1500hd and 2500hd

01hdcrewcab4x4black · July 12, 2002

whats the diffrents in the two

Jpshostr · July 12, 2002

1500HD:

Built off the light duty platform, very similar to the 2500. Only configuration available is the shortbed crewcab with 6.0L. GVW rating is 8600 I believe. Geared towards those who want a crewcab for people hauling while not getting a huge truck.

2500HD:

Built on the HD platform. Many configs and three engine choices, several tranny choices. Much higher GVW ratings. Geared more towards those who work the trucks hard.

Prices are comparable between the two.

bluenote · July 12, 2002

The 1500HD is on the regular 2500 chassis, with only the 6.0L gasser and a crew cab configuration. (Why they don't just sell it as the 2500 crew cab is beyond me??)

The 2500HD is on the one ton chassis, with the 6.0L as the base engine (the Duramax diesel or 8.1L gasser are available options), and can be configured as a regular, extended or crew cab.

The 2500HD definitely has more heavy duty components. It's the equivalent of what the general used to sell as the 3500 single rear wheels. The 1500HD is great for someone who only needs the ¾ ton chassis however, and really wants that crew cab.

Shaners · July 12, 2002

The 1500HD has 2 rear gear choices. 3.73 and 4.10.

The 2500HD will only come with the 4.10 gears when getting the 6.0L motor.

The 2500HD has 600 lb greater GVW than the 1500HD

1500HD is only a crewcab shortbed, no other configurations are available.

Both are great trucks...

need4speed · July 14, 2002

The hood and front bumper are different also.

hsum · July 15, 2002

Autotrac is only available on the 1500HD

maggot · July 18, 2002

Hello,

I have done some comparing of the 2500hd, 1500hd. I bought a 1500hd for my wife as her driver, and for my weekend warrior, 4wheeler and camper puller.(approx 7000Lbs)

From what I have noticed is the frames have stickers on them, both are from the same plant and have the same part numbers. I think they are the same. Gm has a name for the frames and I thought I read wher the 1500HD had the same frame as the 3500hd and the 2500HD. I will look and see if I can find that again. My 1500hd sits 2 inches lower than the 25Hd, for me thats a plus. Springs are the same, shocks may be different and torsion bars are not adjusted the same. Not beining scientific but I think the two have about 99% of the same mechanical components, if not 100% . Molding ,hood and grille, maybe fenders and mostly cosmetic stuff are all I have noticed to be different. I have ruinted two nice work shirts on lunch crawling on the ground under neath trucks on dealer's lot comparing. Pretty goffy I know but what the heck.

The biggest diffrence in my case was the PRICE. 1500Hd was much more cheaper and made it easier for the miss to allow me to trade in her 97 K1500. She likes the HD, only complaint is it is long for her at the shoping centers. Thats cool cause now she has about given up on getting a front row and just parks in the rear away from carts and idiots.

Cruiser2500HD · July 18, 2002

I compared my 2500HD E-Cab 4X4 w/ a 1500HD.. here are the differences I found:

1500HD 2500HD X-Cab

Towing 10,000 10,200

GVWR 8,600 9,200

Payload 2,847 3,152

Weight 5,461 5,630

Clearance 9.1 in 10.6 in

It would be interesting to know if the trucks are on the same frame. It seems as though they have the same HD suspension from the spec sheet. If it is the same frame and specs... why not call it the 2500HD Crew Cab? Although on the site they always refer to it as being a 1/2 ton? Confusing. You'd think, though, if everything was the same that you'd be able to order the 8.1 or D-Max option in the trucks. Hopefully someone can solve this....

