Which, 2500 or 3500

[spoon059]

Originally Posted by REWahoo

Because the 5th wheel I just traded in (see sig) was 12K and by comparison to what I have now, it didn't tow as well. Add another 4K and...

I'm not going to wade into the weight war, just my opinon.

Can you tell me any differences between the 2500 and 3500, provided they both have the same wheels? The 3500 GM has a heavier spring pack in the back. Same engine, transmission, brakes, tire rating, frame, cooling system, brake controller, sheet metal, overall weight, etc.

The difference a 2500 and 3500 is minimal, only only exists the keep the 3/4 ton truck below 10K lbs, an otherwise arbitrary number for highway and commercial differentiation. Ram took things a different way when they decided to use a completely different style of suspension in the 2500 (coil) vs 3500 (leaf). If you look at the axle ratings for your truck, you will see that they add up to far more than 10,000 lbs, yet your truck is limited to 10,000 lbs. If you look at a 3500, you will see that the truck is likely limited to the axle limits. Same axles, just arbitrary limits...

In the real world, if a 2500 can't handle it, then you need a 3500 DUALLY.

[repacs0103]

Originally Posted by spoon059

Can you tell me any differences between the 2500 and 3500, provided they both have the same wheels? The 3500 GM has a heavier spring pack in the back. Same engine, transmission, brakes, tire rating, frame, cooling system, brake controller, sheet metal, overall weight, etc.

The difference a 2500 and 3500 is minimal, only only exists the keep the 3/4 ton truck below 10K lbs, an otherwise arbitrary number for highway and commercial differentiation. Ram took things a different way when they decided to use a completely different style of suspension in the 2500 (coil) vs 3500 (leaf). If you look at the axle ratings for your truck, you will see that they add up to far more than 10,000 lbs, yet your truck is limited to 10,000 lbs. If you look at a 3500, you will see that the truck is likely limited to the axle limits. Same axles, just arbitrary limits...

In the real world, if a 2500 can't handle it, then you need a 3500 DUALLY.

This is true with Fords in general and GM diesels. (As much as I love an ISB I can't consider Dodges because I like trucks that don't rust out at 100k). But on GM gas trucks the jump to a 3500 does net you bigger brakes and a full floater plus the bigger spring packs.


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[spoon059]

Originally Posted by repacs0103

But on GM gas trucks the jump to a 3500 does net you bigger brakes and a full floater plus the bigger spring packs.


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Wow, really? So a GM 2500 gas doesn't have full floating axles and has smaller brakes than a diesel...? Why in the world did they do that?

[repacs0103]

Yup. A 2500 gas has a semi-floating rear end and smaller brakes. Once you go to a Duramax, you get the upgraded axle and brakes in 3/4 or 1 ton. I just went through it ordering a new fleet truck. Ended up with a 2017 3500HD SRW 6.0 4x4 with work truck convenience pckg.




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[JeremiahM]

Wow, i wasnt aware they used smaller brakes and Simi float axles on the gas 3/4 tons either, not that id ever buy a gas truck after owning the diesels, but that would certainly put the GM 2500s out of the selection for me

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