2500vs3500

[Motofreak]

Looking for a new truck and dealer has what I want but only in a 3500. He is telling me the only difference is stiffer frame and rear leafs. Is this true? I get different strories from each dealer.

 

[RedJeepClub]

From what I understand they add one more spring to the rear spring pack. It's an overload spring. This increases the weight you can carry in the Truck bed, but lowers your towing weight by 50 pounds(which is nothing)



The 3500 also has running lights, about 5 lights over the cab and maybe some on the rear tail gate.



Otherwise the trucks are the same.

 

[DPelletier]

Frame is the same. The ONLY differences are the clearance lights, overload springs and the little sticker that gives the 3500 SRW 900 lbs more legal GVWR.



Dave

 

[Motofreak]

So he is b. s. me on the stiffer frame?

 

[klenger]

See http://www.klenger.net/dodge/3rd-gen-reference/2004-ram-towing.pdf for weight and towing specs. If you are considering loading up the truck with any kind of weight, get the 3500. The load capacity of a 2500 4WD 6 speed quad cab is pretty sad for a 3/4 ton truck.

 

[KevinO]

yep b. s. on the frame

klenger i have to agree that load rating on all the trucks is sad i have a 3500 single wheel with 3k load capacity and have doubled it without touching the bump stops.

 

[John - K5AWO]

Originally posted by Motofreak

Looking for a new truck and dealer has what I want but only in a 3500. He is telling me the only difference is stiffer frame and rear leafs. Is this true?

You might want to take into consideration whether you want the dual tires. Extra tire expense and a loss in mpg and I catch curbs once in a while on corners On the other hand, it corners like a dream without any lean.



You don't mention if you want a 4x4 or a 2x4. I am assuming 2x4. My 4x4 will average 15. 0 mpg with follow the crowd driving. My best staying at/under 2000 rpm is 16. 0+ mpg. Those figures are off by a speedo error of 60=65, so maybe I am getting ~17 mpg.



My dually rides like a wooden box on wheels. I really dislike it and will be modifying the rear springs this month. Dumping the overload stack, adding air bags instead.



And I do believe the frames are identical. Dodge only has 3 different frames I read somewhere. Short, medium and long. Your salesman is full of it. The dually is stiffer because of 4 rear tires, not the frame.

 

[Motofreak]

Thanks, was not considering the dually, and yes 4x4.

 

[CAgnoli]

Might sound silly, but I bought the 3500 over the 2500 because it had the clearance lights... . I've never towed a thing with the truck, just like the looks and power!



But, as stated, my dealer told me the truth, just a spare leaf spring and the lights. If the price difference isn't too much, I'd think the 3500 would have slightly higher resale as well. Of course, might be more to register / insure. Seeing how I live in the tax me state, I can't win no matter what I buy.

 

[bombero]

Look; I just ordered a 05. One of the options was a light package that included fog and cleanance light. I will change my order right now if getting a 1 ton includes those OKE cab pices of S---

 

[bpenrod]

Pretty sure clearance lights are an option. One reason i went with the 3500 SRW is it is a better value for the buck. It priced out 700 bucks more then a 2500 equipped the same. The diesel is (was in 03) the standard motor with the 3500 and 4 wheel ABS was standard as well. If I added the 4 wheel ABS to the 2500 it would have been more.

 

[DocDetonancour]

I'd rather have the 3500 all other things equel. No real difference other than springs and cab lights. Also the swb is hard to find on the 3500, but available. Doc

 

[mattymac]

My 2500 has the cab clearance lights.

when I ordered my 04. 5 I wanted the 11. 25 ring gear and its on my build sheet but my dads 03 SRW SO 3500 rear end is definitly bigger. Dont know if I got screwed or not?

 

[sschu600]

Anybody ever set the 3500 on the overload springs?

 

[sschu600]

Didn't think so.

 

[wild-t]

Clearance lights

On the cab: Std on the 3500, optional on other.

On the tailgate: Only in place with the dully.

 

[lawdog]

Go for the 3500. If you go big now, you can't wish later that you would have gone big. Better to have it and not need it than to NOT have it and need it. GO FOR THE 3500!!!!

 

[PJ]

If I do this again ( I hope not ) I would buy the 3500 SRW. . Oh well. I just remember the 1990 1 ton Cummins. It killed my back! Yeah, I know its not the same truck but I just couldnt forget that when I bought my 2500.

 

[Sherman]

overloads

Originally posted by sschu600

Anybody ever set the 3500 on the overload springs?

I pull a l-q 3 horse tr and the truck sits on the helper springs.

 

[klenger]

Mine just hit's the overloads with the 5er hitched up.