maggot · July 18, 2002

I will go triple check at the dealer today and I mean crawl under this 25hd crew and look at the labels on the frame. What I was told by my Chevy mechanic was that the 15hd was on the same frame as the 25hd, and 99% of the parts are inter-changable between them??He may be Bs ing me but he has not to date. It is a marketing truck to compete with the f150 4dr. The best way they seen to get it on the road was to put some lighter shocks, back off the torsion bars, and a diffrent molding kit decals and mix match some other cosmetic stuff, limit the options and roll a bunch down the line and see what happens.They sold and sell and to met it's kick ferd in the tail.For me it is perfect . Runs and looks great. My dealer order it the same exact way I would, LT package, off road package, tow package, posi rear, the dark tent on all windows, bascially all but on star, and leather heat seat, and no tow mirrors. I saw it rolling of the semi, 1500 4 door first one I ever seen in person. Dollar for dollar the same 25hd was much more. That, for me sold the truck,I couldn't see 30,000 for a truck being it was unplanned. Not saying my 15hd is better than a 25hd, heck no, but if you want a 6L, not needing the ALMIGHTY DURMAX, I say need because I wanted the duramax/alley combo so bad. My trend has been hold a chevy 5 or 6 years, take care of it, make killing on trade and get a new one.That is another consideration.

Colorado Kid · July 18, 2002

I compared my 2500HD E-Cab 4X4 w/ a 1500HD.. here are the differences I found:

1500HD 2500HD X-Cab

Towing 10,000 10,200

GVWR 8,600 9,200

Payload 2,847 3,152

Weight 5,461 5,630

Clearance 9.1 in 10.6 in

It would be interesting to know if the trucks are on the same frame. It seems as though they have the same HD suspension from the spec sheet. If it is the same frame and specs... why not call it the 2500HD Crew Cab? Although on the site they always refer to it as being a 1/2 ton? Confusing. You'd think, though, if everything was the same that you'd be able to order the 8.1 or D-Max option in the trucks. Hopefully someone can solve this....

Where do you think the extra weight came from in the (shorter) 2500 HD Extended Cab? Its from the frame, which is 2" deeper in section than the one on a 1500HD. Those of you crawling underneath should take a tape measure with you, because the difference is there.

They don't call it a 2500HD Crew Cab because there is a 2500HD Crew Cab that (assuming it still has the 6.0 Engine) is different than a 1500HD in the following ways:

1) Deeper section frame

2) Availble with NV 4500 5 speed manual trans

3) Different transfer cases

4) Not available with 3.73 gears

5) 9200 GVWR instead of 8600 (implies different springs, but I'm not sure)

6) In the case of Chevys, different front sheetmetal (this changes for 2003)

7) Larger Exhaust pipe

They share:

1) The same engine (Vortec 6000, 300HP)

2) The same auto trans (4L80-E)

3) The same front differential

4) The same rear axel

5) The same brakes

6) The same wheels and tires

7) The same cab

8) The same bed

Of course 1500HD is only available in one configuration (Crew Cab Short Bed) while the 2500HD comes in 3 cab styles and 2 bed lengths. 2500HD can also be had with 2 other engines which bring with them heavier axels, transmissions and tow ratings.

Cruiser2500HD · July 19, 2002

I thought about the weight but assumed that the difference might be due to the different hood and other cosmetic stuff... it is only a 169# difference... but... as you said.. if you take into account the extra length and stuff... maybe it is more substantial than one would think at first glance? Anyway, I tried to find a 2500HD CC for comparison but it wasn't listed on the GM site... anyone have that comparison? That would be interesting to see. It would seem as though a 2500 HD CC would have the same (or maybe even lower) payload, towing, and GVRW rating than the 1500HD CC... since these ratings go down with each model you get (reg cab 2WD has higher ratings than Ex Cab 2WD than does a reg cab 4WD then onto ex cab 4WD then CC 4WD) and the difference is so minor as it is between the the 1500HD CC and the 2500HD Ex-Cab. I'll check around for my owners manual for the comparison if I can dig it up....

maggot · July 19, 2002

I give up I measured the lenght of the frame on the outside of the C beam on my 15hd. It was 8 inches until about a foot up from the rear end and it taperd to 5. Have not measured the lip on any yet. I would like to look at a 2500CC. I think the 2500cc is the one that had the same frame part number. I found my notes from when I bout it and the was a 2500CC on the lot, that was my first comparision truck. The 25HD CC has a different frame part number, but shares some measurement I took but I am not sure if it tapers to 5 at the rear? It's frame looked the same all the way back.Maybe somebody could check theirs and see.

Springs I guess the best way would be to look up the part numbers. Eyeballing they sure look the same, and if I not mistaken each has 5. Not sure how they rate the payload amounts. Shocks maybe?

