Express, Savana & G-Series Vans Offered in both a full size van, or a large box truck, the Express is the modern GM workhorse.

Chevrolet Express
Platform: GMT Van

Differences in 2500 & 3500 passenger vans

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old August 6th, 2019, 2:31 PM
  #1  
CF Beginner
Thread Starter
 
fitter30's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Peace Valley,.Missouri
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default Differences in 2500 & 3500 passenger vans

Have driven 1 ton panel vans for 20+ years for work. Looking at 135" passenger for towing 7k with a 6.0 engine. Looking at rockauto for ease of navigation for the 2017 suspension parts ball joint, tie rods and brake parts all are the same for the 25&35. Since towing capacity is close to the same is the ride different or im i missing something.
Old August 6th, 2019, 5:12 PM
  #2  
CF Pro Member
 
dberladyn's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: West Coast
Posts: 898
Received 11 Likes on 10 Posts
Default

I personally cannot see any difference except for Windows, Seats, Seat-belts, Airbags and Convenience Options. The same Truck: GMT610.
https://dan.berladyn.online/gm/gmt610

Last edited by dberladyn; August 6th, 2019 at 5:15 PM.
Old August 7th, 2019, 3:19 AM
  #3  
CF Junior Member
 
cjm1973's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 69
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

Payload and GVWR are greater for the 3500 due to the rear leaf spring configuration. This will stiffen up the ride over the 2500, I've read not by much though. If planning to haul lots of people, cargo, and/tow a trailer, one needs to get the 3500.

Also, I dont think 2500s in the current model year are offered in the extended wheelbase variant. Not an option on Chevy's build it page anyways.
Old August 7th, 2019, 9:04 AM
  #4  
CF Pro Member
 
dberladyn's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: West Coast
Posts: 898
Received 11 Likes on 10 Posts
Default

I totally missed what he was asking. The differences between the 2500 and 3500!
I read it as the differences between Passenger and Cargo. My bad.
Old August 7th, 2019, 12:56 PM
  #5  
CF Beginner
Thread Starter
 
fitter30's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Peace Valley,.Missouri
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Asking because it strange that the only difference is heavier springs not the drivetrain and rearend. Look at pickups theres a big difference.
Old August 7th, 2019, 3:20 PM
  #6  
CF Active Member
 
Trackvw's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: SoCal
Posts: 127
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

is the transmission the same ? and shift points ?
Old August 7th, 2019, 3:21 PM
  #7  
CF Active Member
 
Trackvw's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: SoCal
Posts: 127
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

is the transmission the same ?
are the shift points the same ?
Old August 7th, 2019, 3:44 PM
  #8  
CF Veteran
 
StanVan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Harrisonburg Virginia
Posts: 1,306
Likes: 0
Received 15 Likes on 15 Posts
Default

If you're towing, make sure it has the locking differential.
Old August 7th, 2019, 7:44 PM
  #9  
CF Pro Member
 
dberladyn's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: West Coast
Posts: 898
Received 11 Likes on 10 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Trackvw
is the transmission the same ?
are the shift points the same ?
Transmissions are very complicated and expensive to engineer I imagine. General Motors only produces so many. This one is now standard.

GM 6-Speed 6L90 MYD Transmission Info, Specs, Wiki | GM Authority

I read somewhere that the 8 speed will soon replace this.
Old August 7th, 2019, 8:41 PM
  #10  
CF Junior Member
 
cjm1973's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 69
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Trackvw
is the transmission the same ?
are the shift points the same ?
There aren't any drivetrain or powertrain differences between 3/4 ton and 1 ton chassis trucks and vans. The real difference is in GVWR and gross combined weights. Same trans, same engine, same pcm, same factory programming. Axle capacities and suspension setup are the inherent differences. This can be said of all the big 3 HD truck/van manufacturers. As stated before, if payload and towing capability is priority one, a 1 ton vehicle is the better choice.




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:57 AM.