Difference between V2500 and V3500 Suburban...

Sorry guys...there is no such animal as a 1 Ton Suburban.  GM did not make them. The deciding factor is the VIN GVW Code - up to 1980 the 4th digit on all GM Trucks indicated a 1 (1/2 Ton), 2 (3/4 Ton), 3 (1 Ton) and 4 (1-1/2 Ton).  In 1981 the code was moved to the 6th digit.  You won't find any Suburbans with a 3 or 4 in the GVW Code.  There were 1 Ton 4x4 Pickups that were designated as a K30 up to I believe 1987, then the older body Model Designation was changed to V3500 and the new body style assumed the K3500 moniker and does to this day.  Suburbans from 1988 to 1991 carried the V1500 or V2500 in 4x4 trim.  Even though the Body was the same on the '73-'87 pickups, the frames where different between the K10/K20 and K30 with the K30(V3500) being significantly more stout. Suburbans regardless of being 1/2 or 3/4 ton had the same frame and front axle - what differed was the rear axle, spring rates, brake system variations and wheel bolt patterns (6 vs. 8).  Most K30s had Dana 60 Front Axles.  Early K30s used the Turbo 350 and NP203 until 1980 then the Turbo 400 and NP205 where used until 1987 in 2 Door 1 ton Trucks and 1990 in 1 ton Crew Cabs under the older Body Style. 3/4 tons in 1981 got the Turbo 400 or 700R4 and NP 208 - 1/2 tons after '80 got the 700R4 overdrive which fell apart in it's early years.  1991 V3500s (formally K30s) had the 4L80-E and NP205 for one year only. All 3/4 Tons got the 14 Bolt Full Floater until I believe '83 or '84 and then got the semi floater.  1 Ton Single Rear Wheels all had the full floater 14 Bolt except the duallys most of which got the Dana 70 Rear Axle. The Military between 1984 and 1986 bought 1000s of M1008/M1028s which was basically a K30 with rear overload and extremely heavy rate front springs and labeled them 1-1/4 Tons.  Those were all 6.2 L Diesels, Turbo 400s, mostly NP208 transfer cases though an occasional M1028 vehicle was seen with an NP205, along with the Dana 60 Front and 14 Bolt Rear.  The weak link on those was the NP208 which exploded under the slightest abuse.  

In 1992 the older body style was discontinued.  

A word to the wise - just because someone advertises or claims something in Auto Trader, Craigslist or on Ebay about a vehicle doesn't mean it's correct and I'd bet Lunch most people couldn't tell the differences between Turbo 350s, Turbo 400s, 700R4s, 4L80-Es, Allison Transmissions, all the New Process Transfer Cases or the differences between the variations of full and semi-floating 14 Bolt rear axles or the Dana 70s. Talk with most Car Salespeople at Used Car Lots or even Dealerships and ask them anything beyond a vehicle's exterior paint color and they're completely lost so don't ever expect to consider these people any kind of a resource for information about a vehicle's running gear.  

Most 3/4 Ton Suburbans especially the 1980 model year with the Turbo 400, NP205, Fat Corporate Front Axle and 14 Bolt Full floater. Stuff a Dana 60 in front and you've got a vehicle that will give you a lot of years of trouble free service. Get one with Barn Doors in the back and you won't get a hernia closing those massive tailgates they were equipped with.  

Hope that helps.  
Cubiculez  

all you people have no clue about anything you just argue and get nowhere FIRST OFF there is such a thing as a 3500 suburban, I worked for Second Alarmers and ill happen to let you know that you have to be a licensed contractor or build rescue squad unit vehicles to be able to get one ... if you realize already by now with all your homework that there pretty hard to find NO *** , its  a special edition suburban that they only made for the working man LOL custom built in GM FACTORIES the 3500 burban is so rare to get that you might see one over in timbuctu that is all rusted or its the color purple , but it is true and there out there,The reason its so hard to find is because its so rare let alone the average joe CANT just buy one.....

IF YOU REALY WANT TO FIND A 3500 SUBURBAN IM PROBLY ONE OF THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO CAN GET ONE SIMPLY BECAUSE OF MY HISTORY AND THE PEOPLE I KNOW !!!  

oh crap here we go again. if you dont mind what would be the purpose of a 30 or a 20?  do they come with carpeted interiors  
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You know I love you all (in a manly non sexual way) Spawn_X

carlreeder:
all you people have no clue about anything you just argue and get nowhere FIRST OFF there is such a thing as a 3500 suburban, I worked for Second Alarmers and ill happen to let you know that you have to be a licensed contractor or build rescue squad unit vehicles to be able to get one ... if you realize already by now with all your homework that there pretty hard to find NO *** , its  a special edition suburban that they only made for the working man LOL custom built in GM FACTORIES the 3500 burban is so rare to get that you might see one over in timbuctu that is all rusted or its the color purple , but it is true and there out there,The reason its so hard to find is because its so rare let alone the average joe CANT just buy one.....

IF YOU REALY WANT TO FIND A 3500 SUBURBAN IM PROBLY ONE OF THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO CAN GET ONE SIMPLY BECAUSE OF MY HISTORY AND THE PEOPLE I KNOW !!!

Could you find my lost unicorn as well?  Maybe you, along with all the special people you associate with that open so many doors for you, maybe you would be willing to fund my search for Bigfoot or the Loch Ness monster?  I've already caught the boogeyman, but I'm the only guy who knows how to look at him because of my history and the people I know.  Jesus Christ what a flaming, trolling noob!  

it really doesnt make sense to have a 3500.  you can just get the upgrades you need with out the rougher ride  
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You know I love you all (in a manly non sexual way) Spawn_X

Duct tape 2 half tons together and see what ya get... LOL  
?


Strength before Comfort..
1991 V2500 Suburban 4x4 5.7 14 bolt 4" up 35" BFGs 4:88's manual lock
Built 'OldSchool Chevy Tuff!!'

you forgot about a paper clip  
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You know I love you all (in a manly non sexual way) Spawn_X