Max towing

[Masterelec2018]

Gm parts shows the frame has the same part number for the 1500 and 2500

 

[Frank Enstein]

I wouldn't tow anything heavier than the title says it is rated for.

 

[BNielsen]

Gm parts shows the frame has the same part number for the 1500 and 2500

Got a link referencing it? And are we talking 2WD or 4x4; I swear they're thicker, I don't have my measurements on hand and I can't recall them.

8 lugs.

8-lugs on your truck? Is it a 1500 or a 2500?

 

[Masterelec2018]

1988-1996 GM Frame Assembly 12375993 | GMPartsDirect.com

1988-1996 GM part # 12375993 - Frame Assembly

www.gmpartsdirect.com

1500 according to the vin. Swapped over the 2500 leafs and 14 bolt. 2500 hubs and brakes. Did new 2500 uca and bal joints along with tierods. Motor and trans are set to go in as well. Currently running the 5.0 4l60. Going to put the 5.7 4l80 in. And it's 2wd on both. Would have loved to do a k swap but that's way more involved
Also converted the rears to disk and did the nbs master.

Got a link referencing it? And are we talking 2WD or 4x4; I swear they're thicker, I don't have my measurements on hand and I can't recall them.

8-lugs on your truck? Is it a 1500 or a 2500?

 

[RichLo]

14bolt SF or FF? I think the SF trucks were still limited to around 72 or 7500lb? FF is another whole other animal.

 

[stutaeng]

I'm pretty sure the frames of the 2500 8lug (8600 GVWR) and 3500 are deeper. The older GM literature always showed a higher section modulus for the heavier trucks....There's always that confusion of the 6 lug 2500 Light Duty version. Also, the extended cabs and crew cabs got even thicker frames.

Barring the frame, I suppose swap some 4.56s into the 14 bolt (full floater version?). That weight is still BBC territory. I would personally sell your truck and get a dually, but I don't know your situation.

Edit: I think the 14 bolt 9.5" semifloat may still be okay. What do think your hitch pin weight will be? Can you add WD to your hitch?

 

[Supercharged111]

14bolt SF or FF? I think the SF trucks were still limited to around 72 or 7500lb? FF is another whole other animal.

The 8 lug 9.5" diff is good for 6000# in 8600gvw trucks, I've seen the door sticker in the junkyard.

I'm pretty sure the frames of the 2500 8lug (8600 GVWR) and 3500 are deeper. The older GM literature always showed a higher section modulus for the heavier trucks....There's always that confusion of the 6 lug 2500 Light Duty version. Also, the extended cabs and crew cabs got even thicker frames.

Barring the frame, I suppose swap some 4.56s into the 14 bolt (full floater version?). That weight is still BBC territory. I would personally sell your truck and get a dually, but I don't know your situation.

Edit: I think the 14 bolt 9.5" semifloat may still be okay. What do think your hitch pin weight will be? Can you add WD to your hitch?

The frames depths are the same between my 1500 and 3500. My 1500 frame is 3/16", the ECLB dually I scrapped was 1/4", and my CCLB dually is 5/16" thick, all 4wd trucks.

 

[stutaeng]

Here's what I posted on this older thread, #13:

"According to this source: https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/do...its/Chevrolet-Trucks/1988-Chevrolet-Truck.pdf

K2500 frames for regular cab and extended cab have a section modulus of 3.46 and 4.30, respectively (page 10)

K3500 frames for regular cab and extended cab have a section modulus of 5.61 and 6.48, respectively (page 12)

Section modulus is a measure of how stiff an element is. Assuming the same height for both frames, the K3500 will have to be heavier wall.

On this reference, the C/K2500 are GVWR=7,200 lbs while C/K3500 SRW GVWR = 8,600 lbs

However, on this other source (page 6,) K3500 and K2500/C6P both show GVWR = 8,600 lbs and rear axle capacities are shown identical. The non-C6P K2500 GVWR = 7,200 lbs.

https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/do...evrolet-trucks/1989-Chevrolet-Truck-PCK-2.pdf

I'm not sure if there was a change from '88 to '89, nor what the C6P option was. I'm sure someone here will know."

89 k3500 srw vs k2500

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

www.gmt400.com

Maybe stuff changed on the later trucks? I don't know.

Seems consistent with what @Supercharged111 said on frame wall thickness though.

 

[Masterelec2018]

14 bolt 9.5 semi. I know that cause of the brake kit I ordered.

*Edited. The information being incorrect was nothing me orginal said 10.5 but I was mistaken

 

[stutaeng]

14 bolt 10.5 semi. I know that cause of the brake kit I ordered.

14 bolt 9.5" = semi float
14 bolt 10.5" = full float