Does anybody know about the xfer case? Is it lighter duty or did they put some electronic stuff on a 25hd xfercase for the autotrac???

No matter what, the 15hd is a respectable truck and the only things I see that is 1/2 ton is the decals. If lighter duty stuff is used it is llighter duty compared to the HD trucks and not the straight 1500 line. I get tired of the ferd and dodge folks saying man that big heavy truck and only a 1/2 ton, bet it's a dog, and all that other stuff.Gm has every angle coverd now in the truck market. Well unless you want a 4 foot bed on a full size.

CMNTMXR81 · July 19, 2002

Maggot, the 1500HD and 2500HD ARE NOT the same frame. If they were then the 1500HD would really be a SRW 1 ton like the 2500HD's!

They may share some components, but the center section (under the cab) on the 2500HD is much bigger and much more stout than that of the 1500HD.

Proves how much the salespeople really know! KInda like one told me the Duramax diesel was a gasoline engine! Uhh....riiiiggghhhht!

Here are the specs right from Chevy.com. SInce the 1500HD is a CC, SB, and I presumed 4x4, that's what I tried to compare.

Trailering

1500HD = 10,000lbs

2500HD = Vortec 8100 = 12,000lbs

= DuraMax = 12,000lbs

(I know the D-Max and 8100 are underrated here for CYA purposes).

Capacities

GVWR

1500HD = 8,600lbs

2500HD = 9,200lbs (not available in CC, SB. This is X-cab)

Payload

1500HD = 2,847lbs

2500HD = 3,152lbs (not available in CC, SB. This is X-cab)

Curb Weight

1500HD = 5,763lbs

2500HD = 5,630lbs (not available in CC, SB. This is X-cab)

Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase

1500HD (CC, SB) = 153.00"

2500HD = 143.5" (not available in CC, SB. This is X-cab)

Length

1500HD = 237.3"

2500HD = 227.6"

Height

1500HD = 76.2"

2500HD = 76.2"

Width

1500HD = 79.7"

2500HD = 79.7"

Clearances

1500HD = 10.6"

2500HD = 10.6"

The important stuff...Engines and Transmissions

1500HD & 2500HD/Vortec 6000

RPO LQ4

Displacement 364

Bore x Stroke 4.00 x 3.62

C.R. 9.4:1

Block material Cast Iron

Head Material Cast Aluminum

Valve cfg OHV

Valves per cyl 2

Induction SFI

Ignition Direct

Lifters Hydraulic Roller

Cam Drive Chain

Coolant Cap (auto) 14.4 quarts

Oil Capacity 6 quarts

Alternator 105amp

Battery 600 cca

fuel 87 octane

Max RPM 5,600

HP 300 @ 4400rpm

Torque 360 @ 4000rpm

2500HD

Vortec 8100

RPO L18

Displacement 496

Bore x Stroke 4.25 x 4.37

C.R. 9.1:1

Block material Cast Iron

Head Material Cast Iron

Valve cfg OHV

Valves per cyl 2

Induction SFI

Ignition Direct

Lifters Hydraulic Roller

Cam Drive Chain

Coolant Cap (auto) 20.7 quarts

Oil Capacity 6.5 quarts

Alternator 105amp

Battery 600 cca

fuel 87 octane

Max RPM 5,000

HP 340 @ 4200rpm

Torque 455 @ 3200rpm

2500HD

Duramax Diesel

RPO LB7

Displacement 403

Bore x Stroke 4.00 x 3.90

C.R. 17.5:1

Block material Cast Iron

Head Material Cast Aluminum

Valve cfg OHV

Valves per cyl 4

Induction Direct Injection w/high pressure common rail

Ignition Compression

Lifters Mechanical Roller

Cam Drive Gear

Coolant Cap (auto) 20.3 quarts

Oil Capacity 6 quarts

Alternator 105amp

Battery 600 cca

fuel Diesel

Max RPM 3,250 governed

HP 300 @ 3000rpm

Torque 520 @ 1800rpm

Transmissions

1500HD/2500HD w/ Vortec 6000

Type 4L80-E

RPO MT1

1st 2.48

2nd 1.48

3rd 1.00

4th .75

5th N/A

6th N/A

Rev 2.08

Trans fluid cap = 11.4 quarts

Converter size = 12.2"

