what are the differences between the 94-98 2500's v 3500's, I know the front hubs & the wheels but are the brakes bigger, are both dana 70 or 80's I think the springs are the same ,right ?

 

Some things will interchange, some may look similiar, but not have the same capacity, and some things just will not work. A salvage yard would be a good place to check on individual parts interchange. Dealer parts books will drive you crazy on supersed numbers.

 

- All Cummins 5spd are Dana 80
- All 3500s are Dana 80
- You could order a camper special package on the 2500 which would net you the auxiliary springs and sway bar ala the 3500. This was their way of having a single wheel 3500.

 

So my 2500 8800GVW is really a 3500

 

That's the way it was explained to me. So, that's how I view mine. When I ordered SS brake lines from EGRbrakes, mine fell under the category of 3500 SRW. It just sounds better too.

- Craig

 

so if i buy a 94-98 2500 as long as the tires will carry the load it's OK ?

 

I don't think so. The rear drum brakes at least are different if my FSM is telling the truth.

 

What does the manual say about the brakes?

 

Front wheel caliper piston diameter:
2500 - 80 mm
3500 - 86 mm

Drum brake dimensions:
2500 - 13x2.5"
3500 - 13x3.5"

Wheel cylinder diameter:
2500 2x4 - 24 mm
2500 4x4 - 27 mm
3500 - 27 mm

 

Yeah, but you order parts based on GVW. I checked Napa's site. So for a 2500 you have two options:

w/ 8,800 lb. GVW w/ 3.384in. (86mm) Caliper Piston Diameter

w/ 7,500 lb. GVW w/ 3.125in. (80mm) Caliper Piston Diameter

I buy parts to the 8800 GVW. It should be the same for a 1 ton.