Frame question

[ColoradoSilverado]

Does anyone know if the '99-'03 models of the 1500 and 2500 Silverado's have the same frame ? Is the only main difference between the two mainly the suspension and axle ? I just put on these 2000lbs spring helpers because I do a lot of hauling and now I can load a ton of dirt or rocks without the sagging. I know the 1500 isn't really meant to do this but I don't see the harm in this.

Bert

[TaNK_Em]

I would think that just like the C/K series, that the 2500 would have a thicker frame. How often are you hauling / towing? For the everyday professional that constantly uses there truck for hauling / towing a lot of weight I would consider a 2500 or 3500. But for the occasional use it’s alright you just have to remember more weight wears your breaks faster and puts more stress on your shocks.

- Kevin

[silverado122775]

The 1500 has the weakest frame
The 1500HD has the same frame as the 2500 but with 1500 shocks and springs
The 2500HD has the same frame as the 3500 but with the 2500 shock and springs
The 3500HD has the strongest frame but with the 3500 shocks and springs

2000lbs will put stress on the frame over time. if you do hauling a lot I would recomend a 1500HD or higher.

I hope this helps

[chuck16]

I agree!!! I've been told by many people on here and around the spring shops around here that if you want your 1500 to perform you need to put spring helpers on . IE Timbren's and Get better springs.
However, that leads to the above comment that because the 1500's frame is hydro formed and round tubed and the 2500 frame is box frame the 2500 and 3500's are stronger.

Ultimately, full time hauler, Needs full time 2500 or 3500...

However, that being said I throw a yard of dirt in my 1500 once and awhile and it holds out ok. I don't like doing it but, it works. Gotta get new springs and some Timbrens.... just gotta make some extra cash first...

[TaNK_Em]

I have a question for anyone who knows a lot about these helper springs and Timbrens’s. I occasionally hall some stuff in the bed (Mulch, Gravel, Etc) I want to get it where my rear end wont sag, What’s my best option new heavy duty springs, these timbren’s or helper springs?

- Kevin

[jumpingjack66]

Originally Posted by TaNK_Em

I have a question for anyone who knows a lot about these helper springs and Timbrens’s. I occasionally hall some stuff in the bed (Mulch, Gravel, Etc) I want to get it where my rear end wont sag, What’s my best option new heavy duty springs, these timbren’s or helper springs?

- Kevin

My experience with helper springs is they rattle apart and fall off. I guess if you got under the truck each week and checked the mounting hardware or welded them on they might last longer but i havnt seen it. I sudgest you get your leafs rearched which can be done by any spring shop, or go to a junk yard and find a set of 3/4 ton springs and swap them out although this may effect your overall ride comfort much more thenm havijg your originalls rearched. Bottom line is anything you buy to just bolt on to your springs will eventualy fall off due tio the vibration that leaf springs go through... oh ya and dont let someone convinse you you need air shocks cause they just completly screw up the trucks flex ability ... jj