Whats the difference in a 1994 2500 and 1994 3500?

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packer0440

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Not a whole lot. There is a slight increase in GVWR (8600 vs 9200 for a one ton). Beyond that, you will get hydroboost brakes as well as a BW transfer case instead of the NP241. Regardless of 3/4 or 1 ton, you always get the FF axle if the engine is a big block (454 ss excluded of course). 3500s might all have the FF but not sure, GM liked to change things up through the years (duallies always have the FF regardless of engine). The springs may have an extra leaf or might be a little thicker, and a slight increase in frame thickness as well I think. In the early model trucks (90 and earlier I think), these differences weren't there except for duallies. The 3500 SRW was just a 2500 8 lug with a big block. 5.7 was only an option for duallies in the 3500 class.
 
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Supercharged111

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Frames only differ based on lug count: 8 lugs got a heavier frame and the crew cab 8 lugs were heavier yet behind the front section. As previously pointed out, the 3500 got the BW transfer case. Far as I can tell, the 8600/9200# GVWR rear leaf pack was the same and only the dually got the additional upper overload. The differences were not significant, but I'll hang out here subscribed to see what I've missed.
 

yevgenievich

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All-welded ladder-type, channel design and boxed front-end section.
Section modulus {cu in.): Reg.-Cabs-2.66 on C/K 1500 and C/K 2500 (2W0); 3.27
on C/K1500 and C/K2500 (4WO); 5.26 on C/K 2500 /CSP and C/K3500 (2WD); 5.25
on C/K2500 w/C6P and C/K3500 (4WD). Ext.-Cabs- 3.37 on C/K1500 and
C/K2500 (2WD); 4.06 on C/K1500 and C/K2500 (4WD); 6.06 on C/K2500 w/C6P
and C/K3500. Crew-Gab- 7.49 on all models.

Then on dually 3500 specifies a straight frame
 
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HotWheelsBurban

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Frames only differ based on lug count: 8 lugs got a heavier frame and the crew cab 8 lugs were heavier yet behind the front section. As previously pointed out, the 3500 got the BW transfer case. Far as I can tell, the 8600/9200# GVWR rear leaf pack was the same and only the dually got the additional upper overload. The differences were not significant, but I'll hang out here subscribed to see what I've missed.
My crew cab has six leaves in the rear springs. If they're as stiff as they feel, unloaded, I'll have to have six engines in the bed before it even starts to squat.... I've put more than a half ton of things in my Burb and I know how to load it, and it just levels it.
 

Dropped88

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Yeah, I said that:
"A 2500 can get a small block, big block, or diesel like the 1 ton"

1 ton means 3500...

Edit: Though I'll say this: I've never seen a GMT400 3500 with a 305.
Square bodies had inline 6's, Express vans could get the 4.3, but the 305 was absent from the lineup that I've seen
I own 2 1 ton/3500 I've had to explain before they both the same out in public.

And sorry on the other I clearly misread the post.
 

packer0440

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For any interested that haven't seen this information, this website has GM literature on specs of these trucks, including frame dimensions and things of that nature for any looking at this thread. Looks like they have every model year included now. Has stuff like powertrain options, brakes, suspension specs, as well as paint color availability and options available, pretty interesting info if you like this kind of stuff.

From this information, it seems like frame thickness for 8 lug trucks is based off of cab size more than anything else.

 

Supercharged111

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All-welded ladder-type, channel design and boxed front-end section.
Section modulus {cu in.): Reg.-Cabs-2.66 on C/K 1500 and C/K 2500 (2W0); 3.27
on C/K1500 and C/K2500 (4WO); 5.26 on C/K 2500 /CSP and C/K3500 (2WD); 5.25
on C/K2500 w/C6P and C/K3500 (4WD). Ext.-Cabs- 3.37 on C/K1500 and
C/K2500 (2WD); 4.06 on C/K1500 and C/K2500 (4WD); 6.06 on C/K2500 w/C6P
and C/K3500. Crew-Gab- 7.49 on all models.

Then on dually 3500 specifies a straight frame

Only cab and chassis trucks got straight rails. They're taller and beefier than the pickups too.
 

Supercharged111

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What do you mean by straight rails? What did regular pickups get instead?

They were tapered in terms of width per whatever GM deemed fit to bolt their truck bed onto. C&C trucks, regardless of manufacturer, will have a standard frame rail width of 34" for bed mounting. This is the industry standard.
 

mnewxcv

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They were tapered in terms of width per whatever GM deemed fit to bolt their truck bed onto. C&C trucks, regardless of manufacturer, will have a standard frame rail width of 34" for bed mounting. This is the industry standard.
Interesting. I am looking at a pickup that was originally a chassis cab but now has a regular bed.
 
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