1995-3500hd

[Craig M]

I do not like the look of the current Kodiak or 4500 GM vehicles. They have the look of a large commercial vehicle rather than just a big pickup. Looking back I see that 1995 and other years had a 3500HD. This truck was an upgraded 3500, which used 19.5 tires. The 4500 also uses the 19.5 tires rather thatn the 16's on the 2500/3500's. I have no personal experience with the 3500HD's. Any others wish to share their experiences with the 3500HD.

[gmctd]

The 3500HD is actually the 4500 chassis, straight front axle and Rockwell differential, with a lifted body, created for the proposed Caterpillar Diesel - GM couldn't come up with a suitable automatic trans or manual trans for the big six so the deal fell thru.

You get a 10-lug - the 19"wheels have 5 blocked off - 4500 in 3500 garb, which does not require a CDL, and avoids commercial taxing.

Wheelbase is easily altered by unbolting the frame rear section and sliding it in or out of the mid-section rails, and the frame is thicker and much heavier than the 3500 frame

The 3500HD is identifiable by the 6" extension below the grille with the large vinyl fender flares, and the large 5-bolt lug pattern of the 19" wheels.

[JoeyD]

The 3500HD is actually the 4500 chassis, straight front axle and Rockwell differential, with a lifted body, created for the proposed Caterpillar Diesel - GM couldn't come up with a suitable automatic trans or manual trans for the big six so the deal fell thru.

You get a 10-lug - the 19"wheels have 5 blocked off - 4500 in 3500 garb, which does not require a CDL, and avoids commercial taxing.

Wheelbase is easily altered by unbolting the frame rear section and sliding it in or out of the mid-section rails, and the frame is thicker and much heavier than the 3500 frame

The 3500HD is identifiable by the 6" extension below the grille with the large vinyl fender flares, and the large 5-bolt lug pattern of the 19" wheels.

The 3500HD used a dana 80 rear axle. The frame was not sectioned like that and was similar design to the C/K trucks with a welded on boxed front rail section. The center had an additional part welded over it to beef it up as it was weak for the 15,000gvw it carried.

[gmctd]

All the 6.5 and 454 versions I've looked at, and have been looking at for a project, use(d) the Rockwell diff, and the rear-section frame rails appeared to slide into the mid-section rails, and were bolted in.

Check it all out, to be sure

[Craig M]

I thought I was going to buy a 3500HD at a recent auction in Perris, untill they stated at the last moment "dealer only" for the truck. Had the 6.5 diesel and dump body. Engine condition was unknown. Went for $1500. Even if new engine was required, total investment much less then a new 4500 Kodiak. I am interested in driving experiences from individuals that have driven the older 3500HD's.

[JoeyD]

All the 6.5 and 454 versions I've looked at, and have been looking at for a project, use(d) the Rockwell diff, and the rear-section frame rails appeared to slide into the mid-section rails, and were bolted in.

Check it all out, to be sure

I am not saying I have seen them all but the ones I have looked at I thought was a dana 80 in it. The frames were just plated with the larger section as the older ones would sag due to the design and lack of enough metal.

[gmctd]

Yep - that's what I was indicating - what you see is what you get with a used truck.

Not much way to tell what was modified or changed to get the job done, over the years.

I'm drives a noticeable example of that, meownself.

[Craig M]

The 3500HD I am currently looking at was used as a tow truck. Am thinking of building a nice RV towing vehicle. Will loose the tow body and put pickup bed or similar lighter bed on the truck. Wife is sensitive to harsh ride (other wise I would tow with my Astro 95) so wondering how the 3500HD drives. Seems lots of the 4500 Kodiak owners are adding air bag and/or 4 links to soften the ride of their new vehicles. I'm guessing the 95 HD may have a bit of a harsh ride, but looking for coments from those that have driven them.

[mkhagemann]

the original C3500HDs were build for ten years 1993-2002. 2002 was the offical last year for the 6.5 in a GM truck. The 93-94 had rockwells, after that a HD Dana 80 was used, Eaton calls it a 286 because of the larger 4" axle tubes, axle rating was 11,000 lbs. This is now the std axle in the newer C4500, unless you order the higher GVWR ,then you get a Dana S135. Two axle ratios, 4.63 or 5.13. The 19.5 wheels, 10 lug x 7.25" bolt pattern, use only 5 on the front (although they are 5/8 studs, Ford uses 9/16). The frame always had a doubler and it is the strongest frame you'll ever see it a truck this size. A friend of mine works in the recyling business had one of these trucks cross the scales over 45,000 lbs! The frames are not expandable, there are (3) cab to axle lengths 60, 84, and 108. 4 wheel disk is std with the parking brake on the rear of the transmission, like a P series. The body is lift 6", which has a plus side, I've put a full size Dmax cooler in mine with a/c, oil cooler and PS cooler all fits. Also the "crimped" down pipe isn't a issue. Hope I didn't step on any toes, just what to give some first hand info.

1995 GMC C3500HD 84 CA
1996 Chev C3500HD 108 CA

[Craig M]

Hey mkhagemann, I see you have 2 of the 3500HD's, how is the ride on them, loaded and empty? Thinking of setting up an rv hauler, but wife is sensitive to harsh ride.

[mkhagemann]

hi Craig M, my 95 is around 15,000 lbs so the ride great. All the HDs use a overload spring (5 leaf) rear spring. the advantage to the 5 leaf overload vs a single leaf overload is the main leaf pack is somewhat softer when the load is light. Just keep is mind these trucks are made to carry heavy loads, so if your gross wt isn't around 10,000 lbs the ride is harsh. I will say we (my business partner)has a 2003 C4500, the leg room is much less and the ride is rough. If you have a chance to test drive one try it loaded close to what your normal needs would be, a cab and chassis by itself is almost dangerous to drive because its so stiff.