2500 vs. 3500

[bmborum]

I recently bought a 12 Ram 3500 CTD after salivating for a number of years over those guys pulling their toys up 10% grades at 60 while I slowly lugged uphill. Long story short I was visiting with another forum member and we were discussing differences between 2500 vs 3500, this discussion came up after I only have 3 leaf springs on top of the flatter / short bottom one. We went to his 2500 5.9 (few years older) and it had 4 leaf springs over the shorter flat bottom one. We then went over to another Ram 1500 Mega Cab and it also had 4 like the 2500 did. We then compared size and mount hole length and couldn't justify any measurable distance by sight which then lead me to this.....what is the difference when it comes down to components between a 2500 and 3500?

I was under the assumption the biggest difference would be the leaf springs as well as slightly larger rotors and pads...but this throws the leaf spring theory out the window. Obviously as far as power plant and transmissions go, theoretically they are the same. SO what is the difference as far as components between a 2500 and 3500?

Thanks for the help.

 

[slingshot383]

The frame, the axles, the brakes. As for the springs, it's the thickness, and width as well as number of leaves that make the difference.

 

[Bug Out]

Prior to buying my 2012, I checked with the Dodge parts counter and was told, after the parts guys checked, there is no difference between 2500-3500 as far as brakes, rotors etc. or rear axles, bears, gears etc.

Now my co-worker has a 2012 3500- 4dr mega short bed 4x4. His trucks specs, tire size, GVW, axle weight etc etc are identical to my 2013 2500 4dr 4x4 short bed. Apparently Chrysler made the 2013 2500 the 2012's 3500. I did not check leaf springs.

2013 the frames between the 2500-3500 changed. The 3500 was beefed up and a different tensile strength steel was used.(the 3500 owners here have said they cannot change their oil filters from the bottom of their trucks as there is new cross members in the way etc.)

I have not checked with the dealer on brake rotors, pads etc for the 2013- 2500vs 3500 etc.
My 2012 3500 Dually max tow,30,000K GCVW I was able to change the oil filter from under it like I can the 2013-2500.

The 2013 2500 has 17" tires limiting the axle weight, and the 3500 has 18" tires giving it more axle weight. Thus far, as best I can tell from talking to axle shops and the dealer, the axles are the same( bearings,housing, gear size etc) UNTIL you go to the 38,000K GCVW 3500 model.

 

[bmborum]

Prior to buying my 2012, I checked with the Dodge parts counter and was told, after the parts guys checked, there is no difference between 2500-3500 as far as brakes, rotors etc. or rear axles, bears, gears etc.

Now my co-worker has a 2012 3500- 4dr mega short bed 4x4. His trucks specs, tire size, GVW, axle weight etc etc are identical to my 2013 2500 4dr 4x4 short bed. Apparently Chrysler made the 2013 2500 the 2012's 3500. I did not check leaf springs.

2013 the frames between the 2500-3500 changed. The 3500 was beefed up and a different tensile strength steel was used.(the 3500 owners here have said they cannot change their oil filters from the bottom of their trucks as there is new cross members in the way etc.)

I have not checked with the dealer on brake rotors, pads etc for the 2013- 2500vs 3500 etc.
My 2012 3500 Dually max tow,30,000K GCVW I was able to change the oil filter from under it like I can the 2013-2500.

The 2013 2500 has 17" tires limiting the axle weight, and the 3500 has 18" tires giving it more axle weight. Thus far, as best I can tell from talking to axle shops and the dealer, the axles are the same( bearings,housing, gear size etc) UNTIL you go to the 38,000K GCVW 3500 model.

Thanks for the reply. Yeah looking at it there was no rhyme or reason due to the springs...because I had the least.....and they appeared to be the same thickness and width.

So really I guess it seems to depend on model and towing capacity. It's not a question I could quickly answer myself and thought this would be the place for a definitive answer