2500HD/1500HD Difference

[Magnum 1]

Other than Motor and Drivetrain options, What's the main differences between a 2500HD Crew cab and A 1500HD CC :confused:

[DmaxMaverick]

The 1500HD is built on a 2500 chassis/powertrain. Not a 2500HD/3500 Chassis.

The 1500HD has a GVWR of 8600, same as the 2500.

I've seen both up close and didn't see any difference, other than the badge.

[Phil B.]

I owned a 2001 1500HD for about four weeks before I returned it to the dealer demanded my money back and bought my current truck.

The main differences that haven't been mentioned are: you can get the 1500HD with the full-time 4wd; no bulge in the front of the hood on the 1500HD; you don't have the big frame rails showing on the 1500HD.

I returned mine because the 6.0L gasser could not hold a candle to the 350 Vortec I traded in and couldn't tow my trailer at low speeds, up my steep mountain hills at my cabin - I actually powered out in the 6.0L. My 350 pulled it like a raging bull...


Phil B.

[Burner]

Diffeerent frame - different trans - different rear.....That's all I can tell. Heck the Y's under the nose even look the same. I'm not sure about the TQ bars?


Burner------> :D

[dieseldealer]

A 1500HD/2500LD have the same trans as a 2500HD with the 6.0. The main differences between a 1500HD/2500LD and a 2500HD are as follows: frame, brakes, suspension components,front and rear diff, transfer case.

[roger350]

I actually went to a dealer on a Sunday and measured differences about 3 years ago before I got my 2500HD. I can't recall exactly what it was, but as everyone has said, the HD has a taller frame section for added strength, and I recall it was most noticeable on the back frame section under the box. Seemed the 1500HD/2500 necked down to a much smaller frame sidewall height, whereas the HD did not. I also recall crawling under my HD after delivery, and it had a part number on the frame rail, or sticker or something that lead me to believe the 2500HD has the identical frame as the 3500HD.

The biggest practical difference in my opinion, is that the 1500HD has a 9.5" 14 bolt, which is not a full floater. The 2500HD has the 10.5" 14 bolt with the 6.0L, or the 11.5" with the 8.1 and 6.6. Both being full floaters, i.e. the axles are only being loaded by the torque of the engine, and not supporting the truck weight also.

Brakes would also be a sifnificant difference I suppose, but I did not know they were different, just going by what Dieseldealer said?