2500 or 3500 (SWR) Quad Cab 4X4 LWB

[TKeeler]

I am trying to decide between the 2500 and 3500, equally equipped they look to only differ in price about $500 at invoice costs.



What are the differences between the '07 2500 Quad Cab LWB 4X4 and the '07 3500 (SWR) Quad Cab LWB 4X4 both with the 6. 7 Diesel with 6 speed automatic? Is it just the size of the rear axle... 10. 5 vs 11. 5 and the rear spring ratings?

 

[klenger]

On the older trucks like mine, the only difference is the overload springs on the rear axle, badging, and the door sticker. Get the 3500.

 

[TowPro]

I am told that on my 06, the main rear leaf springs on the 3500 are a little softer then those on the 2500. This gives you a better ride empty.

the reason they can do this is the 3500 drops around 2-3", then the helper springs come into contact with the spring perches. Once they hit, your not going to drop much more as you add weight.

on my 2wd that 2-3" drop (with the 5th wheel hooked up) was making the truck ride just a little below level with the back down. I was having problems towing where I found I had to "steer" the truck to keep it going straight down the road. It felt like the toe had changed enough to make the truck wander.

I replaced the rubber blocks on the spring perches with new ones that were around 2. 5" tall. now the truck only drops around 1" before the helper springs come contact the perches. With the 5th wheel on its now level, maybe still a little backend high, but the steering feels much better loaded!

 

[fkovalski]

I am no expert on this, but...

... Is it just the size of the rear axle... 10. 5 vs 11. 5 and the rear spring ratings?

If you have the diesel, then you have the larger pumkin...

I am told that on my 06, the main rear leaf springs on the 3500 are a little softer then those on the 2500... .

My understanding is that the leafs are the same...



Anyway... . I don't regret my 3500... I was in the same shoes as you when looking and opted for the 3500.











.

 

[FredMaryLou]

I give another vote to the 3500. My 2004 Ram 3500 rides softer than my son-in-law's 2003 Ram 2500. The report above about the over-load springs is correct. You won't be disappointed with the 3500. Fred

 

[TKeeler]

I give another vote to the 3500. My 2004 Ram 3500 rides softer than my son-in-law's 2003 Ram 2500. The report above about the over-load springs is correct. You won't be disappointed with the 3500. Fred

Thanks for the replys. I would have never dreamt that the ride would be 'softer' in the 3500 than the 2500, just the opposite was my thinking. In fact when I told my wife I was looking at the 3500 instead of the 2500 she was concerned about it riding stiffer than our '98 2500. There would have to be a lot of difference to sway me away from getting the 3500... after all we are talking trucks here and not Cadillac Escalades. I haven't figured out yet why someone would buy one of those unless they had more money than they knew what to do with.

 

[TowPro]

Thanks for the replys. I would have never dreamt that the ride would be 'softer' in the 3500 than the 2500, just the opposite was my thinking. In fact when I told my wife I was looking at the 3500 instead of the 2500 she was concerned about it riding stiffer than our '98 2500.

I also had a 98 2500 with Camper package (helper springs). I think my 06 rides smother then my 98. At least I don't feel the backend jump and slide when hitting pumps under accelration like the 98 did.

 

[bighornram]

I am told that on my 06, the main rear leaf springs on the 3500 are a little softer then those on the 2500. This gives you a better ride empty.



the reason they can do this is the 3500 drops around 2-3", then the helper springs come into contact with the spring perches. Once they hit, your not going to drop much more as you add weight.



on my 2wd that 2-3" drop (with the 5th wheel hooked up) was making the truck ride just a little below level with the back down. I was having problems towing where I found I had to "steer" the truck to keep it going straight down the road. It felt like the toe had changed enough to make the truck wander.



I replaced the rubber blocks on the spring perches with new ones that were around 2. 5" tall. now the truck only drops around 1" before the helper springs come contact the perches. With the 5th wheel on its now level, maybe still a little backend high, but the steering feels much better loaded!

Where did you get the blocks?