Would anyone know the difference in the 4500 vs the 5500...

I noted on the specs, they say the rear axle GAWR for the 5500 is 13,000 compared to 12,000 for the 4500. Is this a different rear axle ?

The frame seems the same. The brakes are the same size.

I assume most of the extra load carrying is just in the spring pack?

 

The only difference is the springs and the GVW associated with them..

If you need the weight hauling ability go with the 5500 if not the 4500 is a lot smoother riding, you could always put air bags on the 4500 as well..

 

both trucks are limited to 26,000 # GCVWR gross combined vehicle weight rating
the difference is in as Colo River Ram stated the GVWR or what it can carry on it's back

 

The 26,000# GCVWR can be re licensed to a heaver weight. The truck is capable of a much higher weight. The restriction is because a drivers license up grade is required with weights above 26,000.. The brakes, axles, frame, and other components in the 5500 are larger than the 4500...

 

I have been looking into the 4500/5500 series trucks for the purpose of towing a heavy 5th wheel RV. As far as I can tell from the parts catalog, the only difference (besides ratings) between the 4500/5500 is shocks, springs, final drive ratio availability, and emblems...

 

Has Dodge started making these in the new body style?

 

NOPE.... This Fall

 

The new body style 45/5500 will have urea injection.

 

you can license it for more weight, but the actual GCVWR set by the factory for the truck can not be changed.

 

Is there a noticeably better ride in a 4500 than a 5500 empty?
What is the length from the rear axle to the end of the frame?
Thanks Greig

 

Mag go to dodge truck body builders, it will give all of the data you could want plus some. it is a valuable tool. you can also call ram and speak with the engineers of the C & C's. the ride is rougher in the 5500, but you get use to it. i need the additional load carrying capacity of the 5500.

 

yes, there is a huge difference in the way they ride. If you can, opt for the 4500.

 

Not to hijack this thread but I have a question that has me puzzled. Reading the 2009 Truck Specifications Guide, the 4500 CC quad cab job rating charts have two weights listed for the same model, transmission, and axle ratio. I just don't get it, unless its a difference between a ST and a SLT... Or Laramie. (Laramie not offered on the 2010. Looks like it will be back for 2011. Based on the 4500 Crew Cab Chassis Code Guide issued today. No prices released yet.)

A 2009 4500 DRW 6.7L A6 84CA with 4.44 ratio has a GVWR of #16500. But then noted that the same details also is only #15000. Payload is also 8180 to 6680. Where posted curb weight, Max GCWR, and Max Trailer Weight is the same.

A #1500 difference in trim? The 5500 doesn't have this disparity. I really don't know what to tell the guy who is asking. So is the difference between the 5500 and the 4500 #19500 and #15000, or #19500 and #16500?


It just struck me.. what if this is the Snow Plow Group? Hmmm.


Jerith