i was wondering what the difference was between a 1500 4x4 that had a 6.0 and a 4l80e in it and a 2500 4x4. i think the leaf spring in the back are beafed up, but what about the front. aren't the axles better too?

 

nothing as far as I know.

the 1500 that had the 6.0 and 4l80e was the 1500HD. 9.5" rear axle, 9.25" front.

 

Mainly the frame- a 1500HD has the 2500 running gear but the 1500 frame...the 2500HD has a beefier frame (and few other HD benefits)- If your towing a fishing boat or small camper the 1500HD will be plenty- anything more than that than a 2500HD would be better-BJ

 

the 1500HD(2500) does not have the same frame as the 1500. The 2500HD is beefier than the 1500HD(2500) frame which is beefier than a 1500 frame.

 

From what I know, the 1500 HD has different torsion bars so it rides better, usually have 3.73's, different spring pack, and I think it uses the same frame as the 2500 light duty. I could be wrong on any of them though, but thats just what I think the difference is. I do know they use the same suspension lifts. If it was me, I would go ahead for the 2500 HD b/c overkill is always better than underkill.

 

really what i am trying to get at is i was reading a post and parish was talking about how he did a 6.0 and 4l80 swap. then i think he said something like if my axles or anything give me problems he was going to switch to 2500 axles im not sure if he said hd or not. i just wanted to know if there was a difference between what he was doing and a normal 2500? but i just wanted to know what the difference is for non HD.

 

the weight

 

main diff for the hd vs non hd is the frame for one, the HD frame is taller to clear the allsion trans and dmax...bigger frame= heavyer

 

im talking non HD's just a basic 2500 and a basic 1500 with 6.0 and 4l80 swap.

 

The 14 bolt ring gear may be different? I think GM has like a 9.5 semi-float, then the 10.5 full float axle (6.0 HD's) and the 11.5 full float (8.1L and Duramax). A Z71 prob has a 10 bolt rear I'm guessing.