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1500 vs 2500?

1

1FastK

GUEST
After a long time of looking, I'm ready to spring for an Avalanche!

I'm looking for a used 2002 or 2003. What I notice is that 2500's are going for the same price as 1500's! What's with that?

So if gas mileage is no concern (company pays for gas) why would someone choose a 1500 over a 2500?

I'm interested to see what you experienced folk have to say... Thanks!


J.
 
1500 has better ride.....

1500 can have the Z66 or Z71 option packages....

1500 can have Gm brush guard mounted....

1500 would have more option for wheels and tires since rated for less payload.....

1500 has North Face edition....

probably others...but I think if you do not need the 2500 load capacity why get it.....? it is not any quicker......
 
It's all about what you are using it for. If you are not concerned with the mileage like most of us are (10mpg vs 16mpg), if you are pulling or hauling large loads, go with the 2500.
 
I think the biggest reason people go with the 1500 is the smoother ride. It has an independent rear suspension that gives it a more "car like" ride. Personally, if I wanted a "car like" ride I would have bought a car - hence I have a 2500! Another reason (of many) I went with the 2500 is that I make it my policy to ALWAYS order the most powerful engine available no matter what make or model car I am buying. You (I) just can't have enough power!

?Eric
 
If you tow or haul heavy loads get the 2500. If not I would stick with the 1500 for the better ride and lower costs of repairs an gas.

Butch
 
ygmn said:
1500 has better ride.....

1500 can have the Z66 or Z71 option packages....

1500 can have Gm brush guard mounted....

1500 would have more option for wheels and tires since rated for less payload.....

1500 has North Face edition....

probably others...but I think if you do not need the 2500 load capacity why get it.....? it is not any quicker......
Click to expand...

I have a 2500 with the factory brush gaurd! You just have to mod the mod a little to make it work!

?E
 
the above post mentioned an IRS on the 1500s, the 1500's do not have an IRS (independant rear suspension). The ride is smoother as the rear suspension is not rated to handle as much weight, thus the leafs do not have to be a rigid...

~bekind
 
To clarify, the 1500 does NOT have independent rear suspension; it has a solid axle as does the 2500. However, it is coil-sprung, which most agree give it a softer, more "carlike" ride than leaf springs.

Even with the ride quality, if gas were not an option, I know which one I'd get, even if I were to never tow anything. That 8.1 is a beast >:D

EDIT:: right, what bekind said ^ :)
 
imcaber said:
ygmn said:
1500 has better ride.....

1500 can have the Z66 or Z71 option packages....

1500 can have Gm brush guard mounted....

1500 would have more option for wheels and tires since rated for less payload.....

1500 has North Face edition....

probably others...but I think if you do not need the 2500 load capacity why get it.....? it is not any quicker......
Click to expand...

I have a 2500 with the factory brush gaurd! You just have to mod the mod a little to make it work!

?E
Click to expand...

can ya go to mod section and in brush guard section... a member asked how....can ya help him out....with pics and stuff.....THANKS
 
RichUF said:
To clarify, the 1500 does NOT have independent rear suspension; it has a solid axle as does the 2500. However, it is coil-sprung, which most agree give it a softer, more "carlike" ride than leaf springs.

Even with the ride quality, if gas were not an option, I know which one I'd get, even if I were to never tow anything. That 8.1 is a beast >:D

EDIT:: right, what bekind said ^ :)
Click to expand...

My bad, that's what I meant - I generically used the words independent rear suspension without thinking. Coil sprung is the proper terminology for the 1500 and multi-stage leaf sprung for the 2500. AND I must agree - the 8.1 IS a BEAST and much more! Who cares if the ride is a little "stiffer". If you want a smooth ride buy a Jag/Mercedes/Lexus etc. . .
 
Go with the 2500, no comparison in my book. More power is my motto >:D

Ygmn, thanks for the referel on the brush gaurd!

imcaber, please see this link about the brush gaurd, any info, pics would be apreciated!
Factory 2500 Brush Gaurd

Thanks for any help.
 
OviedoAV said:
Go with the 2500, no comparison in my book. More power is my motto >:D

Ygmn, thanks for the referel on the brush gaurd!

imcaber, please see this link about the brush gaurd, any info, pics would be apreciated!
Factory 2500 Brush Gaurd

Thanks for any help.
Click to expand...


part of the friendly service I provide......heheheh
 
comes as a free bonus with the "do a search" service :p ;)
 
The 1500 may have a better ride, but I can tell you that the 2500 has a much better ride than the GMC Z71 Pick-up that I had before my Av.

And I also love going over Raton Pass (between NM and CO) without downshifting and maintiaining 75 MPH.

Just thought I would put my $0.02 in.

-Dawg
 
chitwood46 said:
"Not any quicker?" Listen, i'll run my 496 against your 327 any day. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...
check the numbers....a long ago post showed the 5.3 liter was quicker from 0-60....probably due to much less weight....but it for stock trucks......

 
the 2500 is more of a truck's truck in my mind. you get the hualing ability, and lots more power than the 5.3

If they made the AV with the 6.0 then it would be worth getting the 1500.
 
ygmn said:
chitwood46 said:
"Not any quicker?" Listen, i'll run my 496 against your 327 any day. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...
check the numbers....a long ago post showed the 5.3 liter was quicker from 0-60....probably due to much less weight....but it for stock trucks......
Click to expand...

http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php?board=17;action=display;threadid=8259

check the thread by jackalanche...who shows Motor trend numbers.....

 
2500... But then again I pull 5000lbs and its always good to have power in reserve for going up hills... and If I have to add another 5000lbs with more mechiner/bigger trailer I can do that.
 
Hey 1FastK,

I was almost in your same position in regards to a 1500 v/s the 2500. I had my mind made up that I would concentrate on a used fully loaded Z71 ... however things change. I came across a fully loaded 2002 2500 4x4 with less than 15K for a song and I bought and consequently love it!!! If gas price and consumption is'nt an issue I would definately try to steer you towards a 2500. However it does seem like the are a lot more after market modification applications availible for the 1500's as opposed to the 2500. The 1500 does offer a smoother ride than the 2500. And I am sure that it is probally a tad more nimble. For the record however we have a 99 GMC Jimmy as well and my AV is a lot smoother ride so how much more comfort do you really want ? I guess it all depends on what you want to do with it. My 2500, me, and a buddy drove from Memphis TN to Atlanta GA towing a 76' Bronco on a trailer. I averaged between 65 to 70 mph and my Av drove like we did'nt have any thing behind us at all . THE 496 IS A BEAST PURE AND SIMPLE !!!! It is that extra horse power which will HOPEFULLY let me talk my wife into buying a bigger boat, jet skis,more toys to haul etc. The bottom line the AV is the BEST vehicle I have ever owned and you really can't go wrong with the 1500 or the 2500. Just my .02 cents ;D ;D ;D
 
If your not towing a trailer, or pushing a snow plow or carrying heavy loads , go for 1500, much better ride over all, my 1500 Z71 rides better than some cars !
 
I dont understand everyone talking about the ride quality? If i wanted ride quality I would have bought car, or even a High end SUV with Air ride and stuff. I belive you buy a Avalanche for its loading / hualing capablitities with the bed like a pickup, and most people wouldnt be buying a pickup truck / SUV for the ride quality

just my .02
 
ygmn, I checked the posts and couldn't find any numbers? But you know what, I still would have to see any stock 327 Avy beat my overweight moose 496! >:D

I had a 5.3 iin a 2001 silverado 4 X 4 and it would not have had a chance of staying with the 8.1!
 
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