3/4 or 1ton Mega Cab

[ROlinde]

I'm ordering a new Mega Cab and wondering if the 1 ton SRW would ride any harsher than the 3/4, empty, unloaded?

 

[crobertson1]

My bet would be that the 3500 would ride as good as the 2500 while unloaded. Only when the 3500 is loaded heavy would you notice a difference because that's when the overloads may come into play on the 3500.



Some have even said that the primary springs on the 3500 ride softer than the 2500 springs. I don't know that to be fact though.



Welcome to TDR and enjoy the new truck!

 

[JConley]

I test drove both, and I ended up with a 2500. Since I dont haul as much. Based on my research, the only difference in the two is the front axle and the rear secondary leaf springs. I think the 2500 rides softer and even my wife noticed the smoother ride in the 2500.

 

[manygears]

I test drove both before deciding on the 3500 quadcab, I noticed no difference. Even if you notice there is a little ride difference, you can always adjust the tire to make the ride smoother when empty. If it was me... ... I'd go with the 3500... . You can never have to much truck :-laf

 

[Hercules130]

Since my truck is registered in New Hampshire, the insurance and registration difference between the 2500 and 3500 in minimal, so i went with the 3500. However, living in Maryland, i just found out 3500's need to be registered every year instead of every 2 years. something to consider

 

[ROlinde]

I test drove both, and I ended up with a 2500. Since I dont haul as much. Based on my research, the only difference in the two is the front axle and the rear secondary leaf springs. I think the 2500 rides softer and even my wife noticed the smoother ride in the 2500.

Yeah, I'd personally perfer the 1ton because the useful load of the truck is getting less cause of the extra weight of the Mega Cab. But, my wife will be driving and my 4 year old twins will be ridding in it alot. I also failed to mention that it will be a 4 wheel drive.

 

[DJennings]

I test drove both, and I ended up with a 2500. Since I dont haul as much. Based on my research, the only difference in the two is the front axle and the rear secondary leaf springs. I think the 2500 rides softer and even my wife noticed the smoother ride in the 2500.

I am pretty sure the front axles are the same on the 2500 and 3500 (AAM 9. 25). Hopefully someone else can confirm this.

 

[jwduke]

I'd go with the 3500. Heavier towing rating, plus worth more at trade in time.



Welcome to TDR!

 

[jwduke]

I am pretty sure the front axles are the same on the 2500 and 3500 (AAM 9. 25). Hopefully someone else can confirm this.

Are they not 11. 25's? On the 2500/3500 with the CTD?

 

[abdiver]

I test drove both before deciding on the 3500 quadcab, I noticed no difference. Even if you notice there is a little ride difference, you can always adjust the tire to make the ride smoother when empty. If it was me... ... I'd go with the 3500... . You can never have to much truck :-laf

Ditto. When test driving a 3500 vs 2500 personally check that tires pressures are the same in both trucks don't take salespersons word for it.



I would have bought a 1 1/2 or 2 ton pickup if avalibe as with a 4x4 2500 you can't really carry much in the bed without going over Axle capacity



Go for the 3500 my 2 cents



Good luck, Bill

 

[Subby]

The front axle on both the 2500 and the SRW 3500 is the AAM 9. 25". To my knowledge, they are identical. When I bought my truck in 03, the only diffs appeared to be overloads on the rear, cab lights, and 9900lb versus 9000lb GVWR. Identical drivetrain. The price diff was around $1700 more for the 3500. I chose the 2500 cause I wanted air bags anyway. Either way, I think you'll love it.

 

[wneubauer]

Front axles are the same, unloaded ride is the same unless the tires are different. In 05 the 3500 only cost a few hundred more that the 2500, and well worth the money. 1300 sounds like a bigger price difference than I would expect.