I think this was discussed before but I can't find the thread. Looking to order a truck in the future, hopefully sooner than later. Any difference other than springs on the 3500 srw vs the 2500. Can I up the gvwr simply by having a shop add rear helpers? will this mess up anything else on the truck.

Is there big cost diff between equally equipped 2500 and 3500's?

Thanks. Great information on this site. I have convince myselft to go with the dodge CTD. I will admit the vibration, mileage and ball joint issues have me concerned. I may wait for the 06's to come out.

 

Will helpers improve your weight carrying ability? Yes. Will helpers increase the GVWR as listed on the doorjam? No.

Way back when (as I recall) there was about a $500-600 delta in the price of a 3500 over a 2500. Its worth it in my book. I went to order a 3500; but my truck was sitting on the lot waiting for me to take her for a spin. I only pull a 9k boat/trailer package, and my 2500 works great.

As far as prices go, since you're internet capable, you can look at edmunds.com (or about a zillion other sites) and compare prices between the 2500/3500's.

 

I think one other minor difference between the 2500 and the 3500 is teh 3500 comes with cab lights. I forgot the price difference but its not that much.

Also, glad to see a ferd driver consider coming over to the dark side...

Good luck with whatever you decide...

 

I think I read on this site a while back that the brake pads for the 3500 were thicker, too. Shoot, I got the 1 ton because of my overcompensation for, well, it's a Freudian thing! -Steve

 

I also switched from an F150 to Ram 3500. It's been a couple years now, and I still can't keep from grinning when I drive the thing.

As I recall, when I got mine, the cost was only a couple hundred bucks or so, plus I wanted cab lights anyway. Seems to ride the same as a 2500 when empty, but doesn't sag in the back when under the 5th wheel or with a couple thousand pounds in back.

The combined vehicle/trailer rating is higher on the SRW one ton, too. Well worth it in my book. If you are planning on a big 5th wheel, or big camper, though, you may even want to consider duals.

The only issue I've had with mine was the 2000 RPM vibe thing, cured by a replacement hose at no cost. You have to remember on these boards you are looking at every problem that the tens of thousands of users have had, all condensed into one place... Good information, but it can make problems seem more common than they really are.

Let us know what you do.

 

290 invoice difference then subtract Clearance lamps so difference is $220 on invoice you make the choice I went with 3500

 

yeah it is like $300 and $80 of it is the clearance lights.

If lifting it save the money. If you are keeping it stock then I would probalby order the 3500 as they ride nice.

the only differences that I know for a fact are the clearance lights and springs so if you think about it not much diffenece to them.

 

HIgher LEGAL GVWR

 

Supposedly has the heavier duty transfercase also. That was the selling point for me.

 

That sounds like a misinformed salesperson.

Electric = NV241HD

Manual = NV241HD

 

If I remember right, last time I looked at my T-Case, it said NV271 HD. And I've got a 3500. -Steve
Correction: New Process NP271D. But mine is an 03. I assume New Venture and New Process are the same company? All the tech specs for the Ram i've found say NV271, but my T-case does have a New Process tag on it. And I bought the truck new, so I know it's from the factory.

 

Will a 4x4 3500 ride similarly to a 4x4 2500?

Thanks for all the responses!!!

 

Some folks will tell you that the 3500 rides better, but I test drove both and couldn't tell the difference. I just got the 3500 cause it was only a couple hundred more and had the higher GVWR. -Steve

 

if I only would have known...

allright.. u guys let me down... why didn't u just yell at me and tell me to get a 3500... then I could have put a camper shell on it...

 

A mod on another list posted about the Getrag replacing the NV5600 and he said New Process changed to New Venture and has now gone back to New Process. No idea why.