1997 5.9 3500 CC conflicting info

[drebs17]

hey guys have a 97 5.9 manual trans 3500 cab and chassis it has a Dana 80 rear which when I look up that rear has a rating of 11,000 lbs however dodge lists the rear rating at 7,500 on all the aftermarket publications I can find I don’t know if they are confusing it for just the 3500 Regular pickup dually. I’m looking to put a lot of weight on the back and am confused as to the capacity. I have the owners manual and it doesn’t go into detail on the cc config of the 3500 anywhere.

I’m also confused as to why the 3500 pickup can haul 14,000k but the 3500 cc only 11,000k. I know these pics are from the 99 towing guide but it’s the colestest thing to the 97 and towing ratings hadn’t changed as I know when I called the dealership they said my 5.9 manual with 3.55 gears max towing was 11,000 ... I find this hard to be accurate as many guys pull up to 20k with good trailer brakes but they might have the 4.10..... what do you think I can pull I would like to get up to 14,000k I just can’t believe the 11k on this vechicle?

If this is the case I’ll just sell it and get a 5.7 tundra that can haul 10,600

Thanks, drew

 

[Bob4x4]

The diff in your truck is not a true Dana 80.It is a hybrid.The hub bearings are Dana 70 sized.

 

[DavidC]

I would sell it and run,don't walk to the nearest Toyota dealer

 

[Timd32]

The cab and chassis are typically sold as an "incomplete vehicle" so not sure if an upfitter can increase GCWR with modified axles, tires, springs??? So besides going down that rabbit hole.... and not having any documents or VIN number.

Did the vehicle include a special owners manual for cab and chassis? It should be in there.

My guess is the 1997 5.9 Manual Reg Cab carries an "as supplied" GCWR 2WD 20,000 and 4WD 18,000 properly equipped. Trailers above 10k back then might be mfg listed as needing to be a 5th wheel hitch attached to the frame of the vehicle. But things could be different now with a class V hitch set up, proper ball mount and the WD set up.

My guess off my '96 book: Max trailer 2WD 11,900 4WD 11,500.

All that is again my guess "by the book" stuff but could be much different than your vehicle.

And 2nd the Toyota. San Antonio workers will thank you. So no issue supporting American assembled, local sales and service folks.

From Google:
Initially built in a new Toyota plant in Princeton, Indiana, production was consolidated in 2008 to Toyota's San Antonio, Texas, factory and is the only full-size pickup truck manufactured in Texas.

I know my '96 2500 will move some pretty heavy hay wagons, most likely above the rating of the truck, but at 27mph max I'm comfortable doing that in the short runs less than .5 miles, stopping and the sort is fine. So up to you.

 

[Shiner]

The diff in your truck is not a true Dana 80.It is a hybrid.The hub bearings are Dana 70 sized.

Are you sure on the hybrid for his truck? I can't speak for 97, but by 2001 they are a true DANA 80. 2500 V-10 and diesels had the hybrid if I am not mistaken. But, I have had a few this evening.

 

[AH64ID]

hey guys have a 97 5.9 manual trans 3500 cab and chassis it has a Dana 80 rear which when I look up that rear has a rating of 11,000 lbs however dodge lists the rear rating at 7,500 on all the aftermarket publications I can find I don’t know if they are confusing it for just the 3500 Regular pickup dually.

Dana is rating the axle, and Dodge is rating the frame/suspension/axle/etc.. normally to the weakest link.

Even new trucks have the same thing, 9,750 RAWR which is a bit lower than what the AAM 11.5/11.8 is rated for.

 

[Shiner]

Dana is rating the axle, and Dodge is rating the frame/suspension/axle/etc.. normally to the weakest link.

Even new trucks have the same thing, 9,750 RAWR which is a bit lower than what the AAM 11.5/11.8 is rated for.

What he said...

 

[Timd32]

Found this site. Not super specific.

I used a 97 cab and chassis from a dealer web site.

http://cmvid.nisrinc.com/CMV_ID/CMV_ID.asp

 

[Wayne M.]

I’m going strictly by memory here, but I don’t think these C&C’s can be compared to today’s C&C’s, where today’s have a special frame different from a pick up. A 2 gen incomplete vehicle would just be a pick up that’s going to be upfitted.
That said, it wouldn’t be fair to compare a 1 ton of any recent vintage to a modern 1/2 or 5/8 truck, just on spec numbers alone. The only thing the Tundra could have over the Ram might be the transmission.

 

[GAmes]

I’m going strictly by memory here, but I don’t think these C&C’s can be compared to today’s C&C’s, where today’s have a special frame different from a pick up. A 2 gen incomplete vehicle would just be a pick up that’s going to be upfitted.

