Airbag question

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Caman96

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I can’t remember, are they keyed with ignition key? I seem to remember having owned something that was keyed with something other than ignition key, like some plastic key or something. It’s been a few years.
 

someotherguy

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I get that, but how exactly did they decide that a 1500 needs airbags and a 3500 doesnt? Its the same frame/body.
Like he said, different frames.

Most likely an exemption from federal motor vehicle safety laws at that point in time, and possibly (going out on a limb guessing here) the inability for them to fine-tune the impact sensors to not go off unintentionally, say, when a heavily-sprung 3500 hits a gigantic pothole at highway speed?

The breakdown goes like this -

Up through 1994 no airbags at all (duh)
1995-1996 1500, 2500LD - driver airbag
1997-up 1500, 2500LD - driver and passenger airbag
all GMT400 2500(HD)-3500-3500HD trucks - no airbags

I think, but am not sure, a few of the 1995-up 2500(HD) Suburbans may have a different arrangement.

The 2500LD is in fact the "same" frame as a 1500, hell it's almost the whole same truck. Essentially a 1500 with a 9.5" 14 bolt SF upgrade, a little bit of extra spring, and a few small gussets/support brackets added to the frame.

Richard
 

joeblow867

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Like he said, different frames.

Most likely an exemption from federal motor vehicle safety laws at that point in time, and possibly (going out on a limb guessing here) the inability for them to fine-tune the impact sensors to not go off unintentionally, say, when a heavily-sprung 3500 hits a gigantic pothole at highway speed?

The breakdown goes like this -

Up through 1994 no airbags at all (duh)
1995-1996 1500, 2500LD - driver airbag
1997-up 1500, 2500LD - driver and passenger airbag
all GMT400 2500(HD)-3500-3500HD trucks - no airbags

I think, but am not sure, a few of the 1995-up 2500(HD) Suburbans may have a different arrangement.

The 2500LD is in fact the "same" frame as a 1500, hell it's almost the whole same truck. Essentially a 1500 with a 9.5" 14 bolt SF upgrade, a little bit of extra spring, and a few small gussets/support brackets added to the frame.

Richard
Aaah, I didnt realize the frames were different. Based on all that, I would assume a 2500/3500 weighs significantly more than a 1500? Im sure thats a factor too. Greater vehicle mass translates to less g forces upon collision with any soft objects like other cars.
 

someotherguy

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Aaah, I didnt realize the frames were different. Based on all that, I would assume a 2500/3500 weighs significantly more than a 1500? Im sure thats a factor too. Greater vehicle mass translates to less g forces upon collision with any soft objects like other cars.
Generally speaking, yes, a 2500/3500 would weigh more than a 1500 for several reasons. Heavier frame, heavier rear axle, heavier spring packs, and most of the other equipment is heavier too. Bigger brakes, heavier duty transmission, the possibility of a diesel engine or big block gas engine, etc.

For grins, my regular cab longbed C3500 dually with 7.4/NV4500 weighs a little over 5K empty. My extended cab shortbed C1500 5.7/4L60E is 4.4K. Trucks are roughly the same length but of course the 3500 has many heavier components, and 2 extra tires/wheels..

Rihcard
 
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