Gen 3 axle ratings- actual differences

[Rockcrawler]

I'm a bit curious,



seems for the 03-05 trucks I can find axle ratings all over the place.



4000- 5200 for the front depending on engine and model 2500 hemi being the lightest. 4750 and 5200 for the Diesels.



For the rear, 6000 for the 2500, 6150 and 6200 for the 3500 SRW and 9350 for the 3500 DRW.



Seems I've read that the only difference between the SRW and DRW axles are the caliper bore size (therefore more braking force to handle the increased GVWR of 1600 in the case of the srw/drw 3500).



Obviously tire and wheel capacities play in.



I think the hub face/track width may be different which relates to what the bearings see (In a perfect world the center of the wheel assy would be centered between the two brgs)



Are there any other differences- tube size, wall thickness of tube etc?



I'm curious what you guys can tell me.



If my truck were a LB, I would consider converting to dually but I know of no aftermarket fender options like there were for the gen 2 trucks. As it is now, my next ruck will likely be a dually but I'll likely wait til the megacab is out and sold at a good price.



My new 5er is approaching the rear axle axle weight empty- will be better once I put the the buggy and tools/spares in it.

 

[BHolm]

I am pretty sure the axles themselves are the same between the srw and drw as far as the actual capacity of the axle itself. The limiting factor is the tires, obviously the drw can carry more. If I ever got to the point of needing the bed capacity of a drw in a daily driven truck, I think I would fit 19. 5 wheels/tires to it, keep it narrow, and have the load capacity.

 

[Rockcrawler]

B- I suspect you're right, just trying to confirm.



Nice toy list BTW

 

[Rockcrawler]

Somebody must have the scoop??