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My buddy is looking for a new truck and is going to get a 2500. I told him to get a duramax but he said that he heard that the frame and suspension on the 2500 is the same on the 2500HD duramax and that the front suspension "can't" handle the weight of the heavier duramax engine and that the frame is prone to cracking under heavy snowplow use. I told him that I didn't think this was true but wanted to see what you guys had to say.
Seems like Mark Rinker (a member here) used d-maxes for snowplowing without any frame issues; you might search some of his posts.
The 2500 frame is not the same as the 2500HD/3500 frame. The 1500HD/2500 frame is based off of the 1500 frame. The only problem with a snow plow on the front of a dmax truck is it may exceed the weight rating of the front end. The frame of the 2500HD is not the problem, the suspension components are.
Jay
For those who plan to use a truck for a lot of snow plowing and when using a heavy plow, I'd recommend the equipment included in the RPO code VYU - GM Plow Prep Package.
Otherwise.... I'd not heard that any 2500HD/3500 owner has had a problem....
Jim
I have plowed (large commercial lots, approximately 150hrs per year) with five Duramax trucks - three 2500s, and two 3500s. Can't tell you which were HDs, and which weren't. Never paid much attention as they all towed, plowed, and drove pretty much the same to me.
They are all fantastic plow truck platforms, IMO. The Allision reverse is a little slow, but that's rarely a problem. The rake of my 2009 was a little problematic for seeing out the rearview mirror and getting a good view of what was directly behind the truck.
Each truck drove well, steered straight, and never developed any sag, sway, or indication that they were 'plow trucks', which used to be apparent by year two or three in most trucks, regardless of manufacturer.
As for 'plow prep' package, not sure what all that entails. The dual 125amp alternators on my last truck sure were nice and kept the batteries up no matter how active the plow pump was.