2500 vs 3500 srw

[RJMurphy]

I am planning on ordering a 04. 5 HO 4x4 Quadcab SWB Ram.



How much difference is there between a 2500 and 3500 SRW?

I priced them out on the dodge web site, and theyare only about 1000. 00 different in price. How different is the ride ect... Is it worth it to go with the 3500? I will only be towing a 6,000 lb trailer occaisionally, and it will be a Daily driver but If the 3500 is going to have different axles, bigger brakes, ect... I may rather go that way. Is the Auto trans going to be available with the new 325/600? Any other options or packages that are recommended? I drove a 3500 4x4 with the "Off Road" package, it was the early (Obviously) H. O. , and like it, but I want the Laramie pkg, because I want the Dual zone A/C. The wife is always cold when I am Comfy, this way we can both be happy.

Can you order a Laramie without the electronically shifted transfer case? I like the shifter on the floor, where God intended it. Peace Murfman

 

[timjones]

do a search this is a dead horse. the stickers on the door and helper springs on the rear axle. oh ya and the cab lights.

 

[akshadow]

When I was test driving them I could not tell any difference in the ride empty. I opted to get the 3500 because it has extra weight capacity when needed. Mine is an 03. We drove from Washington to Northern Baja and were very satisfied with the ride. Had approx. 700 pounds in the bed.

Not sorry we got the 3500

 

[Byershome]

I believe the 2500 has the 10. 5 rear end 3500 has a 11. 5. The 3500 has larger breaking capacity. I was faced with the same decision and decided to go the little extra and get the 3500 srw. I am sure there must be a ride difference but mine rides so nice even empty that I don't think it would have made a difference to me. I took a 3600 mile trip in October and was just as comfortable as when I took the same trip in a Intrepid..... fuel mileage was near the same too. At on point in the trip I drove 22 hrs straight and never really got uncomfortable... just real tired

 

[klenger]

i think the price difference is less than $1000 for a SRW. When you price the 3500, make sure you select the SRW option, for a credit of $1175 (dealer invoice) from the DRW, which is standard for the 3500. See sig for my order.

 

[nwjetboat]

All HO's get the 11. 5 axle.

 

[Rosco]

The only major differences between the 2500 and 3500srw are cab lights, GVW, and overload springs.



As of now, my guess is all new ordered 04. 5 Rams will have the 11. 5 Axles since the new "600" engine is now standard. The only 03/04 2500 Rams to have have the smaller 10. 5 rear axle were standard output/automatic equipped trucks. All High outputs and standard output/Manuel trans truck got the 11. 5.



The brake's on a 3500srw are the same as a 2500. Only 3500drw's get the bigger rear calipers.



As far as springs are concerned my understanding is both the 2500 and 3500 have the same "primary" spring pack while the 3500's have added auxiliary overload's. However you would need to add some serious weight to a 3500srw before you got onto the overloads. Consequently, the unloaded ride should be the same.



3500's have cab light's standard and cannot be ordered without them. A 2500 is a standard slicktop with the cab lights being optional.



Finally the 2500 Diesel's have a 9000# GVW while 3500srw's get a 9900# GVW.

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

Don't forget the dually cool factor



Seriously, if you are hauling some loads, e. g. horses, it is nice to have the extra wheels for added safety. Stability with a big old camper.



Oh, and the difficulty getting in my scrawny garage