2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 3500 vs 2500

[thejeepdude]

Re: 3500 = higher insurance premiums

Originally posted by Jeremiah

OK, guys, you ain't gonna want to hear this, but the 3500 truck will cost you a bit more for insurance. Seems the code used for the 3500 - even the SWR - puts the truck in a work category.



Even complaining that the truck won't be used "down on the farm" did me no good. Insurance companies just assume that anybody buying a 1-ton truck has a commercial use for it.

This is not neccessarily true. It depends on your insurance company. I was surprised to find out that my rates would not change significantly moving from a '99 2500 to a '04 3500. Then again, I have my truck insured as a 'pleasure vehicle' as I have a different vehicle as my primary driver. That could be the difference...

 

[Jeremiah]

Re: Re: 3500 = higher insurance premiums

Originally posted by thejeepdude

This is not neccessarily true. It depends on your insurance company. I was surprised to find out that my rates would not change significantly moving from a '99 2500 to a '04 3500. Then again, I have my truck insured as a 'pleasure vehicle' as I have a different vehicle as my primary driver. That could be the difference...

the jeepdude's second sentence is correct: it could depend on the insurance company. I have only my insurance company to go by and they said the 3500 code triggered a different (and slightly increased) rate because, unlike 1500 and 2500 trucks, nobody but a commercial user wants a 3500. I begged to differ but they didn't listen. BTW, I am a pleasure user, not a farmer or commercial hauler.

 

[Cliffman]

I decided on a 2500 srw short box. Found it on the lot in silver, sport package and the Laramie option. This truck is for my wife and she doesn’t want or need the long box. The shorter wheel base makes it easier for her to park and get in and out of tight spots. Didn't like the looks of the running lights on a short box, sport package truck anyway. We really don't need a 1 ton I just wanted it in case my truck was out of commission and we need to pull the 5er. I'll just put some overload springs or airbags and call it good. Thanks for all your feed back

 

[Cliffman]

Decided to check out dodge's website and took a look at the specs between the 2500 and the 3500. I found something rather substantial. The 3500 comes with an 11. 5 diff and the 2500 comes with a 10. 5 diff. Now that's something to think about.

 

[thejeepdude]

Originally posted by Cliffman

Decided to check out dodge's website and took a look at the specs between the 2500 and the 3500. I found something rather substantial. The 3500 comes with an 11. 5 diff and the 2500 comes with a 10. 5 diff. Now that's something to think about.

Except for Cummins powered trucks, those are 11. 5" on both the 2500 and 3500... now that's something to think about.

 

[Cliffman]

Yah, what's up with that!

 

[Wiredawg]

That' What I Did

Cliffman:



I did what you are thinking about: I bought my wife the SB, Silver, QC, 4X4, 2500. I was looking for a that same configuration in a 3500 and there wasn't one anywhere.



My wife loves her truck and the 2500 is plenty stout. Unless you plan on towing a heavier 5th wheel, you should be fine. I haul stuff with her truck and tow my 20' enclosed car hauler just fine, but my 3500 dually is my heavy hauler for our 17K lb 5th wheel.



Not trying to sway you one way or the other, just been there and done that (exactly the same thing). And no regrets.



Wiredawg

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

If you place the hitch 2" forward of the axle centerline, as they say to do, the 5th wheel may hit the cab on tight turns if you have a short bed. All have 271 or 273 (electric shift) transfer case, rated 1400 ft lb same as the 241 HD was. Based on tech sales manual, frames are same, SRW rear axles rated 6150 lb, rear springs 6500 lb, so the helpers are there on the 3500 SRW just to keep the truck more level.

 

[Cliffman]

Turns out the the 2500 that I choose has the 11. 5 diff. Go figure...

 

[Wiredawg]

My Wife's is 11.2" also

Cliffman:



I left out my wife's truck has 11. 5 rear axle.



Congrats on your new aquisition.



Wiredawg

 

[willyslover]

well what did you end up with... . descriptions boy descriptions

 

[jakitt]

2004 2500vs.3500 differences

There are several differences: heavier overload rear springs and an 11. 5 ring gear on the 3500. For the $100. 00 additional cost go for the 3500! Might even be the same cost. --jakitt

 

[Cliffman]

Okay here's the skinny on the new truck. 04. 5 2500 short bed, auto, silver, sport package, tow group, Laramie package. Vary nice ride and the wife loves it. Thanks for all your opinions. Oo. Oo.

 

[JKlein]

on the new 2004 trucks there is the 3500 with single tires

 

[Cliffman]

Originally posted by JKlein

on the new 2004 trucks there is the 3500 with single tires

Yes

 

[ErniePink]

CLIFFMAN,



Go with the 3500 SRW and be done with it. The carrying capacity (payload) issue is important if you're gonna tow heavy with heavy pin weight. My last research (1/30/04) on the Dodge website showed the '03 3500 HO payload at 3020 lbs. vs the 2500 at 2690 lbs. ; both with the auto trans. Also, the 3500 curb weight is 6877 vs. 6311 for the 2500. Is this add'l weight due only to additional springs?



Go for the additional beef of the 3500. Since I have one, though it's a dually, I'm a believer.

 

[Cliffman]

Too late dude. But thanks anyway.