2500 to 3500 conversion?

[red98]

You already should have the 14 bolt 10.5" axle if you have the TD. Not sure if you want to convert to DRW (dually?)


But the springs from the trucks vs SUV are different (eyelet spacing different?)

The other difference is probably the frames. I highly doubt the 2500 suburban (GVWR 8600 lbs) would be the same as 3500 (GVWR 9200/10,000 lbs). In fact, it's not.

But it can be done if it's just for looks. Google shows plenty of examples. The whebase is too short on them to look good as a dually is my opinion.

If the rear axle was pushed back and entire rear of the vehicle was extended some 6-12" I think it would look more well proportioned. Look for a 3500 CCSB DRW with a bed shell. That's kinda what it would look like.

How wicked would that look though, a dually suburban 3500.

 

[stutaeng]

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Source: https://www.imcdb.org/v010400.html

Even more wicked: I spot a solid front axle!

 

[stutaeng]

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Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1994-...o-diesel-4x4-1-owner-99k--394768723576652518/

The Squarebody version looks wicked-er in my opinion. That fender tacked on the rear door on the GMT400 looks...bad.

I believe on the square body the axle width was shortened inward, so the fenders are more low-profile.

 

[red98]

You must be registered for see images attach

Source: https://www.imcdb.org/v010400.html

Even more wicked: I spot a solid front axle!

God that looks mean, I'd pay new truck $ for a clean one like that!

 

[stutaeng]

For a while, GM made a 3500HD Suburban based on the 2KXX platform, but was only available for the Government if I recall. Not sold to the public. I think they where around $90,000 or more! GVWR = 11,000 lbs, so higher than any suburban ever made for sure. Still had the 'ol 6.0 (L96)

https://gmauthority.com/blog/2017/07/chevy-suburban-3500hd-heavy-duty-vs-chevrolet-suburban/

Duraburb did a video where he compared it the previous generation suburban and the current trucks. Unfortunately, they dropped it after only a few years. Today it would get the 6.6 gas engine if it was still made.

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Rumor has it that Ford might bring back the Excursion...

 

[Erik the Awful]

I prefer the "fit a dually axle under standard fenders" look. Unfortunately, I think this was only a South American option. It also had a Nissan diesel under the hood.

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[Gibson]

In the GMT 400 platform they did build a "light duty" 3500.
It was 9,200 GVW.
They were govt. rigs, most went to the Forest Service.
The ones I've seen had FF 14 bolt rears, the 3500 A-arms/front end, and a 5 speed manual trans.
Also, no power windows/seats, no carpeting, just rubber floor mats, and vinyl bench seats.
Only an AM/FM radio, no tape or CD player.
A pretty "bare bones" rig,, but they did have AC.

 

[stutaeng]

In the GMT 400 platform they did build a "light duty" 3500.
It was 9,200 GVW.
They were govt. rigs, most went to the Forest Service.
The ones I've seen had FF 14 bolt rears, the 3500 A-arms/front end, and a 5 speed manual trans.
Also, no power windows/seats, no carpeting, just rubber floor mats, and vinyl bench seats.
Only an AM/FM radio, no tape or CD player.
A pretty "bare bones" rig,, but they did have AC.

I've seen those trucks and they are indeed bare bones. I think that's just a regular 3500 single rear wheel GVWR, no?

Here's what I remember off the top of my head on the GMT 400:

C 3500 HD:
GVWR = 15,000 lbs

C/K 3500:
DRW GVWR = 12,000 lbs (RPO option F44?, I think they were the cab & chassis trucks)
DRW GVWR = 10,000 lbs
SRW GVWR = 9,200 lbs

C/K 2500:
GVWR = 8,600 lbs
GVWR = 9,200 lbs (RPO 6CP?)

C/K 2500 6 lug:
GVWR = 7,200 lbs ???

K 1500 6 lug:
GVWR = ???
GVWR = ??? (RPO option F44)

C 1500 5 lug:
GVWR = ???
GVWR = ??? (RPO option F44)

Ok, I don't know those with question marks off the top of my head, LOL. But stuff is confusing with overlap in GVWR! Heavy half, 2500 light duty, heavy 2500? etc!