We've been looking at new CTD RAMs lately, and I've heard mentioned (more than once) that the only real difference between a 2500 and a 3500 is a heavier leaf spring in the rear of the truck. At first, I dismissed this as a sales tactic designed to push me toward a 3/4 ton truck (that's all they have on the lots around here). However, I've now studied the spec sheet closely and it would seem that the folks at the dealerships may be correct?

Specifically, the Max Loaded Trailer Weight specification chart I've been reading specifies a 1,050 lb difference between a 2500 Quad Cab SB 4x4 and a 3500 Quad Cab SB 4x4 (both with 3.73 axle ratios). After reading this bit of information, I wanted to run this by the folks on the forum.

What is the mechanical difference between the 2500 and the 3500?

If it's true that the only difference is the rear leaf springs, would it be relatively easy to convert a 2500 into a 3500? In other words, would the heavier leaf spring bolt right up to the 2500? And if so, I'd also like to know if it's difficult to change the gears in the rear differential (I haven't seen a RAM with the 4.10 option around these parts either).

We have a real need for a CTD-equipped 4x4 at the moment, so we're looking hard at the remaining 2008s. As we've left it kind of late, the pickens are a bit thin here. Nevertheless, the current incentives to purchase a 2008 model are the only thing making this possible for us. Therefore, I'd really appreciate reading more about the actual differences before we go any further with the search.

Thanks for your time...

 

From all that I've heard and seen, I believe that what you have said is correct. The heavier leaf springs are the only difference between the two. My dealer tried to sell me on the 1 ton too... for an extra $1500. Since I use mine for towing and rarely have a payload in the box other than my fuel sliptank (1500lbs full), I went with the 3/4 ton.

 

4.10 gears are a option.

 

It is more than just the springs, you also have to attach the overload spring brackets, which on the Megas are welded in place onto the frame. There is an option to drill the frame and bolt the spring brackets on there... And other than the springs and the 2 or 3 (ie 2500, 3500), the trucks are identical. If you are looking at a manual, G-56s only come with a 3.73 but is geared low enough where you would swear it was a 4.10. The autos had the option of the 4.10s.

 

There was a change in the G56 final drive gear in what?Late 06? Early 07?

 

I thought it was mid-07. When the 07.5s hit the market... Only a few 5.9s linked to the new ratio G-56. Much better highway RPMs...

 

Dunno.The new 6 speed auto is the way to go anyway. That with 4.10s still has nice hiway rpms so I've read.

 

With the new 6 speed auto and 3.73s the new 6.7 pulls really well. I for one would stay away from the 4.10s. The cummins likes to pull at low rpm and with 4.10s you will be driving the Horsepower not the torque. My 2 cents.

 

I was almost ready to buy a 08 3500 before I found my 07. Mainly because It had 4.10 auto and that what I was after. But could not pass on the deal I got for the 07 with 3.73. Another thing to think about with the 3500 compared to the 2500, there is virtually no difference other than the helper spring, the price is higher and the registration is higher. If they could get a little more gvw out of it then I could justify it but I just cant see paying the extra 1500 for a spring, and the number 3 on both doors. If your wanting a truck with 4.10,s search the dodge dealers websites in your area, if you go to dodge.com you can search dealers in any zip code and look at the actual window sticker for each truck. I spent alot of time looking for 4.10 trucks and there are alot more out there than you would think.

 

There's five more additions to the 3500 than just springs and the number three on the side. Anyone know??

 

It will pull BIGGER weight a LOT better with 4.10s and yet be great unloaded at hiway speeds with the 6 speed auto.I've said before and will again.There IS a reason 4.10s are a option.

 

were talking about 3500 single rear wheel, the only diiferences that im aware of are
1- springs
2- 3 on the door
3- standard cab lights (usually deleted short beds.)
4- gvw is 9900
5- tire pressure monitor
6- ?
7- ?
8- ?

 

Couldnt agree more. I like my truck, and it performs well with 3.73, but 4.10 will put the rpms where they need to be with the 6spd auto. I will be doing a swap before to long.

 

not sure if i can come up with 5 but i pretty sure the 3500's have a heavier duty transfer case and rear end...

 

There is very little difference between the two trucks. The rear springs are a difference. However, I would put air bags on the truck or timbrens before trying to add the factory helper springs.

I have the tire pressure monitoring system on my 2500. I don't have the cab lights but you can have those put on for a good price from the dealer.

The GVWR is different for basically the same truck. The is just so much B.S.

Also, I don't believe in the 3000 lb jump in load ratings from the 3.73 rear end
to the 4.10. That 3.73 will pull anything the 4.10 will IMHO.

So basically a SRW 2500 with a very few mods is equal to a SRW 3500 period.

You should be able to tow up to 16,000 lbs with no problem. The thing I worry about is not what it will tow but the weight on the rear axle and tire ratings.

For instance my 2500 Mega with a load of fuel; 2 people weighing about 550 lbs; and miscellaneous junk weighed in at 8200 lbs with 3400 lbs on the rear axle. That puts me at a 3000 lb payload max.

I think whether you have a 2500 or 3500 CTD SRW if you are hauling a fifth wheel like me the heavyist you can go on the pin dry is about 2000 lbs. That leaves me some room for weight creep from the wife and her junk in my camper plus the weight of the hitch itself.

Now if I switch to Rickson's, I think I can go back to the 16000 pound tow rating easily.

Bottom line with hauling heavy is can you stop the load. I think with the EB brake on this beast - you can.

And I'm not sure if I agree with the above posters that the 4.10 is better with the 6 speed. Wwhy wouldn't you just manually set the gear using the selector to the gear you want?

Mike