HELP!2500 vs 3500 just 4x4! just SRW

[TheWolf]

Help me figure this out. I remember some of the difference between 2500/3500 4x4 SRW, but not all. Would all the kind people here please help me in choosing between the two. Like ALL the differences between brakes, axle,springs(or spring rates) transmission, transfere case(heavier duty or not)(diff between slt and laramie), actual height diff between the two(like maybe height from ground to bottom of mirror or to top of truck... all being stock of course). Why does all 3500 have to come with clearance lights? I understand why duallys require the tail light(LAW) but is there a law on the clearance lights for 3500?



Any differences you can think of at all please post. either interior or exterior.





Are there any options that you can get that is different or not available on the other.



sorry for all the questions. hopefully we can have one thread with all the answers and not have to go through searching all of the old threads and mix and match

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[JBraun]

I looked through my 2003 dodge truck book (it was not much help), and I think that you can get all of the same options on the inside with the 2500 srw vs drw. In the book it show the capacities and the towing weights to be the same, no difference. I think it would come down to whether you do a lot of towing and want the drw stability, or you want the 3500 without the fenders. I have the srw and find it very manuverable, with all of the traffic we have here in Northern VA. Plus, unless you need it, the drw is a lot to park at the grocery store.

 

[timjones]

The only real diffences are the cab lights and helper springs on the rear axle, If you go with the H. O. 2500 and 3500. The S. O. 2500 has lighter springs, axels, engine, transmission, blah, blah

 

[CATCRACKER]

get the 3500 it only cost me 600 more with the way i had my 2500 order set up. i called back and upgraded. i get alot more wow when they see 3500 and i often hear people say to there buddies "that is a one ton. " what they dont know is i can hear there comments now(isbe). hehe

 

[smartineau]

I bought a dually for my needs, but prior to doing so I was looking at a single rear wheel 3500, it just could not hold the camper. Being off work on an injury I did lots of checking, the 3500 gives you some extra hauling capacity and about the same towing capacity. On the TDR home page on the right side you can click on the specifications for the 2003's, and compare for yourself.



Interior is the same, and re-read what Tim Jones said. Take both out for a ride I think the 3500 SRW is a great riding truck, It was the first 03 I drove and it rode better than my old gasser chevy 2500. Then I drove the dually and said not much worse, slightly stiffer ride than the SRW. So the decision was made and I bought my dually truck.



An old guy (it is all relevant now) told me back when, figure out what size of truck you NEED and then buy one size larger. So if you need a 2500 buy a 3500 and you won't be sorry.



good luck



steve

 

[Dean Upson]

I had to go with the 3500. I considered the srw but the tongue weight of the trailer was a bit high. 4. 10 gears will also add to your tow rating. I would get the DRW also if I were to buy a heavy pickup camper. The DRW is more stable than the SRW, you get used to the extra width, but it ain't no Dakota .



Dean

 

[TheWolf]

I am just looking at the srw, I am in no need of a drw right now. I am specifically looking at the HO 6 speed short bed with 3. 73. In either the laramie or a pretty well loaded slt.

Does anyone know the weight difference between the 2 in stock form?

What difference is there between the laramie and slt. Is the electric transfere have reliability concerns is there any heavier duty equipment on the laramie?

Is there an axle and brake,transmission diff between 2500 to 3500?



Keep them coming!



THANKs so far.

 

[Dean Upson]

Is the electric transfere have reliability concerns

No problems with mine, love itOo. Oo. .



Dean

 

[Prairie Dog]

The Laramie is no more heavy duty than the SLT is.

 

[timjones]

If you set them up the same they will weigh the same. The 2500 and 3500 H. O. are the same truck different sticker on the door. The 3500 has helper springs (about 20 pounds) and cab lights (about 3 pounds). So the difference is about 25 pounds. The 3500 is rated at 9900lbs. gvw. The 2500 is 9000 gvw. they are both rated 20,000 gvrw. The 2500 and 3500 share all the same drive train, frame, brakes, body panels, interior, paint, door knobs, tires, lug nuts, filters, fuel tanks, carpets. The 2500 S. O. has a different rear end 10. 5" not the 11. 5".

 

[TheWolf]

Thanks.

 

[krabman]

I read somewhere that the pistons in the rear brakes are a little bigger. In my state it costs a little more to insure and to register. I was going to get the 2500 as my half ton was close but not up to the task of pulling my boat. That went out the window when I heard the 3500 rode the same as the 2500 and a test drive comfirmed it in my mind.

 

[Elite1]

Originally posted by timjones

If you set them up the same they will weigh the same. The 2500 and 3500 H. O. are the same truck different sticker on the door. The 3500 has helper springs (about 20 pounds) and cab lights (about 3 pounds). So the difference is about 25 pounds. The 3500 is rated at 9900lbs. gvw. The 2500 is 9000 gvw. they are both rated 20,000 gvrw. The 2500 and 3500 share all the same drive train, frame, brakes, body panels, interior, paint, door knobs, tires, lug nuts, filters, fuel tanks, carpets. The 2500 S. O. has a different rear end 10. 5" not the 11. 5".

I read that the 3500 has upgraded brakes from the 2500,(new for 2003') along with the HD springs...

 

[TheWolf]

Thanks everyone who replied.



New truck is on order

 

[coonrod70]

The frames are thicker on the 3500 vs. the 2500 also. I had my dealer build 2 identical trucks, 1 was 3500 the other was 2500... only $300 difference in price. . obviously I ordered the 3500 srw.

 

[Elite1]

Another difference in the 2003's is the rear-end. The rear differential is 10. 5" on the automatic 2500, while it is 11. 5" on the 3500.

In the manual trans. both come with 11. 5".