Upgrade to 3500 springs.

[Rosco]

When I ordered my new truck I needed a regular cab with an 8' bed. I would have ordered a 3500 srw but Dodge decided not to make one available in that configuration so I was forced to get the 2500. I use my truck for landscaping so I installed a 700 pound dump insert. The problem is the payload for the truck is only like 2400 pounds so minus the 700 pounds that only leaves me 1700 pounds of available payload.



What I am wondering is if the 3500 springs are the same springs as mine with the overloads or do I need to get the complete spring assembly. I know if it is just a matter of adding overloads I will need different U-Bolts and associated hardware. If anyone has made this switch or have any info I would be very appreciative.



For the record I have the HO/48re combo so I have the 11. 5 rearend.



Also, my above payload numbers may be off by a couple of hundred pounds so don't hold me to them.

 

[BHolm]

The SRW QC 3500 LB HO auto only has 110lbs more payload than your 2500. I suspect you could figure a few hundred for the QC but really what you are up against are the tires and SRW axle wieght rating. What you really needed if you intened to use the dump box was a dually. The payload then jumps to over 5000 lbs.



You might want to research the axles weight rating. Maybe a creative tire choice will get you some more capacity, assuming the axle can take it. It is going to take more than a spring change to get you an appreciable increase in payload.



Good Luck

 

[Blakers]

In a 6 speed HO 4x4 Quad shortbed: are there any more differences between a 2500 and a 3500 other than the helper springs?



Thanks.

 

[Don Edmonds]

Take a look at Timbren (www.timbren.com) rubber helper springs, They add an additional 3000LB (about) to the load capacity. I've used them for years and am very satisfied. They are less than $200.

 

[Dean Upson]

Timbrens are great.



Dean

 

[Rosco]

Here is the logic I am using to consider a spring swap. A 2500 4X4 Q/C long bed has a gvw of 9000 pounds. A 3500 srw 4X4 Q/C long bed has a gvw of 9900 pounds. So if you compare apples to apples the 3500 springs add 900 pounds of payload. Therefore adding 3500 springs to my truck should "technically" add 900 pounds of payload to it. This would be great since it would theoretically cancel out the dump bed insert weight (700 pounds) and add an additional 200 more pounds of payload.



Like I said before, I have the "one ton" 11. 5 axle, the frames are the same, and a 3500 srw comes with the same BFG tires as my truck. The only difference I see may be the smaller rear brake calipers. Also are they putting the smaller calipers on the 11. 5 axle in 2500 trim or are they just sticking with the bigger calipers for simplicity reasons?



Don and Dean, I have not ruled out timbrens but I would prefer to upgrade the springs first.



BHolm, I did not want a dually because the wide track of the rearend is not snow plower friendly especially in some of the tight residential driveways I service.

 

[Kilby]

Rosco, there is something else you need to figure in your equations there. If the 3500 springs weigh 50 lbs more than the 2500 springs (for example), you reduce your carrying capacity by the same amount, 50 lbs. I wouldn't doubt if a 2500 and 3500 SRW used different tires too. If so, what's the weight difference? Also, the rear axle weight difference plays a part here too.



On a different thought, have you considered airbags instead of overload springs?

 

[jrollins]

find a reputable truck spring co. in your area and have them re-leaf there rear spring pack. they should be able to put any weight configuration under the truck that you want, now the front coil springs are a different story

 

[Blakers]

Well I bought a new 2500 last night and will pick it up today. I really wanted a 3500 SRW, but hunted and hunted and none were to be found with what I wanted and the color I wanted. My other truck's a 2500 and hauled our camper just fine, so I figured it'd be fine.



Anyway, last night on the way home I stopped at Flying J for fuel and saw a brand new Quad Cab 2500 short bed pulling an RV trailer that must have been 38 feet long - maybe longer. If that one can handled that camper, then mine should be able to handle my 24 footer.



I just wanted the little extra for the little extra money, but I'll be happy with what I found. Price was good, color is what I want, and the options are what I want.



