2WD GMC 2500HD

[WVH1977]

One more thing. I found a 2002 f250 with the V10 with low miles for sale. I am going to be looking at it again tomorrow. I might take the jump on it. It will be more expensive but I would have 4WD.

 

[two_bit_score]

That’s a pulling engine. What is the rear end ratio?

 

[RickB]

Not sure I wouldn't rather have the Duramax/Allison despite it being 2wd.

 

[ruffdog]

Another trick to get a HD truck to go off road is disconnect the sway bars. The truck frame is very stiff and the sway bars greatly limit suspension articulation.

How does a sway bar disconnect help off-road? | Practical Motoring

 

[dusty3030]

Aw heck if you also have a 4wd Tacoma I wouldn’t think twice about a 2wd 3/4 ton diesel puller.

 

[Hay Dude]

When I stated wet grass I meant my yard or families yard. I have a little bit of slope in my yard but also have tractor there if I get stuck. Every HD truck I had could get stuck in wet grass. I do not plan on driving off road in the mud or up and down hills. My uncle has a 2WD F250 and seems to do fine. I know I will need to be more attentive where I am going. Just never had a 2WD.

The good thing is I will be paying cash for it. Trying to stay away from auto loan. I currently have a little Tacoma 4x4 for hunting/off road use, just cannot pull the tractor or big trailer with it. The only reason I am doing this is because I had a newer f250 that the dealer bought back from me. I could not believe what they paid me to get the truck back. Never would of though I would make money off of a truck purchase. Strange times. The only problem is replacing it. lol I just want to have something strong enough to pull the trailer an d tractor if needed.

Well, the G80 locking 11.5” rear sure worked well on my truck, but this is primarily a Ford dominated forum.

 

[4570Man]

I’d rather have a 2wd duramax vs a 4x4 v10. Especially if the v10 is more expensive. I own a v10 and I don’t own a duramax but I paid $3500 for a 190,000 mile v10 that doesn’t leak oil and the ac works. I’d be hard pressed to buy a duramax for 3x the money. Sure the v10 drinks a lot of gas but a vehicle that cost a lot less, not paying full coverage insurance on the a lot cheaper vehicle, and cheaper maintenance helps the fuel cost a lot.

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

I have a 2018 2500HD Duramax. If the box is loaded with weight traction may be acceptable if on any thing but dry pavement. I have parked in my level driveway, with a packed snow covering and come back a few hours later to find in 2WD the truck will not even get out of the slight indentation from the tires without shifting to 4x4. On the road if there is snow / ice the truck is next to useless if not in 4x4. Around here it is rare to see a truck of any brand that is not 4 x 4, even the 1/2 ton series.

You don't mention mileage / condition or model / configuration. Unless you buy super cheap, you will take a beating on resale. At the moment asking / selling prices are crazy for any 2500 / 3500 DMax. If you buy an orphan now at high prices and things ever get back to normal, you will take a double beating on a 2WD.

Suggesst you check Facebook. There are several Duramax groups & ask your questions there. Ask about any issues with the 2005 version. The 2005 is probably the LLY @ 310hp & 605 lb-ft torque. If you are one of those who wants to tow @ 75 - 85 mph and for whom that is not enough power, factor in the cost for a "delete"

11 Common 6.6 LLY Duramax Problems And How To Fix Them

11 Most Common LLY Duramax Problems and Fixes. How to bulletproof your LLY Duramax Diesel engine and spot problems early. The most common...

dieselresource.com

 

[Chrisb009]

If it has the G80 Detroit Locker rear end, that’ll help. The trick to having a two wheel drive truck is knowing it’s limitations and to have enough sense to stop spinning the wheels when it gets stuck and get out and do something to get unstuck before it digs a hole. One thing that can help a lot is to drop the tire pressure on the rears to 30# or so when you know you’ll be operating off road for a while. Of course you need to remember to pump them back up if you’re going to run at speed on the highway. Buy some chains for it too if you get it, no fun to put on, but they’re great for snow and ice. I’ve had a 2006 2500HD albeit a 6.0 gas since new, been off road on construction sites many times, seldom truly stuck, but have had to get out from time to time with a shovel to help it out. On a farm, there should be a tractor nearby, so there’s always that option to pull it out should all else fail.

Totally agree - if it doesn't have the rear locker I'd invest in finding a used factory rear axle with the factory locker. A locker and chains will pull you through many types of situations.

 

[Chrisb009]

I have a 2018 2500HD Duramax. If the box is loaded with weight traction may be acceptable if on any thing but dry pavement. I have parked in my level driveway, with a packed snow covering and come back a few hours later to find in 2WD the truck will not even get out of the slight indentation from the tires without shifting to 4x4. On the road if there is snow / ice the truck is next to useless if not in 4x4. Around here it is rare to see a truck of any brand that is not 4 x 4, even the 1/2 ton series.

