How do 2500s and 3500s differ, especially in the 2000-2002 range?
Do the 3500s have a stiffer frame?
Do the 3500s have bigger brakes?
I think the 3500 has stiffer springs, so a rougher ride, right?
Are all 3500s duallys?
Do the 3500s have heavier duty axles?(higher axle weight rating)
Any other differences you can mention would be appreciated.

 

All 3500's were duallys... until 05's, I think. Then a single rear wheel axle 3500 was available.
Stronger axles... Yes
Stiffer Frames..... No
Bigger brakes .....Don't believe so? (All CTD's went to 4 wheel disc brakes in 01.5.)
Different GVW ..... Yes
Stiffer ride............ Definately

RJ

 

3500 is a one ton dually, frames are same, springs & wheels differ than the 2500.

2500 is a 3/4 ton SRW.

So, if you are decision making before selecting - if you tow heavy and alot dually will probably be more suited to your needs.

If you don't tow/only tow occasionaly heavy or tow alot but not heavy often, like to off road on ocassion and it's going to be your daily driver - the 2500 may be more of your flavor. It's all preference - I know guys that have duallies just because they like the looks and don't tow. And, I have a friend that has a 2500 with air ride and all kinds of mods because he tows heavy semi-frequently but can't stand a dually.

So, it's all about what you need versus what you are willing to do or give up for what you "want".

Have fun!

 

My Dually rides better than ma's 2000 2500,but I switched to "D' rated tires on my truck,to tame the ride,it help lots,and I still never get over the rating.
I do like having 4 disks too...

 

The srw and drw 3500 have overload springs in the rear. If you dont want or need a dually but tow heavy somtimes the srw 3500 is perfect.

 

the srw 3500 became available in '03. correct me if I'm wrong on this but as far as 2nd gens go, all 3500's had the Dana 80 rear end and all manual transmission 2500's had the Dana 80. Auto 2500's had the Dana 70. As for springs they appear to be the same on my 99 3500 compared to my former truck (now my father's) an 02 2500 except the 02 has the overloads(camper special package) which my truck was optioned without. I think my dually rides just about as well as the 02, of course it probably weighs about a thousand pounds more being a one ton and having very heavy bumpers

 

All HO's had Dana 80's in rear. The front axle might be a diff story though.
And I think you're right about 03 being the forst year for SRW 1ton

 

remnik nailed it here

 

Bringing back from teh dead for clarification(truck is at home). I have a 99 2500 5 speed. I am ordering up a mag hytech diff cover and need to know..

Thanks - jiMMy

 

Dana 80 rear, Dana 60 front.

 

Wouldn't a 99 5-speed have a Dana 70 rear and Dana 60 front? Only HO 6-speeds came w/a Dana 80 rear.

 

I'm pretty sure this is right.

 

It was just the 2500 autos with the 70s, everything else came with an 80.

 

Sorry Tate, now I know!