A few things chevys got right
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,942
Likes: 2,652
From: The Great State of Texas
GM hasn’t used a heavy guage steel since the GMT400. When they changed to GMT800 platform, they significantly reduced the steel thickness to save weight. I could dent the box sides with my thumb. The bodies became an issue, the boxes escpecially. The 800 box rails were built / constructed in manner that it was difficult to bolt through. They had a tendency to crack in the front corners when running full racks. The GMT900 was the end of the road for me with GM. Eventually switching over to Ford first gen SD’s. The GM drivetrains were good. We had many GM trucks back then.
I had a long conversation with a GM exec, VP of marketing iirc, at a large showing in Michigan in 2003/2004. I told him the issues we were seeing with the bodies, and he told me flat out - “We don’t build trucks for working anymore. We sell more trucks in California alone, than all of Canada. They’re build to haul surf boards.”
Id like to see some of the aluminum SD’s after running heavy / awkward racks on a stock body.
I had a long conversation with a GM exec, VP of marketing iirc, at a large showing in Michigan in 2003/2004. I told him the issues we were seeing with the bodies, and he told me flat out - “We don’t build trucks for working anymore. We sell more trucks in California alone, than all of Canada. They’re build to haul surf boards.”
Id like to see some of the aluminum SD’s after running heavy / awkward racks on a stock body.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,516
Likes: 198
Then the steel must be paper thin, the deflection by touch is crazy and it’s a much lighter feeling door than the Ford unless the Fords just use crappy hinges. I doubt that’s the case since this is straight from Chevrolet:
“The 2025 Silverado 2500 door skin is made of aluminum, a common material used for its lightweight and strong properties in truck bodies. Aluminum is used for components like the hood, doors, and tailgate to help reduce the vehicle's overall weight.”
“The 2025 Silverado 2500 door skin is made of aluminum, a common material used for its lightweight and strong properties in truck bodies. Aluminum is used for components like the hood, doors, and tailgate to help reduce the vehicle's overall weight.”
Last edited by Louisville Joe; May 24, 2026 at 10:53 PM.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,516
Likes: 198
GM hasn’t used a heavy guage steel since the GMT400. When they changed to GMT800 platform, they significantly reduced the steel thickness to save weight. I could dent the box sides with my thumb. The bodies became an issue, the boxes escpecially. The 800 box rails were built / constructed in manner that it was difficult to bolt through. They had a tendency to crack in the front corners when running full racks. The GMT900 was the end of the road for me with GM. Eventually switching over to Ford first gen SD’s. The GM drivetrains were good. We had many GM trucks back then.
I had a long conversation with a GM exec, VP of marketing iirc, at a large showing in Michigan in 2003/2004. I told him the issues we were seeing with the bodies, and he told me flat out - “We don’t build trucks for working anymore. We sell more trucks in California alone, than all of Canada. They’re build to haul surf boards.”
Id like to see some of the aluminum SD’s after running heavy / awkward racks on a stock body.
I had a long conversation with a GM exec, VP of marketing iirc, at a large showing in Michigan in 2003/2004. I told him the issues we were seeing with the bodies, and he told me flat out - “We don’t build trucks for working anymore. We sell more trucks in California alone, than all of Canada. They’re build to haul surf boards.”
Id like to see some of the aluminum SD’s after running heavy / awkward racks on a stock body.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 141
Likes: 68
So I did a deep dive into the parts, you guys are correct on material per the parts description attached to the number, but you’re incorrect on the weight. From what I find spec wise in the parts catalogs shell only weight for 2026 Chevy 2500 HD driver door is 32 LBS, shell only weight for 2026 Ford F-250 driver door is 35 LBS. The Ford door is heavier no matter how you slice and dice it.
Last edited by FordExpy486; May 24, 2026 at 11:16 PM.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,516
Likes: 198
So I did a deep dive into the parts, you guys are correct on material per the parts description attached to the number, but you’re incorrect on the weight. From what I find spec wise in the parts catalogs shell only weight for 2026 Chevy 2500 HD driver door is 32 LBS, shell only weight for 2026 Ford F-250 driver door is 35 LBS. The Ford door is heavier no matter how you slice and dice it.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 141
Likes: 68
Seeing how many K2XX are all ready rusted through the lower door skins and rocker panels here in western New York I just have no interest in owning another steel body truck again. In 7-8 years your rocker panels are shot if they are made of galvanized steel here, the aluminum will still be like new.
His last 2016 Super Duty Lariat White Tri Coat Metallic truck was rusting through everywhere. Door skins, rear wheel wells, rockers. The truck was eaten alive in the span of 8 years by the salt. First bubbles appeared on the rear wheel wells when it was only 5 years old. Steel just doesn’t work well long with northeast salt.
His last 2016 Super Duty Lariat White Tri Coat Metallic truck was rusting through everywhere. Door skins, rear wheel wells, rockers. The truck was eaten alive in the span of 8 years by the salt. First bubbles appeared on the rear wheel wells when it was only 5 years old. Steel just doesn’t work well long with northeast salt.
