What is the diffence between 2500 and 3500 SRW?

[jimnance]

I have an '03 2500 SRW CTD and am presently 21,500 lbs GCVW. This is well above the rating for this truck with the six speed transmission.



I'm wondering what diffeerences there are between the 2500 and 3500 SRW that allow for a greater GCVWR?

 

[lawdog]

I believe just springs. Maybe brakes. IK have a 3500SRW short bed QC. I chose the 3500 for the overload springs in the rear...

 

[Double J]

I was wondering the same thing. I'm sort of on the fence right now on getting the new 325/600 3500 SRW to haul my Lance 820, claimed 3150lbs dry wieght. Every time I pull through the mountains makes the 6-speed more and more appealing anyways. Has anyone made the jump from 2nd Gen 3/4 ton to 3rd gen 1-ton SRW for hauling heavy loads? If so, any more stable?

 

[mgonske]

Originally posted by Double J

... Has anyone made the jump from 2nd Gen 3/4 ton to 3rd gen 1-ton SRW for hauling heavy loads? If so, any more stable?

I made that jump, but for towing, not hauling (although my 5ver pin weight does push my rear GAWR).



Essentially, the 3rd gen 3500 SRW is the 2500 with the camper special package. That package consisted of overload springs, and is no longer available on 2500s; however, overload springs are the only thing that differentiates the new 3500 SRW from the 2500 (except standard cab roof lights on the 3500).

 

[ata]

There`s a real good article in the Feb. issue of FOUR WHEELER about the Dana 80 and the AMA 1150. It says that the axle tube wall thinkness is different in 2500 and 3500 srw than in the drw 3500 on both the Dana 80 and the AMA 1150. So I would say that GVW is not only rated by springs and suspension but with the axle housing also.

 

[Eric_77]

Yes, I have. I haul and tow heavy.



Thing I have noticed the most is that with the QC over the extended cab is that I do not get weight on the front axles (actually I find weight comes OFF the front axle about 200 pounds when pulling heavy 5th wheel trailer) did not have this issue with 96 to this degree. Even hauling the front end gets mushy light with a load in back. I guess that 6" of extra cab is really hurting the balance of the truck; the rear axle should be back about 1-2" I would think for ideal heavy hauling balance but then turning radius gets even worse. Stabilty left to right seems to be about the same (but my rear shocks are worn out on 96 they need to be replaced so maybe the 3rd gen is not as good when I get new shocks on the 96? (96 does have camper package overloads, sway bar)), the 3rd gen does not have a stabilizer bar available (yet?) which would make it a LOT better if there was one, IMO.

 

[Byershome]

I find it hard to beleive that the only difference is the cab lights and overload springs but be that as it may, I'm sure that DOT officer will be understanding and not write you up for being over weight becouse" the only difference between the 2500 and 3500 SRW is bla bla ". Heck you may never get pulled over or have to go thru a weigh station anyways.

 

[y-knot]

As mentioned already, there are more then just cosmetic changes that mark the differences between a 2500 and a 3500. And the article in Four Wheeler was informative and interesting, but lacked the in-depth comparison need to show exactly what are the differences between the two Dodge truck levels. Kind of like most articles, they dig just deep enough to spark your interest, but stop short of any conclusion. Also as evident in there explanation of what DOM tubbing is, they should not be considered a 100% reliable source.

 

[MABurns]

The 2500 and 3500 SRW both have the AAM 11. 5 axle, so again the only difference appears to be the helper springs and cab clearance lights. That and the price difference is $$700... ... ...

 

[Lorenz]

double j



i have the 821 lance and stuck w/ the shortbed because of the weight issue.



the HO 2500 has the same axels as the 3500, 11. 5. the 2500 SO has the smaller axel.



also the 48re tows the lance just fine. no problems so far. couple trip to the desert with -sea leavel to 11,000'+ climb.



the weak link is the tire rating. from what i hear there is a E rated tire w/3880lb rating for the 16" wheel just a matter of time for a 17". thats better than some 19. 5" commercial tires!!!



use air bags. she squats pretty bad w/o air in mine... . there adjustable for the uneven side to side load of the Lance.

 

[Elite1]

Originally posted by MABurns

The 2500 and 3500 SRW both have the AAM 11. 5 axle, so again the only difference appears to be the helper springs and cab clearance lights. That and the price difference is $$700... ... ...

I know I read somewhere that the 3500 had an upgrade on the rear brakes as well. I believe some of the 2500's come with the AAM 10. 5 axle as well vs. the 11. 5 on the 3500?

 

[Double J]

Originally posted by SLorenzen

double j



i have the 821 lance and stuck w/ the shortbed because of the weight issue.



the HO 2500 has the same axels as the 3500, 11. 5. the 2500 SO has the smaller axel.



use air bags. she squats pretty bad w/o air in mine... . there adjustable for the uneven side to side load of the Lance.

looks like you got me by 400+lbs with the 821. Since the 3500 comes with overloads, air bags may or may not be needed. My 01 w/overloads do a pretty good job as far as leveling, but like I said before, the six-speed is what I'd like since alot of these mounatin passes are hard to get a good run at and keep the T/C locked.



How did the bed length (shorter) affect the handling vs your 2nd Gen shorty?

 

[Elite1]

This is from the FAQ section...

Q. What's the difference between the 2500 and the 3500 SRW?



A. The 3500 has the addition of helper springs in the rear, and another spacer plate in the rear. The 3500 also has the cab clearance lights standard. The 3500 SRW is being positioned as a towing vehicle, so it's towing capacities and GVWR are significantly higher than the 2500. However they should ride almost identically, so if you feel you'll be exceeding the legal limits of a 2500, take a good look at upgrading to a 3500 SRW. It has also been stated that the caliper pistons on the rear brakes are larger on the 3500 SRW.

 

[jimnance]

I feel a little better. My pin wieght of +/- 2,000 lbs and five passengers has put me well above the GVW and the GCWV yet the ride has been fine and she stops as well as one can expect of 21,500 lbs. I have a B. D. exhaust brake and it's a life saver coming down the big hills.



The new fiver is 1,500 lbs heavier with 500 extra lbs on the pin. I think I may put air bags on as she's sitting pretty hard on the overloads already. Surprisingly, the ride is very smooth with very little bounce. The new rig will have three axles and will have brakes on all three. It may even improve stpping ability.



On the bright side my Cummins H. O. engine with an Edge chip pulls like a freight train and I have no problem moving the load along.



I'm VERY happy with the six speed for my application. It seems like I always have a good gear for pulling the hills. Just sold my 315 BFG's as they made the gearing too tall for pulling.



I'm not worried about the State Troppers as they seldon bother RV's unless you are doing something really dumb.