2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 2500 vs 3500 4x4 differences

[cdoolan]

Is there a difference other then suspension in a 2500 vs 3500 , 5spd?

 

[Cosmo]

2500 is a SRW and 3500 is a DRW. 3500 doesn't come in a short bed. 3500 has higher factory weight ratings - payload, towing, etc. That's about it.

 

[Bill Lins]

Somewhere along the way, 3500s became available as SRW. I don't remember what year that happened, though.

 

[cerberusiam]

Axle, 3500 are going to have a D80 SRW or DRW. Part of where the GVW comes from.

 

[Cosmo]

2500 5-speeds have the d80 as well, so it's not really a difference, and I believe the 3500 SRW became an option when the 3rd gen rolled out.

 

[toms73novass]

I believe that the d80 in the SRW is a hybrid the one in the DRW has larger tubes... ... .

 

[Missouri Mule]

3500 has heavy duty transfer case. My Mule as an option has the 1 ton transfer case.

 

[cerberusiam]

3500 has heavy duty transfer case. My Mule as an option has the 1 ton transfer case.

Is that an HD designation as opposed to just a 245 in a 2500?

 

[jgillott]

The HD transfer case came as part of the Snow Plow prep group on the 2500 I had. The camper package provided the overload springs and sway bar.

 

[Bob V]

From 1994 to 2002 the 3500 where ALL DRW, 2003 is the first year you could get a 3500 SRW (overload springs), it replaced the camper package on the 2500s (2003 to current no 2500s have factory O/L). The (Diesel) manual trans 2500 got a DANA 80 hybrid rear axle. It has a 80 center section and tubes to the spring perches then 70 sized components outward. There where two different transfer cases for the Diesel, a Diesel Light Duty (DLD) and a Diesel Heavy Duty (DHD). The DHD was standard on 3500 and an option on the 2500. Some say that the only difference between the two was that the DHD had a PTO provision, but it does seem to have a wider chain also. The 2500 camper package and the 3500s both have overload springs, but can have different spring rates for the rear. Front spring rates where all over the place depending on cab config, bed lengths, plow prep, trans, driver/passenger side, paint color (jk). A base model standard cab 3500 might have lighter front springs that a club cab 2500 W/plow prep. One thing I have found is that it looks like you COULD get a LIGHT DUTY 2500 with the Diesel in 94-96. I THINK that would have got you a DANA 44 front axle and even lighter spring rates. I don't think many people or dealers where interested in a LIGHT DUTY Diesel, so not many where ordered and they are rare. I have only heard of one.

 

[cerberusiam]

From 1994 to 2002 the 3500 where ALL DRW

Yes and no, mostly no if you want to use 3500 SRW as the criteria. The 3500 CC was available in a single wheel configuration so an SRW was technically available.

If your ordering dealer was good enough a 3500 SRW pickup was not out of the question. Simply a matter of knowing how to navigate the dealer ordering system.

 

[Missouri Mule]

Yes nv241 hd. In 96 Factory Service Manual it states the nv241 hd was used with v-10's and diesel engines but on my window sticker it was listed as an option. May be because the Cummins was an option.

 

[Cosmo]

The HD was an option, not standard with the diesel.

 

[HHhuntitall]

The single wheel was available with the 3500 CC starting in 2000, IIRC. They didn't come with a bed, but had the 11K GVW.

The 241 DHD (heavy duty) was standard in the 3500, with a longer overall length, bigger chain, as mentioned, and the PTO drive gear on the back of the planetary drive. They also had one piece tail-housings, with a larger output shaft. Automatics have smaller input splines in the input shaft for automatics, IIRC, 19 spline. The DLD has a two piece tail housing, smaller output shaft, smaller chain, and weigh around 15lbs less.

The Dana 44 was only available in the diesel in 94 and 95. If anyone recalls, there were factory recalls on the spring supports for the front coil springs, which involved the dealer welding bracing to your frame. I've never seen one with a Dana 44. Dodge stopped making them with the 44 after the frame problems, as there were concerns over how the front axle would hold up.

 

[HerbW]

You can get a 3500 in short bed starting in 2006. It's called Mega Cab. I have a 2007 3500 5.9 HO Laramie Mega Cab short bed and love it! At least when it runs right! LOL The cab is comfy either way.

 

[HHhuntitall]

You can get a 3500 in short bed starting in 2006. It's called Mega Cab. I have a 2007 3500 5.9 HO Laramie Mega Cab short bed and love it! At least when it runs right! LOL The cab is comfy either way.

Herb, thanks for the input, but please note we're in the 2nd gen forum...... Now worries, and yes, I know, when the electronics will keep up, the HPCR 6.7 is a beast!! Love the bottom end torque, but I can't keep the bottom wires on the exhaust system... EVERY DAY for 3 months I was under my '07 replugging or rewiring something on the exhaust system.... Not a good combination for offroad use in the brushy ranch roads....

 

[HerbW]

Herb, thanks for the input, but please note we're in the 2nd gen forum...... Now worries, and yes, I know, when the electronics will keep up, the HPCR 6.7 is a beast!! Love the bottom end torque, but I can't keep the bottom wires on the exhaust system... EVERY DAY for 3 months I was under my '07 replugging or rewiring something on the exhaust system.... Not a good combination for offroad use in the brushy ranch roads....

Oops! I thought I was in gen 3! The wires on the 6.7 underneath I thought was removed when all that stuff falls off accidently in the shop! LOL Tempting but I think it'll bite 6.7 owners in the back side some day. I know friends that removed all of it and metal scrapped it. Thanks, Herb