89 k3500 srw vs k2500

[99K1500]

I'm just sitting here thinking, and hoping I'm posting this in the right spot, I recently got a 89 k3500 srw with a 454, it's gvwr according to the title is 8600, from what I have seen I thought the k2500 8 lugs were 8600 and k3500 were 9200 so whats the difference if any, also mine has a dana 70hd rear end rather than the 14 bolt, is that good or bad, one more thing, I haven't measured it but the frame looks the same as my k1500, is there any difference in the frames of the c/k series, sorry for the long winded post, just curious.

 

[99K1500]

Also it's got the 4 speed sm465 if that makes a difference

 

[michael hurd]

The thickness or 'gauge' of the frame is different between the 1/2 ton and 8600 GVW 3/4 ton for certain. I haven't compared the SRW 3500 to the 2500 though.

 

[vic_v8]

Frame is different on a K1500 than a K2500/K3500.

That's really odd about the 70, GM pretty much stuck to the 14 Bolt FF and SF after the mid 80s.

 

[Christian Steffen]

Frame is different on a K1500 than a K2500/K3500.

That's really odd about the 70, GM pretty much stuck to the 14 Bolt FF and SF after the mid 80s.

I had a 1989 K3500 SRW that also came with the dana 70.

 

[99K1500]

Ok, so the frame is different, but, is the 70 any better or worse than the 14 bolt, did gm just decide if they felt like using a 70 or a 14 bolt depending on the day or was it an option, and with the 8600 gvwr does that just basically make my truck a 2500 with 3500 badges or was the gvwr upped later in production

 

[vic_v8]

70 any better or worse than the 14 bolt, did gm just decide if they felt like using a 70 or a 14 bolt depending on the day

As far as I know the 70 was an option, not sure why. The 70 and 14 bolt are about the same strength. You can argue one is better or stronger than the other. I prefer the 14 because of the way the ring and pinion are set up.

 

[tonysomasphat102]

I have a 95 G20 Van which is technically a 3/4 ton. In reality it's a 3/4 ton light duty, 1/2 ton heavy duty. It doesn't have 6 lug's, only 5! GM has been doing this on Vans and other vehicles forever. Doesn't make sense I know but that's the reality of it. You really have to know your vehicle when you get parts, also the production date, month and year as this can also have a bearing on getting the correct part's and specifications.
Yes there are other differences between the nomenclature of specific vehicles and what they say they are and what they really are. That's why a good dealership has a truck specialist on staff for there commercial and government customers. THEY get what they want!! LOL. No matter what your truck is a few hundred pounds isn't really going to make a difference except when it comes to registration, insurance and the law as far as weather you are operating within the limits of your vehicle. Hope this helps you a little.

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[tonysomasphat102]

As far as the 70 compared to the 14 bolt goes the 70 is a great read is the 14 bolt. Some think that the 70, like most Dana's are bullet proof. Chrysler has been using them on everything from military trucks to muscle car's, especially in the 1960s and 70s. Which ever you have don't worry as they are both good rear ends and unless you're an animal with them they should last forever.

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[Brian Patton]

I have an 88 2500 but not hd, with 6 lugs. Is my chassis frame the same as the 1500 or 2500hd?