RCLB K2500, K3500 Differences?

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Lanny

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I believe the dually might have had an option for an bigger overload pack? Im not sure about that but duals are really there to help keep a heavy load steady going down the road. So it wouldnt surprise me if they could be the same.
 

RedLeader289

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If you're comparing the 6 lug 2500 to the 3500 (8 lug standard) then there are a lot of differences, including the frame itself.

However, when you put an 8-lug 2500 next to a 3500 it gets a little murkier. The frames are the same, you could order the 2500 with the same springs/etc. Heck, the GAWR (gross axle weight ratio) between a K2500 and a K3500 for the rear is 6,000 lbs (K2500) and 6,084(K3500). The heavy 2500 is basically a 1-ton truck with a few hundred lb lower payload.

This document shows the differences/similarities pretty well
https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/do...its/Chevrolet-Trucks/1995-Chevrolet-Truck.pdf
 

RPF207

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Dually had bigger brake caliper in front.

As far as Napa’s website is concerned the brake calipers are all the same between 2500s and 3500s even if it’s a dually. 2500s with 454 6.5 and all 3500s got the hydro boost brakes.

Biggest factor is what engine you have as far as differences. A 454 or a 6.5 will get you all the extras most being the same between 2500 and 3500

454s got an extra electric fan in the grille. Of course extra leafs only 3500s. Dually trucks might’ve had some extra frame gussets but not sure. The transfer case.... base model duals got the big bw4470 tcase but when the electric shift tease option was installed I think the put the np243 back in. I’ve never ever seen an electric shift BW4470. BW 4470 is a great tcase, it’s big, it’s very stout, and can be had with both outputs fixed.
 

evilunclegrimace

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As far as Napa’s website is concerned the brake calipers are all the same between 2500s and 3500s even if it’s a dually. 2500s with 454 6.5 and all 3500s got the hydro boost brakes.

Biggest factor is what engine you have as far as differences. A 454 or a 6.5 will get you all the extras most being the same between 2500 and 3500

454s got an extra electric fan in the grille. Of course extra leafs only 3500s. Dually trucks might’ve had some extra frame gussets but not sure. The transfer case.... base model duals got the big bw4470 tcase but when the electric shift tease option was installed I think the put the np243 back in. I’ve never ever seen an electric shift BW4470. BW 4470 is a great tcase, it’s big, it’s very stout, and can be had with both outputs fixed.


Sorry but that is not correct. From the NAPA web site.

8600 GVW 4X4 front calipers. Single rear wheel
LF Caliper 4849 3.15" piston
RF Caliper 4848 3.15" piston

Dual rear wheel Front calipers;
LF Caliper 4898 3.39" piston
RF Caliper 4899 3.39" piston.

NAPA does not have an accurate parts lists for these trucks, They do not have a correct/complete engine listing for these trucks.

I have a K3500 with Vacuum brakes.
 

RedLeader289

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Just an FYI, the heritage center document is scuffed on the max trailer weight for the K2500 HD. At a swap meet I found a hard copy of the document (but didn't buy it because the guy wanted $25 and wouldn't budge. . . .). The max trailer wt (tongue trailer) for a 8600GVWR K2500HD is 9,500 lbs.

Kinda crazy to think the K3500 only gets you 500 more lbs (10,000 lbs max). Of course that's just on a tongue trailer. When you look at gooseneck ratings the K3500 beats the K2500 by a couple thousand lbs.
 
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