Difference between 3500 and 2500
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Lost Lake, Wis
Sure. Put a set of overload springs on it and change the chrome numbers on the side. That's the difference.
Legally it will be a 2500 though no matter what you do.
If you want to increase the ability of your truck to carry a load, add a set of air bags.
Legally it will be a 2500 though no matter what you do.
If you want to increase the ability of your truck to carry a load, add a set of air bags.
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Oswego Il
The components of the truck such as frames, springs, axles, wheels, and tires determine the load carrying ability.
Jim W.
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Lost Lake, Wis
I have air bags on my truck and "THEY HAVE NOT INCREASE THE LOAD CARRYING ABILITY". All air bags will do is to allow a user to level the truck so as not to be nose high. The owner’s manual for the bags and the instructions on all air bags state that they will not increase the load carrying ability of the truck.
The components of the truck such as frames, springs, axles, wheels, and tires determine the load carrying ability.
Jim W.
The components of the truck such as frames, springs, axles, wheels, and tires determine the load carrying ability.
Jim W.
They definitely increase the ability to carry a load, they do not increase the capacity. So if your tires are rated for 10 pounds, you can't carry 30 pounds because of the bags... You'll blow your tires out.
That said, I have carried well over 4000 pounds in the bed of my truck. I suppose I could have carried it without the bags, but the frame would be on the jounce bumpers, the lights would be pointing at Pluto, and the truck would ride like a soap box derby car. The air bags increased the ability to carry that load.
We need to get you out here on the farm Jim! We'll hook your truck up to a 30,000 pound load of corn and have you haul it to town! Oh I know the truck isn't rated to tow that much, but there sure are a lot of us doing it day in and day out. I even pulled corn wagons to town when I was 12. Some of us don't exactly follow the rule book.
So to summarize: Get air bags and they will improve the ability to carry loads. The next step up is heavier rated tires and extra sway bars.
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Forest Grove, Oregon
On a 3500, in the fine.... State of washington, your auto license will cost you more, your auto insurance will also cost you more. The tire shops I have done business with, once they spot the 3500 badge, will not sell you anything less than an "E" rated tire. 
Just some of the finer points! 
Just some of the finer points! 
Banned
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,613
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From: NM
All of the tire shops here in North IA that I have talked to will not install a D rated tire on any truck that came from the factory with E rated tires due to the liability factor, if you blow a tire and wreck your truck you could sue them for installing the wrong tires. IMHO any tire shop that installed a D rated tire on a truck that came from the factory requiring E rated tires should not be allowed to be in the tire business.
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Lost Lake, Wis
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Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Vancouver, Wa
quicksilvr- I have a 09 3500 and it has the 3 spacers. They appear to be thinner that the 2 spacers that I've seen on other trucks as the ones on mine are approx 3/8" each and the 2 stack spacers appear to be approx 1/2" thick each. My Truck is a single Rear Wheel.
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From: Lost Lake, Wis