Lazy man's question

[MarkChapman]

In a nutshell, what are the differences between the cab and chassis model and the regular truck (besides the lack of a bed)? I am planning on installing a flatbed so don't want to pay for a bed just to take it off. Please give me any pros or cons for each model. Truck will be used for towing, farm use, but also daily driver. Thanks

 

[RVTRKN]

Cons: Stiffer ride, 4X4 suspension if you only want a 2WD, Aison auto trany (more expensive) 50 gallon tank in rear (puts all of the fuel weight on the rear axle) or smaller tank in the middle, 305 Hp, registered as a true commercial truck, (Calif & insurance nation wide. ) no where to mount spare tire unless bed is designed for it, and is an option, not standard. (my spare sits in the garage)







Pros: 6. 7 DPF and smog related equipment are less restrictive than the reg truck and has proven to be more reliable, (less DPF issues) Stouter suspension, rides better when at max GVWR over the reg truck, (not to confuse it with suspension differences, just seems to ride better) 305 HP, (longer service life) Better frame and universal rails make it easier to attach any aftermarket bed which means cheaper to purchase, a little longer wheel base gives more room for your aftermarket bed. Even though less HP, while pulling grades there is more reserve power (at least with my opinion, equiped with G56) can't compare it with the auto. A true work truck, but like mine, was ordered with the SLT trim with Nav Sat and U-connect.



Hope this helps you with your desision, if I would have known about California registration issue and the extra tax paid per weight declared, and the commercial insurance requirement, I would have picked the regular truck and dumped the bed.

 

[HBarlow]

The cab and chassis version uses a slightly different version of the ISB6. 7 engine rated at 305 hp vs. 350 for the pickup and 610 torque vs. 650 for the pickup.

The frame rails are parallel and flat at the rear with an industry standard 34" width to accomodate standard aftermarket beds of any type. Nothing protrudes above the frame rails at back and a special wiring harness for aftermarket upfitters is provided at the frame's rear corner.

A 52 gallon tank vs. 35 gallon for the pickup is standard and is at the rear of the frame.

If you select an automatic transmission the C&C uses an Aisin six speed automatic which is a medium duty truck tranmission that was offered behind Cummins engines in some Freightliners. Probably a little tougher than the MOPAR version and offers a pto capability.

The C&C uses much less restrictive emissions control junk that has not sooted any turbos or set CELs. No problems in C&Cs have been reported here.

C&C trucks ride a bit stiffer than the equivalent 3500 dually pickup but the suspension is stiffer and the rear end does not sag under heavy loads like the pickup version does.

One drawback depending on whether you want 2wd or 4wd is the C&C truck uses the 4wd front end assembly minus the ring and pinion, front driveshaft, and transfer case.

Mine has been trouble free for about 85,000 miles and at least one other TDR member, EB, who uses his as a hotshot hauler has probably close to 400k miles on his by now.

The information regarding commercial insurance described above by another poster is not necessarily true except, perhaps, in KA. My 3500 is insured by my ordinary insurance company, USAA, just like my two previous Ram duallies were.

I chose the 3500 C&C because of the stiffer frame and suspension as well as the Aisin automatic transmission. The slightly lower horsepower and torque ratings of the C&C were of no concern to me. The 305 hp engine makes a great and peppy daily driver by my standards and does a fine job of towing my heavy fiver.

I have been well pleased with my choice and will buy another cab and chassis if and when I replace this one.