I had a 1999 Z71 1500 auto with 3.73 gears, now I have a 2500 4X4 with a 6.0 Heavy duty auto with cooler and 4.10gears

Tried today to buy a used 2500HD with the 8.1 Litre and Allison tranny. Same old story, Dealer wanted more than I would have paid for it new with a relative's GM employee discount. Still not convinced about the ride - loved the power and 5-speed tranny. Not sure about going diesel as I have to leave the truck parked outside at work without access to a plug for engine block heater. Normal winters in Chicago tend to wreak havoc with diesels. Still searching. I'm leaning toward purchasing a 2002 version of this same truck.

[ 01-28-2002: Message edited by: 26ZX Donzi ]

I recently bought a 1500HD and absolutely love it. It was a very tough decision between that and the 2500HD, but after a test ride, I was convinced that the 2500HD had too rough of a ride. They are pretty close to the same price, and I think that if you dirve them both, you will see and feel the difference. I use my truck for everyday transportation and only tow on the weekends.

The 1500HD DOES have the heavy 3/4 ton axles and driveline as well as the 3/4 ton brakes. It is essentially the same frame as a ext. cab 2500 (not 2500HD). Do yourself a huge favor and go talk to a GM dealer that actually knows his product. It tows my 25' Checkmate like there is nothing back there, it makes my old 1/2 ton Chevy feel like a S10.

The 2500HD is definately the right choice if you need a Diesel, or if you have a lot of tounge weight or haul a lot in the bed. I have several friends with them and they do love them too, but they have told me that they hate the rough ride for an every day truck.

26ZX. Have you tried a Avalanche 2500 Z77. Its about 6K less than the K3500 w/Duramax and Allison. I only mention that because of the better ride. We got one for my wife last weekend (1500 z66) and with 373's its great.
In fact i was so impressed I almost had her get the larger one, but, I've still got a 98K3500 GMC diesel thats large enough for my cat.........trust me......just give it a look at. (In fact, the local dealer has 5K off MSRP right now).

Bob

26zx,
Yes, the 1500HD does have the 3/4 ton axles. I was vague in my response in that it does not have the same axles as the 2500HD as hot dawg pointed out. The 1500HD front axle capacity is 4500 and rear is 6000. The 2500HD front axle is 4670 and rear is 6084. Just wanted to clarify.

I am sold on the ride of the 1500HD as the wheelbase is long and ride is comfortable. I had a 2000 1/2 GMC Extended cab 4X4 Z71 and the new truck rides just as nice. I agree with hi-perf2000 and get the leather. The wife loves the heated seats and it truly is much more comfy than cloth!!!!

Sorry for the mis-info and thanks for pointing out my "flaws" hot dawg!

I’ve had a 2500 Avalanche for a month now and it’s a great truck. (And no, it does not share any body panels with the family truckster.) It’s got the 8.1L and 3.73 gears which make it good for 10,100# towing. Lots of interior room because it’s essentially a ¾ ton Suburban from the front to the back seat. If you need a vehicle more for the towing and carrying people and less for true open bed pick-up utility, it’s a great compromise. You get a 5’3” bed that’s dry and locked that can convert to 8’1” if you need it to, and still be locked and dry. Plus, for me it still will fit in my garage, where a crew cab wouldn’t. I’m getting 10-11 MPG in the city, and got 14 on a recent trip. Best part about that is that we had 455 miles on the trip odometer when I put gas into it the next day and had 5 gallons to spare. I have yet to tow with it, so I can’t help you there. Check one out.

26 zx donzi call me, im the sales mgr for one of the largest gm dealers in the mid atlantic. I will give you any technical info you want. 1-800-464-4268 *844 Brett Dean

I drove a 2000 2500 With 6.0 70000 miles and was in dealership one time to get rip fixed in seat cover. Now have a 2500HD with Duramax, love it and the 20 mpg. :)

26donzi,
Don't worry about not being able to plug the desiel in. I live in MI and know people that never plug them in (late model trucks) it just takes a little while to warm them up ,plus they are very noisey.

Once you go desiel you won't go back ! :D