all the features of the 1/2 ton because its seen as a work truck and not a family mover.

Click to expand...

A "1500HD" is exactly the same truck as a "regular 2500" ... only in crew cab form as opposed to extended cab. Literally, that's it. The only difference is the "1500HD" badging vs the "2500" badging.

The "2500HD" is a different truck, beefier drivetrain, frame, suspension, etc ...

The only difference between the 3500 and the 2500HD is brakes and springs, hubs, the drivetrains and frames are identical.

The GVWR on the 1500 series (1/2) ton is 6,400 lbs.
The GVWR on the 1500HD, 2500 series (3/4 ton) is 8,600 lbs.
The GVWR on the 2500HD trucks is 9,200 lbs.
The GVWR on the 3500 SRW truck is 9,900 lbs, on the DRW it's 11,400 lbs.

Those statistics might have changed with the 2008 trucks, but from 1999 to 2007 those numbers are correct if I remember right.

 

Last edited: Jul 7, 2009

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stalefish_132

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• Jul 8, 2009

• #7

the 1500HD is a 1500 crew cab with the light suspension but 8 lug wheels and 6.0 and the 4L80E. the 2500 is the 1/2 ton frame with 8 lug wheels and 6.0 and 4L80E. then the 2500HD's have the beefy frame and 6.0, 8.1 or duramax. only differance between the 2500Hd and the 3500 is the 1 extra overload leaf and 7 wide steel wheels with 265's vs. the 6.5 wide rims and dinky 245's on the 2500's.