Last edited by FordExpy486; May 24, 2026 at 11:44 PM.
4wd Low
Joined: Mar 2026
Posts: 10
Likes: 3
We have mostly Chevy/GMC trucks at work. The only thing I can think of that I prefer on them is the fold down center console. The cup holders are an inch lower than the arm rest. I can't stand the hard plastic cup holders at the same level on the Fords. For anything more than a short drive the plastic becomes very uncomfortable to rest my arm on. It must not be a problem for most people because it's hard to find an XLT without a bench seat, even though the better seats are only a $500 option. I was going to order an XLT to get that option, but ended up finding a good deal on a used Lariat.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 141
Likes: 68
We have mostly Chevy/GMC trucks at work. The only thing I can think of that I prefer on them is the fold down center console. The cup holders are an inch lower than the arm rest. I can't stand the hard plastic cup holders at the same level on the Fords. For anything more than a short drive the plastic becomes very uncomfortable to rest my arm on. It must not be a problem for most people because it's hard to find an XLT without a bench seat, even though the better seats are only a $500 option. I was going to order an XLT to get that option, but ended up finding a good deal on a used Lariat.
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More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2025
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GM hasn’t used a heavy guage steel since the GMT400. When they changed to GMT800 platform, they significantly reduced the steel thickness to save weight. I could dent the box sides with my thumb. The bodies became an issue, the boxes escpecially. The 800 box rails were built / constructed in manner that it was difficult to bolt through. They had a tendency to crack in the front corners when running full racks. The GMT900 was the end of the road for me with GM. Eventually switching over to Ford first gen SD’s. The GM drivetrains were good. We had many GM trucks back then.
I had a long conversation with a GM exec, VP of marketing iirc, at a large showing in Michigan in 2003/2004. I told him the issues we were seeing with the bodies, and he told me flat out - “We don’t build trucks for working anymore. We sell more trucks in California alone, than all of Canada. They’re build to haul surf boards.”
Id like to see some of the aluminum SD’s after running heavy / awkward racks on a stock body.
I had a long conversation with a GM exec, VP of marketing iirc, at a large showing in Michigan in 2003/2004. I told him the issues we were seeing with the bodies, and he told me flat out - “We don’t build trucks for working anymore. We sell more trucks in California alone, than all of Canada. They’re build to haul surf boards.”
Id like to see some of the aluminum SD’s after running heavy / awkward racks on a stock body.
GM's buisness model, is pretty much duping people into owning them. A well educated, experienced person, doesnt drive GM. Theyre better than Kia sometimes.
Last edited by Midwest87; May 25, 2026 at 09:38 AM.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2021
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Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 75
Likes: 25
GM hasn’t used a heavy guage steel since the GMT400. When they changed to GMT800 platform, they significantly reduced the steel thickness to save weight. I could dent the box sides with my thumb. The bodies became an issue, the boxes escpecially. The 800 box rails were built / constructed in manner that it was difficult to bolt through. They had a tendency to crack in the front corners when running full racks. The GMT900 was the end of the road for me with GM. Eventually switching over to Ford first gen SD’s. The GM drivetrains were good. We had many GM trucks back then.
I had a long conversation with a GM exec, VP of marketing iirc, at a large showing in Michigan in 2003/2004. I told him the issues we were seeing with the bodies, and he told me flat out - “We don’t build trucks for working anymore. We sell more trucks in California alone, than all of Canada. They’re build to haul surf boards.”
Id like to see some of the aluminum SD’s after running heavy / awkward racks on a stock body.
I had a long conversation with a GM exec, VP of marketing iirc, at a large showing in Michigan in 2003/2004. I told him the issues we were seeing with the bodies, and he told me flat out - “We don’t build trucks for working anymore. We sell more trucks in California alone, than all of Canada. They’re build to haul surf boards.”
Id like to see some of the aluminum SD’s after running heavy / awkward racks on a stock body.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 750
Likes: 307
From: SE Vermont, South Jersey
They would have assessed the need and specified every part of the truck, including needing heavy/awkward racks.
Of course, today you can get a C&C and add whatever body that suits your need, but so many people think that a factory body with an off-the shelf rack should be able to do what you want. Well, what if you need to carry 2000# slabs of granite, or oversized insulating glass windows, or who-knows-what? Then you need a C&C with a body designed for your needs.
It's pretty long, at around 25 minutes, but this is the old Dodge video. I encourage any and all to take a look when you have a few (i.e. 25) minutes. It's a bit cheesy by today's standards, but fits well withing the time, and as I said, facinating:
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 750
Likes: 307
From: SE Vermont, South Jersey
Secondly, what's this about "undimmable giant useless touchscreen"? We are on our second Telluride, and love the "dimmable giant useful touchscreen". Although honestly, I've never tried dimming it - it seems to dim all by itself satisfactorily.