Dodge 2500 & 3500 Differences?

[blacksheep]

I have a 2003 2500 5.9L Auto. 4X4 Laramie and am thinking about buying a 2005 3500 5.9L Auto. 4X4 SLT for the purpose of increasing my towing capability.

A friend told me that the only difference between a 2500 and a 3500 is the addition of overload springs on the 3500.

If this is true, it seems that just adding overloads to my present truck would give me what I need.

What are the differences between the 2500 and the 3500?

Thanks for any help you can give me on this.

Blacksheep

[blacksheep]

Sorry Folks,

I just noticed that this topic has been previously covered in detail. I'm new at this, but learn quickly.
Thanks,

Blacksheep

[Jeff_in_The_Dalles]

I had an 03 SRW 3500 before getting my current 06 dually (started looking at big 5th wheels).

The differences in 03 was overload springs, cab clearance lights, and the weight ratings stamped in the door frame.

[69RoadRunner]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff_in_The_Dalles I had an 03 SRW 3500 before getting my current 06 dually (started looking at big 5th wheels). The differences in 03 was overload springs, cab clearance lights, and the weight ratings stamped in the door frame.

And you can get the clearance lamps as an option on the 2500.

[Jeff_in_The_Dalles]

Yeah, and in later years the clearance lights became optional on the single rear wheel one ton (still manditory on the dually).

[blacksheep]

Hi Jeff,

Thanks for all the good information. As it stands now, I have installed Firestone Ride Rite air bags and will install Hellwig rear sway bar later this week. I will be towing my new Bighorn 3580RL to Missouri later this month. From what I read in the forums, it looks like I will be needing a 3500 dually, and will probably get one when the right deal shows up.
Thanks again for your help.

Blacksheep

[Grumpytrkr]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff_in_The_Dalles Yeah, and in later years the clearance lights became optional on the single rear wheel one ton (still manditory on the dually).

And...if you want the marker/clearance lights to look even better, then get a set of Recon LED for the overhead lights. One of the things I changed on my truck.

Sorry, just had to toss that out.....

[glennwest]

Brakes are also larger on 3500 vs 2500. More pulling capacity needs more stopping capacity also.

[Gary - K7GLD]

Quote:

Originally Posted by glennwest Brakes are also larger on 3500 vs 2500. More pulling capacity needs more stopping capacity also.

And THAT is likely the MOST important difference - WAYYyyyy too many guys seem to feel and operate under the (mistaken!) impression that as long as their truck can PULL the load, that's all that's important - but capable maneuvering on the road in all situations, and STOPPING are even MORE important!

[69RoadRunner]

Quote:

Originally Posted by glennwest Brakes are also larger on 3500 vs 2500. More pulling capacity needs more stopping capacity also.

I checked a couple of online parts stores, and they list the same part numbers for a 2005 Ram 2500 and 3500 for brake pads.

[Jeff_in_The_Dalles]

I think the 2nd gens had different rear brakes. The 3rd gens are the same.

Anyway, when I had my 3500 SRW, it pulled the 30' toyhauler I had great, and was under its ratings, but I got the dually because I wanted something in the future in the 40' range.

I pulled the 30' one with the dually a couple of times before I found the right big 5th wheel, and even with that short trailer I found it much more relaxing to drive, especially on curvy, uneven and narrow mountain roads.

It was really eye opening. I'll always have a dually as long as I have a 5th wheel.


Anyway, good point on stopping. Having a jake exhaust brake is really nice, to keep the service brakes cool and ready when you really need them, plus I've learned from experience that a really good brake controller is worth every cent.


Good luck with the rig, and happy camping.

[RustyJC]

The 2nd gens (see my signature) had different brakes, a different rear axle (Dana 70 [w/automatic] and Dana 80 hybrid [w/manual] in 2500s, full Dana 80 in all 3500s which only came as duallies), suspension differences, etc. When I ordered my truck, I selected the options that would provide maximum GCWR and GVWR.

Rusty

[Ray,IN]

Re: Dodge brakes. For my 1996 Dodge CTD 3/4T, even the local Dodge dealer suggested replacing the rear stock brake hyd cylinders with 1T cylinders for towing/stopping improvement. They ARE different sizes.

[LindaH]

For two idential trucks...one being a 3/4-ton and the other being a 1-ton (with duallies), the 3/4-ton will actually have a higher *tow* rating...that's because the 1-ton w/duallies weighs more. However, the big difference will come in the payload...the 1-ton w/duallies can carry considerably more weight in the bed than an equivalent 3/4-ton truck.