I'm looking at purchasing a 2024 high country. I know everyone is going to say to just buy a 3500. Not arguing about that. I am wondering why. With the upgraded frame and springs, what are the remaining differences? Brakes, shocks, axles? What else makes going to a 3500 the way to go besides the increased towing and payload?
2024 2500 with max tow package or 3500. What is the difference?
- Thread starter tcfulmer
- Start date
Back in 2020, the difference was only the leaf pack and badging. I doubt it’s changed much now
I chose the 2500 because I didn’t want the 2 overload leafs if I decided to lift or lower the ass end. Plus I could always add air bags or the leafs myself if I wanted
I chose the 2500 because I didn’t want the 2 overload leafs if I decided to lift or lower the ass end. Plus I could always add air bags or the leafs myself if I wanted
From the employee pricing web site, the max tow package adds the following.
- 3500 HD Frame
- 3500 HD Leaf Springs
- 12" Rear Axle
- 3500 HD Shock Package
- Gooseneck / 5th Wheel Prep Provisions
- Bed Stamped Holes With Caps Installed
- May Require Additional Optional Equipment
I'm guessing the frame is just the brackets and anything else needed to accommodate the additional overload leafs. If you look at the difference, you'll see a second set above the normal one that rides on some higher up pads
The leaf springs are kinda self explanatory
Looks like the 3500HD does indeed have a 12" ring gear and full torque in first gear, or no torque management
Different shocks for the stiffer leafs
Gooseneck and provisions are available on 2500hd also
The leaf springs are kinda self explanatory
Looks like the 3500HD does indeed have a 12" ring gear and full torque in first gear, or no torque management
Different shocks for the stiffer leafs
Gooseneck and provisions are available on 2500hd also
For 2020 but still good information. States the 2500hd is 11.5" rear while the 3500hd
is 12"
And no torque management in 1st for both models
Some sites seem to state this is only for the DRW models. So...
is 12"
And no torque management in 1st for both models
Some sites seem to state this is only for the DRW models. So...
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I think it is the same just listed as a 2500 for tax purposes. I got the max trailering package and it rides great unloaded still.
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I got a 3500hd srw. Compared to my buddies 2023 2500hd denali mine actually rides alot smoother. Not sure what's different in the 23/24 models but id just go with the 3500 and be done with it.
It literally is just a matter of what the sticker says on the door jam. For some uses and in some states the tax can be higher for higher GVWR, so the 2500 with the Max tow package gives you the ability to tow the same as the 3500, just with the 2500 badge on the side and a lower number listed on the door jam.
Iirc the 12” diff is drw only. May be wrong but I’ve not seen a 3500 srw with the 12” yet per vin attributes
3500 SRW with the Duramax have the 12”. And now the 2500 with max tow have it as well.
I went back to the employee pricing configuration page and did a 2500 with max tow package and a 3500 configured identically. I'm going to do a line by line comparison when I get a chance to see what the differences are. I'll list them here once I have the results. The difference in price is $354.