'97 C&Cs have a different frame than the pickup. Also, if 2WD the front axle is solid, pickups have IFS.

Not sure what the OP's concern is. There isn't a Toyota anywhere that can match a 12 valve Cummins powered 2nd gen duelly. Genos sells the '97 owners manual which shows the manufacturer's ratings. It is a hodge-podge of numbers with no link to reality. For instance, my GCWR is 20,000 but identically equipped 4X4s is 16,000. My driver's license and the truck registration makes the GCWR 26,000.

 

[Shiner]

All I know is what I have done, and what I still do on occasion. I load the 01 3500 to the hilt with supplies from drywall to roof steel, shingles, etc.. I pull the 14k dump trailer with it as well. Truck never complains, just does the job at hand. I would never think of loading a Toyota the same...….besides, the Toyota would look extra silly with my 12' stake bed and shingle ladder.

 

[AH64ID]

Comparing a 2nd Gen 3500 to a Tundra is like comparing a Ford Pinto to a Mustang.

 

[Shiner]

Comparing a 2nd Gen 3500 to a Tundra is like comparing g a Ford Pinto a Mustang.

You should see some of the pintos around here.....both Windsors and Clevelands for power. They don't haul anything but …..@ss!
For the record, I can't bring myself to liking Japanese trucks, whether built here or not. And a Titan Cummins ain't no truck either.

 

[AH64ID]

I’m a big Toyota fan, of anything smaller than the Tundra.

It’s surprising the number of Cummins owners I know that that thought like the OP... needless to say all the tundras were sold for CTD’s.

 

[drebs17]

Ya my concern is as follows my CC 5.9 manual 3500 has a tow rating of 11,000 lbs. max cap I called the dealer gave the, the vin. The 2nd gen tundra with the 4.30 diff will tow 10,600 max cap.

So Bing this is my main vehicle and I tow once a month when needed to bring materials and I’d rather drive around town in the tundra then shift around town in the 5.9 it’s exhausting in a bid city as my main vehicle. When the conventional tow ratings are the same. Some people have said they bumper pull 15k that’s 4K about the rating just asking

I don’t even know what the 5.9 Will haul with a 5th wheel with the 3.55 rear. (But I don’t have a fifth wheel but will get one if I can understand how much I can haul) That was kind of my original question how much can I with good sense and good trailer brakes out here in the flat plains of Texas.

 

[GAmes]

I have 3.55 gears. I already told you what my GCWR is by law. The truck weighs 8000 by itself with all the tools and hitches I carry.
That makes my max trailer weight 18,000, and I've been up to about 15,000 so far. One trailer of that weight crossed the Wolf Creek Pass in CO last summer, outside temps in the high 90s. I challenge any Toyota, even the one that pulled the shuttle (), to match it. The factory tow ratings of the new pickups are a joke. My wife's new Hemi powered Ram is rated to tow 11,000 IIRC. I have no intention of hooking our 11,000 pound RV to it.

 

[BigPapa]

Comparing a 2nd Gen 3500 to a Tundra is like comparing a Ford Pinto to a Mustang.

I had a Pinto......

 

[drebs17]

I have 3.55 gears. I already told you what my GCWR is by law. The truck weighs 8000 by itself with all the tools and hitches I carry.
That makes my max trailer weight 18,000, and I've been up to about 15,000 so far. One trailer of that weight crossed the Wolf Creek Pass in CO last summer, outside temps in the high 90s. I challenge any Toyota, even the one that pulled the shuttle (), to match it. The factory tow ratings of the new pickups are a joke. My wife's new Hemi powered Ram is rated to tow 11,000 IIRC. I have no intention of hooking our 11,000 pound RV to it.

I’m guessing that’s surely 5th wheel? See I’m not in the fifth wheel game now so bumper pool I have a 10,400 lbs which is why I’m saying all things equal I can get away with the tundra as I only pull 400 miles once or twice a month tops. However I have access to a 14k bumper pull so I’m saying if anyone thinks the 5.9 3500 standard with 3.55 with a “max” of 11k can get away pulling a 14k bumper pull WITH electric brakes. I’d stick with it

Thanks

 

[GAmes]

I hook up to some big bumper pulls too, sometimes pintle hitch construction trailers which don't allow me to use my weight distribution hitch. That is why I ditched the weak stock receiver with one of these.

https://www.etrailer.com/p-C15318.html?hhyear=1997&hhmake=Dodge&hhmodel=Ram+Pickup

 

[GAmes]

Not sure if the one I have will bolt to a C&C. There is also this, free for the drive.

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/2nd-gen-hitch-reciver.264596/