Difference between 2500hd and 3500 SRW

travelnutz wrote:
GM only makes ONE HD truck chassis and driveline other than engine/tranny etc choice. This includes frames and brakes. 2500HD, 3500HD SRW, and 3500HD DRW truck chassis are exactly the same for all 3 versions. 3500HD SRW has approx 800 lb higher rear spring capacity and most years had slightly larger OEM tires. The 3500 HD DRW models have more even spring capacity, a little larger shock piston diameter, different tire sizes and 2 extra wheels and a different mounting plate on the end of the same diameter rear axle to attach the dual wheels to and also have fender bulges to cover the extra wheels.

Converting a GM 2500 HD to 3500 HD SRW is cheap and easy to do with all OEM components including the badges but it will not change the vehicle's title or the VIN identification. Converting a GM 2500 HD to a 3500 HD DRW is more costly but can be easily done using all OEM components including the badges but also will not change the vehicle's title or the VIN identification.

Many GM HD truck owners have or had their trucks upgraded/upfitted to match their changed/changing needs rather than purchasing a different/higher capacity model of their same GM HD truck which is usually far more expensive.

Higher capacity shocks, larger tires/capacity at replacement time, adding spring capacity whether it be steel, elastic, or adjustable airbags, etc are the most common way of increasing usable capacity on GM HD "pickup" trucks.

As always, increasing weight capacities of a given truck requires stiffer/higher capacity suspension/weight carrying components and results in a stiffer ride (ride quality) when truck is unloaded. It's a personal choice unless required to handle the task as needed.

GM Gas engined trucks can be ordered with different rear ratios but all diesels have a 3.73 ratio and it should never be altered.

This information is for GM 2500 HD thru 3500 HD DRW truck applications only MY 2000 and later.

Excellent information. The almost hidden message here deals with the modifications not changing your title or VIN information. This issue may place you in jeopardy should you be involved in an "at fault" crash and it is determined that a contributing cause was due to being over the titled weight specifications. In some situations, it may even give rise to your own insurance company denying coverage, regardless of your modifications.