Ford 350 vs 2500 HD

VegasDude · July 14, 2001

I was just wondering how does the Chevy 2500 HD compare with the 350 ford other than the 350 being a one ton vs the 2500 hd being a 34 ton. I notice ford makes a 4 wheel 350 and a duel rear wheel 350. I dont see the 4 wheel in the 3500 for the chevy.

(Edited by VegasDude at 4:42 pm on July 14, 2001)

DigUout · July 14, 2001

I'll let others comment on the Horsepower and Torque figures, but the 2500HD, is a one ton. My '98 K2500 is essentialy a 1 ton, 8 lugs, beefier suspension and drive train, etc. The "HD" is nothing more than smart marketing towards people who aren't very informed about what they're purchasing. They'll think, "I don't need a 1 ton, a 3/4 HD will be fine", and it's the same thing! Check out Mevz review of the 2500HD, in General Discussion. Super thorough and some comparisons.

Oh, and there are single rear wheel GM 3500's, as well as dual rear wheels, out there. I think until the Duramax came out they probably weren't selling as much as Cummins or Powerstroke 1 ton.

wolfie · July 15, 2001

That's right the 2500HD is the same as the old 3500 single wheel.. 9200# GVW and the standard 2500 is now #8600 GVW you used to be be able to get a lighter GVW 2500 but now that model is the 1500HD... are you confused yet? just be sure that the 2500HD is truly a one tone single wheel truck and you'll be fine.... as soon as they let you out of the hospital anyway...

VegasDude · July 15, 2001

Hey guys, thanks for the info!!

Jpshostr · July 15, 2001

Speaking in terms of the 88-2000 series HD GM trucks, there were a few slight differences between the K2500HD and the K3500 SRW. The 3500 came with a full floating 14 bolt rear axle, while the 2500HD had a semi floating 14 bolt. The 3500 also had one additional rear leaf spring and larger brakes. We used to have a '96 K3500 SRW before the current truck. I believe when we bought it new it amounted to about ? to jump from a 2500HD to a 3500.

Stepside Z · July 15, 2001

Ok let me see if I understand all the facts being presented. First GM is offering 2 different 2500s both HD and non-HD and a full floater is available with the 6.0 in the non-HD with the 5 speed. Now if I remember correctly on the old body style the used 2 different rear axles. If you got a 454 or a 6.2 turbo diesel the truck came with a full floater. The 1500HD seems like a way to respond to the F words F-150 crew cab with out developing a new truck. One more thing, I don't think GM makes a 3500 HD that is not DRW, but you can get that same monster in a 4X4.

(Edited by Stepside Z at 12:47 pm on July 15, 2001)

VegasDude · July 15, 2001

I was wondering why compare the F-150 with the 1500 HD. I saw the crash test on the 150 and it didnt look heavy duty to me...............................Just curious........

Stepside Z · July 15, 2001

Vegas,

Like I said it was just cheaper to make a new badge then deign a new truck. Compairing 1500HD to the F-150 is not really fair.

VegasDude · July 15, 2001

Oh, ok, got it....................!! Thanks..................

Shaners · July 16, 2001

Yes the 1500 HD is 8600 GVW (3/4 ton range) where the F150 supercrew is probably around 7000lbs or less...

There is only 600 lb's diff between the GVW in the 1500HD and the 2500HD

wolfie · July 16, 2001

Why would a 1500HD be 8600# GVW when the 2500 is already? the 2500HD is 9200# GVW ant 3500 is 12000# GVW and the 3500HD (old style cab) is 15000# GVW. I would think the 1500HD would be around 7200# GVW which was what the 2500 in the last generation was... unless you ordered the C6P heavy duty chasis package then it was 8600# GVW... BTW the 3500HD is due to be replaced by an all new design which isn't based on the Silverado's at all... it will be a 4500 and will be 16000# GVW.

Kansas Kid · July 16, 2001

Quote: from wolfie
Why would a 1500HD be 8600# GVW when the 2500 is already?

Because the 1500HD is a 2500 series truck, they just put the 1500HD name on it because of people being afraid to by a 3/4 ton truck. It has the same frame, drivetrain, eight-lug wheels, options, etc. as a 2500 Silverado.

Now for comparison sakes.....

2500 Silverado - GVWR = 8600lbs

F250 SD - GVWR = 8800lbs.

2500HD Silverado - GVWR = 9200lbs.

F350 SD SRW - GVWR = 9600lbs.

3500 Silverado - GVWR = 11400lbs.

F350 SD DRW - GVWR = 11,200lbs

Stepside Z · July 16, 2001

Ford does offer a F150 7700 package. It is the light duty F250 that they rebadged. It has the 7 lug wheels and all that stuff. Ford felt it was nessary to streamline it's line of trucks.

mlucas3 · August 31, 2001

The 1/2 ton HD only comes in a crew cab short bed. And it has the 6.0 V-8 And if I`m not mistaken the standard duty 3/4 ton don`t come in a crew cab.(but I may be wrong on that)