1500 vs. 1500HD

Not really a whole lot of difference, The HD stands for 'Heavy Duty'. On HD trucks, the body with be raised more than an non HD truck as well as some other minor differences like standard rear axle ratio and tow packages (i.e shocks, spring rates etc).

if it is a true HD, it is actually a light duty 3/4 ton truck (8600 GVW) with 8 bolt rims and a 6.0 v-8 engine. If it is 6 Bolt rims (2007 or newer) then they are not a HD but actually a Max Trailer Tow pkg. with the 6.2 v-8 and 7300 GVW with the ability to tow 10700 lbs. in the 4x4 pkg. The 6.2 engine will get better fuel economy (it is mated to a 6 sp. heavy duty trans.) and have more power (403 HP as opposed to 335 max hp on the 6.0).

Crazy answer, Robert. The differences are huge. In fact I'm still trying to figure out how a 1500 hd isn't a 3/4 ton. My daughter's has: the full floating rear axle, 8 lug hubs (which means larger bearings and weight/load capacity, a 4l80e, the heavier brake package, same as on my 3/4 ton, larger alternator. And these are just what I remember off the top of my head. Oh yeah and 9000lb tow capacity.

1500 HD used to mean 3/4 frame 14 bolt semi floating 6 bolt extra springs which was the same as regular 3/4 ton. 3/4 t HD was the 1 ton.

Don’t forget the additional transmission cooler seperate from the radiator.