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Car Forum / Chevrolet / Chevrolet Trucks / October 2006Silverado vs Chevrolet pickups (3500 series)
I am contemplating purchase of a new diesel pickup. Definitely am NOT considering buying a Chrysler product. My wife is prodding me in this direction, and I have a couple of questions. 1. What is the difference between Silverado and Chevrolet pickups. 2. Just how reliable is the 3500 series. I want to buy a truck that would last a long time. I use trucks for commute, hauling stuff for resale, and for towing a 3,500 lbs boat on trailer. 3. How loud are those diesels. thanks. i >1. What is the difference between Silverado and Chevrolet pickups. The Silverado is an Chevy truck and Sierra is the GMC brand countrt pat but them both come of same aassembly line >2. Just how reliable is the 3500 series. I want to buy a truck that >would last a long time. I use trucks for commute, hauling stuff for >resale, and for towing a 3,500 lbs boat on trailer. Like any new truck, they get more complex every year so there is more to potentailly go wrong with them. They are not like the trucks of even 10 or 15 years ago that where still fairly simple >3. How loud are those diesels. Gm has one of the quietest diesel engines in trucks and aurguably the best tranny too, the 6 speed ally (wicth is also availible with 8.1 and 6.0) ----------------- TheSnoMan.com >>1. What is the difference between Silverado and Chevrolet pickups. > > The Silverado is an Chevy truck and Sierra is the GMC brand countrt > pat but them both come of same aassembly line Got it. I should have said GMC vs. Chevrolet. >>2. Just how reliable is the 3500 series. I want to buy a truck that >>would last a long time. I use trucks for commute, hauling stuff for [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > best tranny too, the 6 speed ally (wicth is also availible with 8.1 > and 6.0) You see, I had a bad experience with a Dodge RAM 1500, so I am looking for something that is "honestly made", made to last and work to spec, and not like the Dodge mechanic told me about my RAM, "made for the looks". That's where I am coming from. I could even pay more for something that is made very well. Is that Allison transmission, for example, very reliable or is it just a fancy name? i >>> 1. What is the difference between Silverado and Chevrolet pickups. >> The Silverado is an Chevy truck and Sierra is the GMC brand countrt [quoted text clipped - 27 lines] > > i Chevy/GMC- Virtually the same exact vehicle. The only difference between them are the available option packages. GMC may have a group that has tinted glass, auto dimming mirrors, auto headlights. Chevy may offer Tinted Glass, Auto headlights and a manual mirror. The Duramax (Isuzu) is THE quietest diesel hands down. Nobody else comes close. The same is true of the Allison automatic. They are VERY heavy duty. Take a look in fire engines, garbage trucks, buses, heavy delivery vehicles. They almost all use an Allison automatic now. In the 3500 you even get a solid front axle instead of IFS.  SignatureSteve W. >>>> 1. What is the difference between Silverado and Chevrolet pickups. >>> The Silverado is an Chevy truck and Sierra is the GMC brand countrt [quoted text clipped - 40 lines] > vehicles. They almost all use an Allison automatic now. > In the 3500 you even get a solid front axle instead of IFS. Thank you, that was very helpful. I really lik ethe idea of strong front axle and good transmission. Now, I hope that I won't raise ire of this newsgroup's gods, but how does this vehicle compare to Ford F-350 diesel? Thanks i >Now, I hope that I won't raise ire of this newsgroup's gods, but how >does this vehicle compare to Ford F-350 diesel? The 6.0 is not even in the same league and has been a pac of trouble for ford. It would be the last oil burner that I would select. It is a shame because the old 7.3 it replaced was about bullet proof. ----------------- TheSnoMan.com > In the 3500 you even get a solid front axle instead of IFS. Where do you see this? The standard 3500 trucks that we sell, single wheel or dualie all use IFS. Ian >> In the 3500 you even get a solid front axle instead of IFS. > > Where do you see this? The standard 3500 trucks that > we sell, single wheel or dualie all use IFS. > > Ian One of the guys in the fire department just bought a new 3500 and is has a solid axle. Surprised me because I could have sworn they were all IFS. I'll have to ask him about it, maybe he had some aftermarket work done? One of the other members just picked up a new ford 350, that thing is so noisy it is hard to hear the siren over the engine... SignatureSteve W. > One of the guys in the fire department just bought a new 3500 and is > has a solid axle. Surprised me because I could have sworn they were > all IFS. I'll have to ask him about it, maybe he had some aftermarket > work done? I know that there is some sort of "heavy duty" 3500 that is made, and I believe that they have a solid front axle, but only if they are 2 wheel drive. I haven't seen a GM light duty truck with a solid front axle in years. Ian >I know that there is some sort of "heavy duty" 3500 that is >made, and I believe that they have a solid front axle, but only >if they are 2 wheel drive. I haven't seen a GM light duty truck >with a solid front axle in years. Last one built was in 91 though there as some aftermarket convertions out there it is not a easy conversion and it requires a left side drive front axle because of transfer case design and not a right hand side drive like GM trucks through 91. Please note that while GM came out with new style P/U in 88 the Blazer, Suburban and 3500 trucks were still built on the old style chassis thru 91 just like when Silverado came out in 99, GM still used the older classic style chassis through 2000 for 3500 series trucks. ----------------- TheSnoMan.com >>>> 1. What is the difference between Silverado and Chevrolet pickups. >>> The Silverado is an Chevy truck and Sierra is the GMC brand countrt [quoted text clipped - 30 lines] > They almost all use an Allison automatic now. > In the 3500 you even get a solid front axle instead of IFS. They haven't much in common with the trans used in fire engines or other heavy vehicles other than the name. They were for quite a bit problematic I don't know if this is still true, I'm sure others will jump in. Where are you finding a solid front axle in a 3500? Roy >They haven't much in common with the trans used in fire engines or other >heavy vehicles other than the name. They were for quite a bit problematic I >don't know if this is still true, I'm sure others will jump in. The Ally had a few issue the firsst year or two it has out but it has been improve and it was beefed up again in 06. Most of the earleir problem were related to user boosting or chipping motor and giving no thought to its effect on drive line. When the Ally came it is was called a 1000 series, which stand for its torque capacity in metric newtons (same for 4L60/65 and 4L80/85 by adding a zero to them) and 1000 is equal to about 600 fgtlbs and a stock 1000 is good to about 700 ft lbs and then it starts to slip (ie chipped) New models will handle more torque and are good up to about 800 ft lbs now though they are rated less.. ----------------- TheSnoMan.com >In the 3500 you even get a solid front axle instead of IFS. Guess again, still IFS as GM has no solid axle option. I have a 2000 K3500 and it is IFS. ----------------- TheSnoMan.com > You see, I had a bad experience with a Dodge RAM 1500, so I am looking > for something that is "honestly made", made to last and work to spec, > and not like the Dodge mechanic told me about my RAM, "made for > the looks". GM is in the crapper. Think about it... Hey idiot!! Been waiting for you to prove me wrong, down a couple of threads in the 4X4 mileage thread. You ran your mouth, now bring it. Oh, that's right you just bury your head. Damn, your sig is wrong again. Let me help ya out. > TheAssHoleMan.com El Wed, 04 Oct 2006 21:30:58 -0400, Roy escribió: > Hey idiot!! Been waiting for you to prove me wrong, down a couple of > threads in the 4X4 mileage thread. The only person here to whom that insult might apply is you, for going so wildly off topic. Perhaps you haven't noiced, but this thread is about Silverado vs Chevrolet pickups. If you have a gripe in another thread, then take it up there. And it wouldn't hurt your credibility any to post verifiable facts rather than kindergarten insults. Correct or incorrect, SnoMan posts information that can be objectively proven or disproven, a practice you would do well to emulate rather than belittle. SignatureWarren Post Santa Rosa de Copán, Honduras http://srcopan.vze.com/ > El Wed, 04 Oct 2006 21:30:58 -0400, Roy escribió: > [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > Silverado vs Chevrolet pickups. If you have a gripe in another thread, > then take it up there. Looks like it would apply to you seeing as you are off topic as well.pkb If you are going to play net nanny ya can't have it both way's > And it wouldn't hurt your credibility any to post verifiable facts rather > than kindergarten insults. Correct or incorrect, SnoMan posts > information that can be objectively proven or disproven, a practice you > would do well to emulate rather than belittle. I told you where to find veriable facts, look it up. Or you can look around here and see it being pointed out by others as well. No pal you can emulate him. It would seem based on your post you two are of the same ilk. > El Wed, 04 Oct 2006 21:30:58 -0400, Roy escribió: > [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > information that can be objectively proven or disproven, a practice you > would do well to emulate rather than belittle. A Silverado is a Chevrolet. Roy is calling Snoman because he needs to be. >3. How loud are those diesels. Gm has one of the quietest diesel engines in trucks and aurguably the best tranny too, the 6 speed ally (wicth is also availible with 8.1 and 6.0) ----------------- TheSno-- --------- It funny this came up.I was sitting at a light tonight and a diesel was next to me.I told my wife "they sure are quiet now days." When Religion ruled the world , they called it the dark ages. Don Farr Roswell NM 88203 D-farr AT cableone DOT net http://forums.s-series.org/index.php --------------------------------------------------------------Man.com None, Chevrolet makes the Silverado. >I am contemplating purchase of a new diesel pickup. Definitely am NOT > considering buying a Chrysler product. My wife is prodding me in this [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > > i > I am contemplating purchase of a new diesel pickup. Definitely am NOT > considering buying a Chrysler product. My wife is prodding me in this > direction, and I have a couple of questions. Unless its powered by a Cummings and has a manual trans then a Ram is alright. Hemi is crap. > 1. What is the difference between Silverado and Sierra? GMC dealers are more likely negotiate with you on price. > 2. Just how reliable is the 3500 series. I want to buy a truck that > would last a long time. I use trucks for commute, hauling stuff for Reliability isnt an issue so much as cost to maintain. Big truck, big parts, big labor = big money. I got to hand it to GM though, their newer trucks have gotten much easier to work on. Much more cleaned up under the hood than the mid to late 90's. Anything older than 97 doesnt have power to match todays trucks. > resale, and for towing a 3,500 lbs boat on trailer. A 1500 will tow a 3,500 lbs boat and trailer just fine. Are you planning on sticking it in the bed of the truck and throwing away the trailer??? If not a 3500 sounds overkill. I've seen 4x4 1500's haul Bridgeport knee-mills (2250lbs est) in the bed without breaking a sweat. 3500's are used to pull double car trailers. (12,000 rated) From what I read a 4x4 2500HD would be more reasonable for you. > 3. How loud are those diesels. Same sound output as a gas engine. Ford powerstroke however....... >> I am contemplating purchase of a new diesel pickup. Definitely am NOT >> considering buying a Chrysler product. My wife is prodding me in this >> direction, and I have a couple of questions. > > Unless its powered by a Cummings and has a manual trans then a Ram is > alright. Hemi is crap. Well, I had a RAM and I am not very happy, unfortunately. >> 1. What is the difference between Silverado and Sierra? > > GMC dealers are more likely negotiate with you on price. I see. >> 2. Just how reliable is the 3500 series. I want to buy a truck that >> would last a long time. I use trucks for commute, hauling stuff for [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > the hood than the mid to late 90's. Anything older than 97 doesnt have > power to match todays trucks. That's nice to know. >> resale, and for towing a 3,500 lbs boat on trailer. > > A 1500 will tow a 3,500 lbs boat and trailer just fine. Are you planning > on sticking it in the bed of the truck and throwing away the trailer??? > If not a 3500 sounds overkill. I agree, but, I think, operating way below rated capacities is a good thing in society where capacities are not stated honestly. > I've seen 4x4 1500's haul Bridgeport knee-mills (2250lbs est) in the > bed without breaking a sweat. 3500's are used to pull double car > trailers. (12,000 rated) From what I read a 4x4 2500HD would be more > reasonable for you. Perhaps you are right, here I may be coming from a overly conservative point of view. >> 3. How loud are those diesels. > > Same sound output as a gas engine. Ford powerstroke however....... Sounds good. I appreciate your thoughts on this. How easy are these trucks as far as routine maintenance goes? i Greetings, Since you mention that you will use this truck to commute then let me add my piece. For the towing you will be doing and what you want, then my suggestion is the 2500HD instead of the 3500. It will tow all you want and more by a factor of three, will still have the Duramax diesel and Allison tranny, will be easier on fuel than the 3500 and easier to park with the single rear wheels. I've got almost 50,000 miles on my '04 Silverado crewcab 2500HD 2wd with the Duramax and Allison with very few minor problems. I've also had over 20 years years in the fire service driving Fords (ambulances, rescue trucks, command vehicles, etc.) with a variety of Ford diesels and transmissions spanning the generations - which is why I own a Chevy. 'Nuff said. My fire department uses Allison transmissions on our mid and large apparatus. The Allison 1000 series is common in our medium duty rescue trucks in both the Freightliner and International chassis. Cheers - Jonathan >I am contemplating purchase of a new diesel pickup. Definitely am NOT > considering buying a Chrysler product. My wife is prodding me in this [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > > i > Greetings, > [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > command vehicles, etc.) with a variety of Ford diesels and transmissions > spanning the generations - which is why I own a Chevy. 'Nuff said. Jonathan, so, then, what is the difference between 2500 HD and 3500 models? i > My fire department uses Allison transmissions on our mid and large > apparatus. The Allison 1000 series is common in our medium duty rescue [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] >> >> i > Jonathan, so, then, what is the difference between 2500 HD and 3500 > models? Greetings, There are only two significant differences between the 2500HD and the 3500 (not counting the dual rear wheels, but you can get a 3500 with the single-rear-wheel option if you want). On the 3500 there are a few additional leaf springs on the rear axle and larger tires (265-75R16's I believe, as compared to the 2500HD's 235-75R16's). However, the stock rear axle ratio on the 2500HD is 3.73:1 where I believe the stock