yes, that is the first version of the 88 body style chevy 15/25/3500 mount. when the '95's came out with airbags this design did not pass the crash test. I think it was actually too strong and wouldn't collapse enough to let the airbags release. therefore, it's not safe to use on trucks with airbags of the 95-98 model years.

as for 99+, it wouldn't be close to working on any silverado/sierra body styles. so the only thing people could be talking about there would be the occasional truck that was built in 99-01, but that is still the classic 88 body style truck. but again, you shouldn't use that particular mount on them either.

and this is all assuming that your mount looks like the pic you posted a link to. I actually don't see them very often in recent years. hope that helps.

 

ok - thank you, this is starting to make some sense to me.

so up until 1995, the 1545 mount covered all 88-94 chevy/gmc light trucks - whether it be a 1500, 2500, 3500.

then in 1995 gm introduces air bags on trucks with a GVW under 8500 pounds. As a result, western redesigns the mount as there was some concern the 1545 mount would be prone to accidently deploying an air bag. Hence the 1585 mount was introduced in 1995, and the 1545 was discontinued.

and i'd agree that the 1545 mount is stronger than the 1585 mount - it looks like a much beefier piece.

But the fact is both mounts will fit all 88-98 light trucks (and some up to 2000 that were the "classic" body style), although it is recommended that trucks equipped with air bags do not use the 1545 mount.

i think that about sums it up - does that sound about right?

 

yes, you've got it exactly right. except I wouldn't say it would fit later years for sure, since they didn't keep test fitting it on later years.

but yea, the frame is basically the same, so a person should be able to get it on there if they insisted on using that one.

hey, it looks like you and I both joined the forum at almost the same time! sweet.

 

thanks and happy 7-year anniversary!!!

 

ok - one more question on this 1545 mount. so we know it will fit 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks - but will it fit a 3500HD 2wd? The 3500HD's had larger rims (19.5" i beleive), and had a filler plate in between the front bumper and grill that was not seen on a non-HD 3500. Here's a picture of a 3500HD in case I am not explaining it well.

So the ultimate question is: will a western frame that fits a 88-00 1500/2500/3500 also fit the 3500HD models (that are still the "classic" old body style)?

 

no, it looks like that was different. It was a 1565 (62090 mount).

here's a link:

http://library.westernplows.com/ddcommon/dd_pdf/pdfs/13644_103103.pdf

 

i figured the HD's would have a different frame. thanks.

 

ok - one more question on this 1545 mount. so we know it will fit 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks - but will it fit a 3500HD 2wd? The 3500HD's had larger rims (19.5" i beleive), and had a filler plate in between the front bumper and grill that was not seen on a non-HD 3500. Here's a picture of a 3500HD in case I am not explaining it well.

So the ultimate question is: will a western frame that fits a 88-00 1500/2500/3500 also fit the 3500HD models (that are still the "classic" old body style)?

Yes like nealy posted its different and also the 2wd were different than the hds !