I am getting ready to buy a new truck to use to drive to work and in the winter. So I dont burn of the CTS-V. I will also do some light towing with the truck to the strip about once a month. First off what are the differnces from a 2500 and a 2500HD. The 2500 still gets the 14bolt rear, 6.0L and 4L80 trans correct. What does the HD get different. Here are the two trucks I am looking at now. They are both about ten minutes from my house and I am going to test drive both of them tomorrow.

First truck is private party

2002 GMC Sierra 2500 4x4 ECSB, power everything, cloth interior 134k miles New tires and the body and inside is mint. Its white with gray interior.
-$6,000

Next truck is at a local dealer

2004 Chevy Silverado 2500HD 2wd ECLB(not positive it may be a short bed) Duramax with 187k miles, arrival blue gray cloth interior with crank windows. Body is in good shape interior shows the miles more than the Sierra and has a small rip in the drivers seat.
-$8,000

I really wanted power windows and door locks, but the duramax seems like a steal and I would give the power options up to get the allison duramax combo. But the Sierra is clean and the less money I spend the better. I really just need a truck for winter and work and work is only 5 mintues away so I am not worried about the high miles of either. I was not even looking for a duramax because they go for to much. But I saw the Silverado and was surprised by the price. So what do you guys think do either of the trucks sound like a good deal to you. And for my situation which one would you go with

 

02 hands down dude. Way better deal.

I believe the HD has a thicker frame? someone correct me if wrong

 

The guy just offered me the 2002 Sierra for $5,800 and I got a little more info on it. Has keyless entry, center console and bucket seats. Plus he just put new tires on it.

 

Main differences are the frame size, number of leaf springs, ride height, and if 4x4 the transfer cases are different. The 2500 has a 14-bolt, but it is the semi-floating 9.5" version and probably has 3.73 gears. The HD's are full-floaters, 10.5" (6.0 - 4.10's) and 11.5" (8.1 & dmax - 3.73's). HD's have more towing/hauling capacity & slightly larger cooling system and brakes.

I think the 2500 will be fine for what you are wanting to do, plus it is 4x4 for winter. When you test drive it, give the 4x4 a thorough test if it is the push-button autotrac system. Sometimes the clutches in those transfer cases will wear out from just driving down the highway. Find a tall curb or something steep to climb in 4Hi & 4Lo. Testing it on flat dry ground won't really show you if it's burned up or not.

 

Ya the 2500 does seems like the right truck for me. I dont need the gears because all I will be towing is a 2500lb LS1 Rx7 at most on a 850lb trailer. I will take the better highway mpg's with the 3.73 gears. I talked the guy with the Sierra down to $5,700. I am going to test drive the truck tonight. I will check the 4wd like you said. I will let you guys know how it does. Thanks for all the help.