1500HD VS 2500HD

JML79 · August 31, 2005

Considering that both would be 4x4 crew cabs with the 6.0 and auto tranny, does one necessarily ride better than the other? How about the rear end gear-will the 3.73 in the 1500HD get much better MPG than the 4.10 in the 2500HD?

From what I've seen there's basically $1000 difference in price (2500HD being higher obviously) when I build them like I want-so for $1000 more you're getting a truck that sits higher from the start (which I like) and can haul a bit more if needed.

I'd like to hear from those of you that have these-what are your opinions on one vs the other.

I won't be doing any heavy towing with either truck-just need the room of a crew cab and a bed with some length on it (that's why the 1500 CC is not an option for me).

catiaeng · August 31, 2005

I started looking at 1500HD's when I went to purchase my truck, it is eveything I wanted. But I got mine (2500HD) because of the 4:10 rear, to pull my trailer with ease where ever I wanted to go. As far as gas mileage, it may be a little better, but not much.

BJ

Supercop8100 · August 31, 2005

Go with 2500HD because:

1. 2500HD sits higher due to better suspension.

2. Better suspension.

3. Allison tranny.

4. 3.73 gears come with the 2500HD series too.

5. Payload.

6. Allison tranny.

7. RESALE VALUE.

8. It just looks better.

9. Why get a wimpy 1500HD?

10. RESALE VALUE.

But thats just my take.

Did I say Allison tranny?

Polak · August 31, 2005

Go with 2500HD because:

1. 2500HD sits higher due to better suspension.

2. Better suspension.

3. Allison tranny.

4. 3.73 gears come with the 2500HD series too.

5. Payload.

6. Allison tranny.

7. RESALE VALUE.

8. It just looks better.

9. Why get a wimpy 1500HD?

10. RESALE VALUE.

But thats just my take.

Did I say Allison tranny?

Ditto,

And don't forget the Allison Tranny!

Shawn T · August 31, 2005

Go with 2500HD because:

1. 2500HD sits higher due to better suspension.

2. Better suspension.

3. Allison tranny.

4. 3.73 gears come with the 2500HD series too.

5. Payload.

6. Allison tranny.

7. RESALE VALUE.

8. It just looks better.

9. Why get a wimpy 1500HD?

10. RESALE VALUE.

But thats just my take.

Did I say Allison tranny?

Ditto,

And don't forget the Allison Tranny!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The 6.0 is not available with the allison tranny. Also the rear spring pack is the same, the axles are just different. The 2500HD has a 10.5 in full floater, and the 1500HD has a 9.5 inch semi floater. The 2500HD has the 10 inch frame all of the way back as where the 1500HD tapers to 8 inch aft the cab. This is where you get the 2 inch higher cab mounts from in the 2500HD. If you are not doing serious hauling and don't need the extra 600lbs of GVWR you should be fine with the 1500HD. Besides, I always thought that the 1500HD was available with 4.10 rear end gears.

chadlyt · August 31, 2005

Yea, no ally for the 6.0's. there are other differences. the 2500HD hads a different exhaust system. I can't remember wha tthe other things were, but yea, i think the 1500Hd has the 4.10's also.

for some reason, i have jsut liked the look of the 2500HD's through the years...

bobcat5544 · August 31, 2005

THE ALLISON IS ONLY FOR THE 8.1L AND 6.6 DIESEL

I'M PICKING UP A 02 2500HD 8.1L 4X4 TONIGHT

Polak · August 31, 2005

THE ALLISON IS ONLY FOR THE 8.1L AND 6.6 DIESEL

I'M PICKING UP A 02 2500HD 8.1L 4X4 TONIGHT

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

OH SHOOT! I forgot about that, sorry

Welcome to the world of perpetual fuel pumping bobcat, glad to have ya.

bobcat5544 · August 31, 2005

I NEVER REALLY LEFT.

I DID HAVE A 2000 1500 Z71

I WOULD HAVE POSTED PIC BUT I LOST THE WEB ADDRESS

Polak · August 31, 2005

I NEVER REALLY LEFT.

I DID HAVE A 2000 1500 Z71

I WOULD HAVE POSTED PIC BUT I LOST THE WEB ADDRESS

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Nice! I graduated up from a 1999 Z71 to my HD.

als1984z28 · August 31, 2005

I traded my 2003 1500HD CC SB 6.0 4.10 in on a 2005 2500HD CC SB 8.1/Allison with the 4.10 gears. Other than the 8.1 power and the Allison 5 speed the biggest difference is the 2500's smoother ride. The 1500HD is a great truck, the 2500HD is better!

It's up to you to pick the best truck for your needs, if you are looking at the 6.0 only and you need the extra GVWR then the 2500HD is the answer, if not then the 1500HD will do the task.

bobcat5544 · August 31, 2005

THE REAL ANSWER IS

GO BIG OR TAKE YOUR BALLS AND GO HOME

Daubs · August 31, 2005

I faced the same problem when ordering a new truck in January of 2004. I looked hard at both 1500HD and 2500HD crew cabs (this was before GM came out with shorter box 1500HD crew).

I liked the 1500HD because it had AutoTrac and I thought would get better MPG. Sat a little lower, but that didn't bother me.

I liked the 2500HD because it sat a little taller, liked the way it looked, but didn't have AutoTrac. And then got to nosing around on here asking about MPG. And talked to buddy who had basically same truck I was looking at (cc, 4x4, sb, 6.0 auto). He was getting 11 MPG city OR highway! Ick. And the HD came with Big Block or Duramax and the Allison tranny.

In the end I opted for the 2500HD with Big Block 8.1/Allison combo. Ordered it loaded with LT, 6 disk cd, DVD player, XM, On-Star, tow package and skid plates. It's been a great truck so far. I'm happy with my order and very pleased to say I'm getting 10.5 MPG city and 14 highway (better than my 6.0 buddies). Mine has 3.73 ratio and really does well around town and on highway. Never left me wanting more power.

Either truck will be a wonderful purchase for you. Enjoy

FSTDL · September 1, 2005

I have had both.No doubt in my mind.I would get the HD1500 with a 4.10 gear.It runs a lot better than the HD2500 6.0 and has a heavier load capacity.It gets much better mileage,has nearly the same brakes even though i thought they felt much better.The only thing I found is the ride on the HD1500 is a little rougher.The HD2500 seems to settle into the spring travel a bit more due to the extra weight.The HD1500 with a 4.10 to me is a perfect truck up to around 8,000 lb towing.

The HD2500 just feels a lot hevier.I would not get it with out the 8.1 or Duramax.

Drive both

Phil

Supercop8100 · September 1, 2005

Why not? My 8.1 gets the same gas mileage as a 6.0 with a heck more power and I get the Allison. I even get better mileage towing with my 8.1 than a 6.0. The 2500HD is more structurally sound than a 1500HD. Then there is the Allison. Proven to last just about forever. Not the 4-speed. Then there is resale value. The choice is clear. And the 1500HD cant get the 8.1, Duramax or the Allison. Just my opinion, but 2500HD all the way.