2500 or 3500 vs 1500

[JJZ71]

Yeah, 33's are 285's.

 

[TylerZ281500]

thats what i thought. not sure on it though, strapped for cash atm, prom is coming up soon

 

[Jesse_Wenting]

Hate to resurrect this thread but I was hoping someone could give some insight as to what would be better for extreme off-roading; 2500 or 3500, as well as HD or not. Reason 1500 isn't in the mix is because crew cab is a must for my application.

Also thought I'd explain the reason for 2500 or 3500; I know a 3500 *should* be more "capable" but for the purposes of something such as extreme incline driving, I started wondering if the lighter frame of a 2500 would actually prove more advantageous. If you want you could think of this as planning a search and rescue type vehicle build

ngl kinda hoping for some input from @df2x4 or @Z71Hobbs since they seem to be obs gods lol

 

[df2x4]

Hate to resurrect this thread but I was hoping someone could give some insight as to what would be better for extreme off-roading; 2500 or 3500, as well as HD or not. Reason 1500 isn't in the mix is because crew cab is a must for my application.

Also thought I'd explain the reason for 2500 or 3500; I know a 3500 *should* be more "capable" but for the purposes of something such as extreme incline driving, I started wondering if the lighter frame of a 2500 would actually prove more advantageous. If you want you could think of this as planning a search and rescue type vehicle build

ngl kinda hoping for some input from @df2x4 or @Z71Hobbs since they seem to be obs gods lol

I'm flattered but I'm just a guy doing his best to keep two GMT400s on the road. Hobbs will probably have much more useful info than I will. He's in salvage yards all the time so he's seen quite a few different frames. I really don't have any experience with anything bigger than 1500s in the GMT400 platform so I'm not exactly sure what the differences are between 2500s and 3500s. I also have pretty much zero experience in extreme off-roading.

That said, I'd probably look for a 3500 if I were you. I'd imagine that any agility lost due to weight would be made up for in durability, which would be my primary concern.

 

[Jesse_Wenting]

I'm just a guy doing his best to keep two GMT400s on the road

*kisses shoes*

 

[Supercharged111]

Hate to resurrect this thread but I was hoping someone could give some insight as to what would be better for extreme off-roading; 2500 or 3500, as well as HD or not. Reason 1500 isn't in the mix is because crew cab is a must for my application.

Also thought I'd explain the reason for 2500 or 3500; I know a 3500 *should* be more "capable" but for the purposes of something such as extreme incline driving, I started wondering if the lighter frame of a 2500 would actually prove more advantageous. If you want you could think of this as planning a search and rescue type vehicle build

ngl kinda hoping for some input from @df2x4 or @Z71Hobbs since they seem to be obs gods lol

2500 and 3500 frames are the same if 8 lug. 6 lug on down got the light frame. 3500 got upper overload springs out back, a Borg Warner transfer case, and I think there was 1 other detail. I wouldn't think too hard on 2500 vs 3500, 6 lug vs 8 is where 90% of the strength comes from.

 

[stutaeng]

The real difference is the regular cab, extended cab, crew cab in the 3500 series, with 3/16, 1/4, and 5/16 chassis frame thickness, respectively. Someone has mentioned that here several times.

Not sure on the 2500 series. There are some literature you can check to see thicknesses. But I think the 2500 and 3500 were taller frames than the 1500. I have read that here...

The other big difference is the engine on the 2500s. The 2500s with the big block got the 14 full floater and hydroboost brakes. The 5.7 2500 got 14 bolt semi float and vacuum assist brakes.

On the 3500, all got 14 bolt full floater and hydroboost, regardless of engine.

The 14 bolt full float design is considered better of the two.

Also, gear ratios: the 2500 had standard 3.73 (4.10 were optional) while the 3500 had 4.10 standard (4.56 were optional.) I believe is only true on the '96-'00 though.

I guess I should read the entire thread, maybe it was already mentioned?

 

[Jesse_Wenting]

6 lug on down got the light frame

Wait there's such a thing as a 3500 6 lug? lol

 

[stutaeng]

Wait there's such a thing as a 3500 6 lug? lol

No, only 2500 6 lug...but,

I did post a thread some time ago about a "baby" dually! It was an Offerup ad with a RCLB 5 lug with added dually flares, and probably some gizmo to add dual rear wheels? I thought it was really funny....basically, the consensus here was it was just for looks, obviously!

 

[Jesse_Wenting]

Anyone know if a 3500 CC with a 12ft flatbed is a thing?