Suburban 6.5 1500 vs. 2500

[mobilevet]

I know that the 1500 series trucks are the 1/2 ton versions and the 2500 series are the 3/4 ton series.

My understanding is that the primary differences are the structural integrity, suspension strength, etc.; with the 2500 being the truck of choice (of the two) for towing.

Now, when it comes to the Suburban 1500 with the 6.5 diesel, I hear that because it has the diesel that the rear end is the same as the 2500. (right?)

Do the 1500's typically have higher gear ratio backends?

So - besides a lighter duty suspension what else is different?

I'm trying to figure out if I need/want a 2500 or a 1500 - I know I'm going diesel.

If I get the 1500 could I just put some air shocks on it to improve it's handling of heavy towing jobs?

[bl78ljb]

Suburban 1500 rear 14 bolt semi float axles retained by c-clips smaller ring gear / carrier.
Suburban 2500 rear 14 bolt full float axles axles can be removed with wheels on the truck larger ring gear / carrier thus stronger axle.

[moondoggie]

Good Day!

Go to http://www.dieselsuburbans.com . Down near the bottom, click on "Diesel Suburban MUST READ". There's a chart near the bottom that's about the best compilation of what you want to know that I've ever seen.

Blessings!

[mobilevet]

Perfect! Thanks for the tip!

[Craig M]

I do not have a 6.5 in either of my Suburbans, both have the 6.2's. While the 2500 is a healthier chassis, the real limiting factor with these Suburbans is the 6.2 engine. It does not have enough power to tow very much at any speed.

[Nobby]

So here is what intrigues me and makes me wonder if there is any rhyme or reason to the Suburban 1500 vs 2500 comparisons.

I have an on the door trim labeled 2500 suburban (K). Carfax VIN check calls it a 1500. GM VIN check does not give it a label. Its GVWR is 8050lbs according to the VIN check build sheet which as I understand it makes it a 1500 supposedly and has a 3.42 G80 rear end. Note the actual sticker on the drivers door rates GVWR at 7900lbs.

It has the F engine and heavy duty tranny cooler etc and seems to be a 2500 by all respects bar its GVWR and axle ratio.

Does this then mean that possibly the 3.42 was a special order and that became the limiting factor with regards to the GVWR, in that had it been 3.73 or more it would have the 8600lb rating.

As I understand it it is not a spring thing as both 1500 and 2500 have the 6 leaf spring packs.

Hmm

cheers
Nobby

[moondoggie]

Good Day!

It's been suggested that they put the 3.42 gears in an otherwise 3/4 ton Sub & called it a 1500 to help with CAFE. I'm betting it's the 3.42 semi-floater that reduces the GVWR from 8600 (2500) to 8050 (1500), but I really have no way of knowing.

I'm in the interesting position of having one of each (see my signature). My pickup is a full 3/4 ton 2500, my Sub is the 1500. The only difference I've found so far is the rear axle: 4.10 full-floater in the 2500 pickup, 3.42 semi-floater in the 1500 Sub.

Blessings!
(signature in previous post)

[Nobby]

Of course that figures being a 14 bolt 9.5" semi floater could lead to a GVWR reduction. So its not a case of the ratio itself but the axle. Why bother to label it as a 2500 then?

Now here is the thing why did they not install a 3.42 with the 10.5 to keep it a true 2500?

Or were they worried about to tall a gear for the higher weight capacity?

cheers
Nobby