• If you currently own, previously owned or want to own an Avalanche, we welcome you to become a member today. Membership is FREE, register now!

1500 vs 2500 Avalanche ??

bojangles

Full Member
Joined
Jan 28, 2010
Messages
21
Location
Minnesota
I have noticed on a couple of vendors sites they ask is it a 1500 or 2500 Avie.  What's the difference?  Are they certain models or years?
Thanks
 
2500 was made from 2002-2006 (comparisons below based on years they were co-built)
In 2002 you could get 2 wheel or 4 wheel drive in a 2500
From 2003-2006 4X4 only for the 2500
1500=1/2 ton 2500=3/4 ton chassis
1500 has 5.3L 2500 has 8.1L engine
1500 has the 4L60E 2500 had the much stronger 4L80E transmission
1500 has coil spring rear 2500 has leaf spring rear suspension
2500 was available ONLY as a cladded model and had AVALANCHE 2500 on door cladding
1500 is a six wheel lug 2500 is an 8 wheel lug

There are more differences but this is a basic overview
 
I can tell you this much, if I were to do it again I'd wait and find a 2500... MUCH stronger vehicle... 
 
I CHNGE said:
2500 was made from 2002-2006 (comparisons below based on years they were co-built)
In 2002 you could get 2 wheel or 4 wheel drive in a 2500
From 2003-2006 4X4 only for the 2500
1500=1/2 ton 2500=3/4 ton chassis
1500 has 5.3L 2500 has 8.1L engine
1500 has the 4L60E 2500 had the much stronger 4L80E transmission
1500 has coil spring rear 2500 has leaf spring rear suspension
2500 was available ONLY as a cladded model and had AVALANCHE 2500 on door cladding
1500 is a six wheel lug 2500 is an 8 wheel lug

There are more differences but this is a basic overview

Nice list.  (y)
The 2500 also had the thin "fender flare" on the front fenders.
2500 also had different cladding on the front bumper and different tow hooks.
2500 came with transmission temperature guage.
You could get 2WD 2500 in 2003 model year.
 
Hello

The 1500 4x4 2002 modell only came with the 4L60E auto transmission right!!?

I ordered filter to my 1500 Ava and got filter to a 4L80E and Rockauto says that the 1500 came with 2 diffrent auto trannys, I say they don?t...

The thig is that I was in the 1500 section on there site but got a filter for the 2500. My fault not to read better but I was in the 1500 section so I felt safe...  :E:

Thanks

/Stefan Sweden
 
Nice list. 
The 2500 also had the thin "fender flare" on the front fenders.
2500 also had different cladding on the front bumper and different tow hooks.
2500 came with transmission temperature guage.
You could get 2WD 2500 in 2003 model

Very true goldbowtie. I am the proud owner of a 2003 2wd 2500. She's a pure beast.
 
Unless you are towing a whole lot of weight go 1500, you will pay the price in gas mileage. But yes it's a heavier duty truck and does not have some of the issues of a 1500.
 
I have owned both a 1500 and a 2500.  The one and only reason to buy a 2500 is if you tow heavy loads regularly but still need a (relatively) small maneuverable vehicle.  The 1500 rides a little better due to the coil springs and lighter weight and gets much better fuel mileage, but those are about the only differences that are really noticeable.  The only interior difference is the transmission temperature gauge in the 2500, but you can get a new instrument cluster for the 1500 if you want to add that gauge (common modification).  Exterior differences are as stated above and relatively minor.
 
mountainstoner said:
The only interior difference is the transmission temperature gauge in the 2500, but you can get a new instrument cluster for the 1500 if you want to add that gauge (common modification).

I have a 2003 1500 with the tow package, and it also has the transmission temperature gauge.  Also has a 4.10 or 4.11 rear diff (heard both numbers from credible sources, can't tell without cracking it and counting teeth).
 
Stefan N said:
Hello

The 1500 4x4 2002 modell only came with the 4L60E auto transmission right!!?

I ordered filter to my 1500 Ava and got filter to a 4L80E and Rockauto says that the 1500 came with 2 diffrent auto trannys, I say they don?t...

The thig is that I was in the 1500 section on there site but got a filter for the 2500. My fault not to read better but I was in the 1500 section so I felt safe...  :E:

Thanks

/Stefan Sweden

Yes the 1500 only came with the 4L60E auto transmission from 2002-2006.
 
The 2500 is built on a different frame, the same as the Suburban 2500. This frame is heavier by far, and we have a full floating 14 bolt rear axle with leaf springs. It also means many of the brush guards that fit the 1500 WILL NOT fit the 2500. The 1500 has the 4L60 trans.

Avalon
 
Wazbro said:
Yes the 1500 only came with the 4L60E auto transmission from 2002-2006.

My thought exactly

Rockauto said:
Before I wrote you I verified directly with Chevy that it is the case that there were 2 different options for the transmission

I?m true with Rockauto. I`ll buy somewhere alse next time.  I have never hade any problem with Summitracing, and now when they have lowered their handling fee I can start small shopping there to :B:
 
Hey Stefan N  maybe I can help here Technically there are 4 Transmissions in the 02-06 AV.

4l60e is a 2 wheel drive
4l65e is a 4 wheel drive
4l80e is a 2 wheel drive 2500
4l85e is a 4 wheel drive 2500

The difference between the 0 and 5 is the tail shaft they have different parts because of transfer case.
 
Yes they should be, but if the tranny pan is after market it may not fit.

Some people like me put a after market tranny pan which is lower.
 
There may have been only one transmision option on the 2002 1500 but there were 2 filter options. It is due to some having a deep pan and others having a shallow pan...........I think but an not positive that this is due to the change where they did away with the drain plug.
 
Isn't there an engine difference too? I thought there was but no one has mentioned it. Or am I wrong?
 
jpandsp said:
Isn't there an engine difference too? I thought there was but no one has mentioned it. Or am I wrong?

The 1500 has a 5.3 and the 2500 has an 8.1.
 
Someone said the 2500 has a thin front fender flare, I don't see the difference in pics, I don't pick my 2500 up for another week?
 
Its painted body color,

2012-09-17_14-53-40_473.jpg
 
You forgot to mention the 2500 is the better AV...

Yes I said it, let the hate mail begin..LOL
 
Back
Top