Blake

 

[Ladders]

Do NOT forget to figure the wheel capacity as a limiting factor. Everyone talks about the tires but the wheels neeed to b figured into the load rating also.



Just another 0. 015$ opinion.....



soons 2b "SOTSU" agn

\\BF//

 

[Dean Upson]

Not to belabor the issue, but I would sure look into airbags or Timbrens before changing the springs. I think it would be your best and cheapest way out. I am assuming the tires and wheels are suitable for your intended purpose.



Dean

 

[Blakers]

Originally posted by Ben Stair

Do NOT forget to figure the wheel capacity as a limiting factor. Everyone talks about the tires but the wheels neeed to b figured into the load rating also.



Just another 0. 015$ opinion.....



soons 2b "SOTSU" agn

\\BF//

From my research, I believe the 2500 and 3500 SRW have the same wheels.

 

[Rosco]

For the record my truck has the same tires, wheels, and rear axle, as a 3500 SRW.



All I was wondering is if the main leaf pack is the same between the two trucks with the 3500 just having additional overloads or if the spring packs are totally different. I guess I will have to go to the dealer and compare part#'s.



Thanks for you input.

 

[Badunit]

The 3500 overload springs contact with stops on the frame that are not there on the 2500. Perhaps the entire 3500 springpack is heavier than the 2500 (that's a question I can't answer) but the overload springs won't do anything without the stops.



I have a question on the Timbren rubber springs. Do they act like overload springs or are they always in contact with the axle? I. e. , do they only come into play when the truck is loaded or do they also affect the ride when empty?

 

[Dean Upson]

I have a question on the Timbren rubber springs. Do they act like overload springs or are they always in contact with the axle?

Badunit,



The Timbrens only come into play when the truck is loaded. Empty they have absolutely no effect on the suspension. They are a no brainer to install and there is no maintenance to them. They should never wear out.



Dean

 

[lawdog]

I am going to throw a wrench into your plans. A 2500 with a GVWR of 9000 lbs will still be rated for 9000 lbs even when / if you change out the springs. The little Federal sticker in the door will still say 9000 lbs.



Since you are using for commercial purposes, you run the very real risk of sometime being stopped by a motor carrier enforcement officer. Now, you most likely would not be over an axle weight limit (by Michigan axle weight limit (750 lbs per inch of tire width for singles tires)), but if you are over what the little sticker in the door says for GVWR or GAWR, then you are considered an unsafe vehicle for the road



An officer CAN make you off load to be in compliance besides getting the dreaded little piece of paper. We see that alot here with the 3 yard dumps on 350 series pickups with duallys. . They do not exceed the 18,000 to 20,000 limit on the rear axle by "Axle" weight (Which is the same as Semi's), but do exceed the Manufactures GVWR and GAWR. You could also exceed the tire load carrying capacity as listed on the sidewall.

 

[Blakers]

Originally posted by Dean Upson

Badunit,



The Timbrens only come into play when the truck is loaded. Empty they have absolutely no effect on the suspension. They are a no brainer to install and there is no maintenance to them. They should never wear out.



Dean

How far off the axle are they with no load?



As far as regular leaf helper springs, we bought a set of add-ons for an F-150 from Sears several years ago for hauling a truck camper. Came with the stops and all. Worked great!

 

[Dean Upson]

How far off the axle are they with no load?

Here's what they look like.



Dean

 

[Rosco]

Dean, How do the Timbrens attach. Do you need to drill or weld or do they use existing holes.



Lawdog, I understand the truck will still only be legal for 9000 pounds however I am exceeding that weight already with some of my loads. All I want to do is up the weight carrying capacity to what the 3500 SRW is rated for. Also the law around my area is pretty lenient about checking smaller trucks.

 

[Dean Upson]

Rosco,



The Timbrens replace the rubber jounce bumpers. They just bolt right there, no drilling or welding, you replace one with the other. The part # for mine was DR3500C, your's might be DR2500C. Here is the link: http://www.timbren.com/



Dean