Case material = Aluminum

2500HD Vortec 8100 and DuraMax

Type 5 speed Auto w/PTO

RPO M74 (Allison 1000 Series)

1st 3.10

2nd 1.81

3rd 1.41

4th 1.00

5th .71

6th N/A

Rev 4.49

Trans fluid cap = 13.0 quarts

Converter size = 13.4"

Case material = Aluminum

One thing they didn't have was gear options but as already mentioned, 3.73's are standard on all 2500HD's and on Vortec 6000 and 8100 models, 4.10's are optional. D-Max's are limited to 3.73 as is the 1500HD.

While some numbers may seem close between the two, real world experiences tell the tale otherwise. Plainly put, there are simply things I wouldn't attempt with a 1500HD/2500 that I would with a 2500HD/3500 like payload carrying and trailer pulling.

It sounds to me that with the 7,000lbs or so, you are well within the 1500HD's range safely. Heck, if you really don't need the crew cab, a regular 1500 would get your job done. Now if you need or just want a maximum strength, no excuses truck, the 2500HD/3500 is your ticket.

Colorado Kid · July 19, 2002

I compared my 2500HD E-Cab 4X4 w/ a 1500HD.. here are the differences I found:

1500HD 2500HD X-Cab

Towing 10,000 10,200

GVWR 8,600 9,200

Payload 2,847 3,152

Weight 5,461 5,630

Clearance 9.1 in 10.6 in

It would be interesting to know if the trucks are on the same frame. It seems as though they have the same HD suspension from the spec sheet. If it is the same frame and specs... why not call it the 2500HD Crew Cab? Although on the site they always refer to it as being a 1/2 ton? Confusing. You'd think, though, if everything was the same that you'd be able to order the 8.1 or D-Max option in the trucks. Hopefully someone can solve this....

OK here's what I found:

1500HD 4x4 2500HD Crew 6.0L 4x4 Shortbed

Towing 8,000 9,800

5th/Goose 10,000 15,400

GVWR 8,600 9,200

Payload 2,896 3,399

Weight 5,704 5,801

Clearance 8.3" 10.6"

Height 77.3" 76.2" (This is weird, must be wrong)

1500HD 4x2 2500HD Crew 6.0L 4x2 SB

Towing 8,300 10,100

5th/Goose 10,300 15,700

GVWR 8,600 9,200

Payload 3,196 3,647

Weight 5,404 5,553

Clearance 7.4" 9.1"

Height 77.0" 76.2" (at least they're consistent)

Info is from gmc.com

It seems that frame accounts for at least 150 lbs difference (GMC's have the same sheetmetal for both trucks, with a little platic trim making up the difference between front bumper and grill). 1500HD is only available in SLE trim and 2500HD starts with SL which probably saves some weight (go look for youself, I don't have time to report the differences in equipment included). The 1500HD T-case is Autotrac, while the standard T-case on 2500HD is manual lever and optional is push button but not automatic engagement. I'm guessing that the simpler t-case on the 2500HD weighs less, explaning why there is only 96 Lbs difference in the 4x4's.

Also a 2500HD SL 4x4 Crew Cab Short Bedwith 6.0L and 5 speed (the cheapest 4x4 CC 2500HD) stickers about $1,900 less than the 1500HD 4x4 SLE (cheapest 4x4 1500HD) before any options. Equipment level is not the same, but you can get a stripper 2500HD for less than the cheapest available 1500HD.

Are we done yet?

maggot · July 19, 2002

I own the 15hd, I replaced a 97K1500 ext cab, which replaced a 78C2500 burb. Here is what I did. Parked mine next to a new 25HD. I am not completed my report yet but all the measurements so far are the same. I am using an American made tape measure. I got a couple more measurements to make.

Sticker may be more but I paid 500$ less for my 02hd than I gave for my 97k15. That wa the only reason I bought it. They mess up and did the final numbers, it was signed and sealed then they noticed they did not count my trade, in which I got some good boot. I heard them talking "in the back" and the manager said let it go. . That on top of a Gm rebate and the dealers sale I almost stole the thing. My first time buying I actually feel I got a good deal.