Stevenc

I looking at one to replace my 02 F250 SB 4WD and dont have much room between the bed and fiver already. I really like to get the 3500 longbed but it seems to higher at the bed than the 2500. I havent flip axles or adjusted the axle shackles on the fiver but could.<br><br>I dorve a 3500 LB HO auto the other day and that thing rode and handle great!!

ck1

steve.....before i bought my 03 2wd dually I measured my 97 4x4 ext cab long bed PSD and found that the 4wd dually was only 1 1/2 inch taller than the ford...i opted out of the 4wd cuz i very rarely need or use 4wd whilst pulling my big beast (live in california so no snow here and i wont drag my trailer off any beaten path!) but you should have a few inch adjustment on your pin box and depending on your hitch a couple 4 or 5 inch adjustment there also....I think you will not have to flip your axles....all depends on your set up...take a tape measure with you when your shoppin...oh and by the way...you will be amazed by the difference between the PSD and the CTD....very smooth quiet low end power and most important..the 03 trucks brakes are FAR better then the ford.
ok i am done!
Cameron

p.s....there is also a 1 inch or so plate under the spring remove that and it will help level out the truck.

now I am done ;D

doug

I think we have good reason to have some confidence in Dodge at this point for the vehicle height, and compatibility with real trailers. If you ask me, they learned some lessons from the 98.5-2002 models, since (1) there is a &quot;lowering kit&quot; for the earlier 4wd models to accomodate 5vers and (2) the new (03-04) vehicle stock heights have been lowered. Also, remember that on the 03 dodge 3500, the rear main springs are softer than on the 2500, so don't be fooled by the higher bed -- it will settle down nicely when loaded and the new, stiffer, auxiliary springs on the 3500 kick in to support the very heavy payloads. good going, Dodge.<br><br>part of doing your homework is talking to RV hitch installers and repair shops about matching trucks and trailers. What I did was to pick out a &quot;test point&quot; example 5ver that represented the category of towing and hitch weight we would need. Then I talked to several people about matching that trailer with an 03 Dodge. well, guess what: the installer said that the new dodge ride height makes the example trailer ride level and present straight lines. the earlier (higher) dodges work too but the trailer rides a bit nose high.<br><br>by all means do the tape measure thing. and because you have a 4wd truck, you will find that some trailers will be tough to set up correctly. talk to a lot of installers, hitch dealers and manufacturers. There ARE trailers out there with ride heights to match the new 4wds. I found that these are the manufacturers that put larger tires, and tougher axles on their trailers anyway. to me, its s great bonus that in today's market you can have both a decent 4wd truck that can go offroad AND pull a trailer, and do both very well. Depending on the trailer you can even pull it on some of the nicer forrest service roads and take advantage of the back woods.

Stevenc

Thanks for the info guys!<br><br>I can adjust the hitch head one more postition up and have adjustable spring shackles on the Sunnybrook that I can raise. I havent measure the 3500 yet but my F250 sits pretty high but not sure how the two compare in height.<br><br>I'm in no big hurry to buy so it will probably be a 04 model. Just want to make sure everything fits.<br><br>

gadgets

My 3500 HO srw settled about 3&quot; when I dropped the trailer onto the ball without the weight-distributing setup...This greatly surprised me <br><br>I figured I'd have to get at least half a ton or so on the rear before it moved; I guess this is the result of the softer, nice-riding springs, before the extra load leaf comes into play.<br><br>With 265/70 tires, the unloaded height to the top, inside of the receiver was 22-1/2&quot;; with the trailer on, it went to 19-1/2&quot;.<br><br>Tongue weight is about 650#.<br><br>Hope this helps...<br><br>Rene