ratio for the 3500 is 4.10:1, although you can order a 2500HD with a 4.10 rear if you want. With that in mind, the dual rear wheels make the truck harder to park, and the 3.73 rear axle is just a little better on mileage than the 4.10 without sacrificing all that much in towing capacity. FWIW, my '04 is rated to tow 12,500# with a WD hitch or 15,500# with a gooseneck in the bed. Either way, the 2500HD is overkill for your 3500# boat! Also, starting in '06 the Allison now has 6 speeds instead of the 5 that mine has - helps to squeeze out just a little more MPG on the highway. Cheers - Jonathan >> Jonathan, so, then, what is the difference between 2500 HD and 3500 >> models? [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > 3500 is 4.10:1, although you can order a 2500HD with a 4.10 rear if you > want. Thanks for a godo summary. I think that those extra springs allow for extra carrying cargo capacity (like being able to load a heavy machine in the back). > With that in mind, the dual rear wheels make the truck harder to > park, and absolutely > the 3.73 rear axle is just a little better on mileage than the 4.10 without > sacrificing all that much in towing capacity. FWIW, my '04 is rated to tow > 12,500# with a WD hitch or 15,500# with a gooseneck in the bed. Either way, > the 2500HD is overkill for your 3500# boat! Sure, though it is better to have an overkill than my Dodge RAM POS experience. > Also, starting in '06 the > Allison now has 6 speeds instead of the 5 that mine has - helps to squeeze > out just a little more MPG on the highway. Yes. Very nice. I definitely want a diesel vehicle, I have a diesel generator also and like diesels. As for 2500HD vs single wheel 3500, I am still deciding. Thank you Jonathan for spending time to answer my question. i > Cheers - Jonathan Greetings, I have not priced trucks since I purchased mine, but I guess you'd have to look at the difference in real dollars between a 2500HD vs. a 3500 with single rear wheels and decide if the extra leaf springs and larger stock tires are worth the price. It's pretty cheap to add an extra leaf or two yourself and just upsize the tires when you wear the stock ones out. All other stuff aside, I can very much recommend getting the crew cab (which I have and love the extra room). I can also recommend getting a spray-in bed liner (I got Line-X), but other than an aux fuel filter I've not made any significant modifications to my truck. I thought the LB7 series Duramax was powerful when I bought mine, but the new high output ones are real bruisers. Even with this being a pretty heavy truck, the back wheels still like to break loose unexpectedly with an empty bed. One last item, the new regulations for sulfer in diesel fuel are going into effect in '07. The new ultra-low sulfer fuels will have 15 parts per million or less, while the current low-sulfer fuels have 500 ppm. There are warnings everywhere that state you absolutely cannot use the current 500 ppm fuel in a vehicle designed for the new 15ppm fuel or it will damage your motor (although you will be able to use the 15 ppm fuel in an older truck designed for 500 ppm), and fuel quality problems are seldom if ever covered under warranty. Since not all gas stations will have the new fuel right away then that could be an issue if you bought a new truck and couldn't find anywhere to fill it up! Therefore, it would pay to find a truck that was rated for the older 500 ppm fuel and buy it as soon as possible so you won't have any problems when the switch goes into full effect. Just something to think about... Cheers - Jonathan >>> Jonathan, so, then, what is the difference between 2500 HD and 3500 >>> models? [quoted text clipped - 49 lines] > >> Cheers - Jonathan > Greetings, > [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > tires are worth the price. It's pretty cheap to add an extra leaf or two > yourself and just upsize the tires when you wear the stock ones out. I will definitely check it. > All other stuff aside, I can very much recommend getting the crew cab (which > I have and love the extra room). I agree wholeheartedly. I have a four door extended cab now, it is great, but I would rather have a full four door cab. > I can also recommend getting a spray-in bed liner (I got Line-X), Yes, I have bedliner now and I would not want to use a truck any other way. I will also look into getting a removable truck cap. > but other than an aux fuel filter I've not made any significant > modifications to my truck. I thought the LB7 series Duramax was > powerful when I bought mine, but the new high output ones are real > bruisers. Even with this being a pretty heavy truck, the back > wheels still like to break loose unexpectedly with an empty bed. What do you mean here, are you just referring to bumpy ride or wheels slipping? > One last item, the new regulations for sulfer in diesel fuel are going into > effect in '07. The new ultra-low sulfer fuels will have 15 parts per [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > have any problems when the switch goes into full effect. Just something to > think about... Ouch, something to think about, for sure. Thanks Jonathan. igor > Cheers - Jonathan > [quoted text clipped - 51 lines] >> >>> Cheers - Jonathan |
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