You don't mention mileage / condition or model / configuration. Unless you buy super cheap, you will take a beating on resale. At the moment asking / selling prices are crazy for any 2500 / 3500 DMax. If you buy an orphan now at high prices and things ever get back to normal, you will take a double beating on a 2WD.

Suggesst you check Facebook. There are several Duramax groups & ask your questions there. Ask about any issues with the 2005 version. The 2005 is probably the LLY @ 310hp & 605 lb-ft torque. If you are one of those who wants to tow @ 75 - 85 mph and for whom that is not enough power, factor in the cost for a "delete"

11 Common 6.6 LLY Duramax Problems And How To Fix Them

11 Most Common LLY Duramax Problems and Fixes. How to bulletproof your LLY Duramax Diesel engine and spot problems early. The most common...

dieselresource.com

I have a 4x4 Silverado Duramax/Allison combo. I hardly ever use 4x4 regardless of the situation however I did order the rear locker when I purchased it.

 

[RickB]

Comparing a 2wd truck to a 4wd truck operated in 2wd is a fool’s errand.

 

[CoyPatton]

Hello all,

I am looking at potentially buying a 2005 2WD GMC 2500HD. I will be using to pull my TC40 and hauling things from Lowes, etc. I have always owned 4WD trucks and I am worried/paranoid I will be making a mistake buying a 2WD. It handles great and has the Duramax with plenty of power. I am just worried about getting stuck in wet grass. I don't plan on any off-road excursions with this truck.

Any opinions on 2WD Trucks?

Thanks

Provide some more info! Wet grass especially if slopes are involved can be as stuck as in loose sand or wet mud. What type of winter weather do you encounter.

 

[Snobdds]

I thought 2WD trucks stopped being a thing in the 80's. Every 2wd truck had a set of chains back then. Now with 4WD, people forgot how to use chains.

That should tell you what you need to know.

 

[ruffdog]

I have had (11) 4x2 trucks and (4) 4x4 trucks. The 4x2 trucks have limits but they are FAR from worthless.

 

[RickB]

I thought 2WD trucks stopped being a thing in the 80's. Every 2wd truck had a set of chains back then. Now with 4WD, people forgot how to use chains.

That should tell you what you need to know.

Not everyone lives in Wyoming. If you ever get to the South take note of what trucks are on the road. OP is from Virginia.

 

[Darvish]

My first PU was a 1958 2 wheel drive long-bed Ford 3/4 ton with a V-8 and manual tranny w/o limited - slip. Thinking it could go most anywhere I wanted, I soon became dis-illusioned. That sucker would get stuck at the slightest provocation.

I was younger then, and graduated thru several pickups, and currently have the last PU (hopefully) I intend to own, which is a Ford F-350 '03 7.3 manual crew-cab non-dually 4 wheel drive, which it would be hard to improve on, (imho)

I have a ?B 2920 ? Kubota with turf tires, and when the grass is wet, I have to be in 4WD, or spin wheels.

Hope this is of value.

 

[CADplans]

The first trucks I drove were in Charles City VA,, right next door,,
anyways,, we learned that long wheelbase, and a heavy engine resulted in a disaster if there was no 4WD,, plan on getting pulled,, a LOT!!

The truck will NEVER move in reverse, unless it is downhill in reverse,, or on pavement.

The main problem with that truck is the frame is so rigid, no twisting, a back wheel gets lifted.
I have two of them, thankfully, both are 4WD,,

 

[Gee Ray]

If you were nearer to me I would take a look at it if you take a pass on it. My 2wd 3500 dually DMax had 450,000 miles on it when my son forgot to miss the rear end of the car in front of him.

Hello all,

I am looking at potentially buying a 2005 2WD GMC 2500HD. I will be using to pull my TC40 and hauling things from Lowes, etc. I have always owned 4WD trucks and I am worried/paranoid I will be making a mistake buying a 2WD. It handles great and has the Duramax with plenty of power. I am just worried about getting stuck in wet grass. I don't plan on any off-road excursions with this truck.

Any opinions on 2WD Trucks?

 

[MossRoad]

I thought 2WD trucks stopped being a thing in the 80's. Every 2wd truck had a set of chains back then. Now with 4WD, people forgot how to use chains.

That should tell you what you need to know.

I've lived in the lake snow belt in Indiana all my life. I've seen mostly 2wd vehicles most of my life. 4x4 trucks were very rare until mud-bogging came about in the 80's. I've seen exactly one(1) set of tire chains on a vehicle here in 60 years.

 

[Farmer495]

currently have the last PU (hopefully) I intend to own, which is a Ford F-350 '03 7.3 manual crew-cab non-dually 4 wheel drive, which it would be hard to improve on, (imho)

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