2500 vs 3500
11-23-2010, 05:13 PM
#17
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Me too, but the load balances pretty well...even if we are over, it's not by much, and not often!
Just makes me sad that Dodge can't seem to put decent springs on anything...even if they do, they change from one year to the next. Friends 08 3500 SRW has overloads, now this 2010 that's supposed to be so much better doesn't. My old 95 had weak springs, and no overloads when every other 3500 of that time had springs that barely every sagged.
Oh well
Chris
Just makes me sad that Dodge can't seem to put decent springs on anything...even if they do, they change from one year to the next. Friends 08 3500 SRW has overloads, now this 2010 that's supposed to be so much better doesn't. My old 95 had weak springs, and no overloads when every other 3500 of that time had springs that barely every sagged.
Oh well
Chris
11-23-2010, 05:18 PM
#18
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The 08 actually has a softer main pack, and it takes being loaded at GAWR to make the overloads work. Its why they took them off, mine are never used under load unless I am SUPER heavy. Which is why I added airbags.
11-23-2010, 05:18 PM
#19
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I don't have any complaints about the springs, but then again I haven't pulled any huge loads yet (>10k).
Signature600, How are you liking your setup with the 3.42's? Are you getting it broken in?
Phil
Signature600, How are you liking your setup with the 3.42's? Are you getting it broken in?
Phil
11-23-2010, 05:28 PM
#20
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23K miles since 5/1/2010...3.42's are OK...still not sure if I'm in love with them completely or not, but I do like them.
6th is almost useless with my normal trailer load...but I can use it with the empty trailer. I just run 5th for towing, and it does just fine. I pulled the race trailer with it earlier this summer, and at roughly 24K GVW, it would run in 6th @ 72mph and 1650RPM just fine. Even pull smaller hills too!
I do seem to be getting good mileage, around 15.5mpg around the country here, and can get 17.5-18.25mpg on longer highway trips...still all emissioned up too...that's gonna change as soon as the Smarty is finally released!
Looking back though, I should have probably went with the 3.73's and then threw my 18's and 285/65R18's on here for looks...but that's just for looks
I'll never be completely happy anyway, so just ignore that
I'd be the guy with an 18 speed Fuller in a pickup if it would fit...almost always have the right gear then
Chris
6th is almost useless with my normal trailer load...but I can use it with the empty trailer. I just run 5th for towing, and it does just fine. I pulled the race trailer with it earlier this summer, and at roughly 24K GVW, it would run in 6th @ 72mph and 1650RPM just fine. Even pull smaller hills too!
I do seem to be getting good mileage, around 15.5mpg around the country here, and can get 17.5-18.25mpg on longer highway trips...still all emissioned up too...that's gonna change as soon as the Smarty is finally released!
Looking back though, I should have probably went with the 3.73's and then threw my 18's and 285/65R18's on here for looks...but that's just for looks
I'll never be completely happy anyway, so just ignore thatI'd be the guy with an 18 speed Fuller in a pickup if it would fit...almost always have the right gear then
Chris
11-23-2010, 05:44 PM
#22
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Yep, I was actually without it for a month due to a hailstorm in July, but I love it.
I put air-assist airbags on the back as well. I'm very impressed with it so far. I am also waiting on the Smarty release for a "california style delete" and I expect that mileage will go up 2-4 mpgs on the highway.
I put air-assist airbags on the back as well. I'm very impressed with it so far. I am also waiting on the Smarty release for a "california style delete" and I expect that mileage will go up 2-4 mpgs on the highway.
11-23-2010, 05:49 PM
#23
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I have bags for mine, just haven't put them on.
I am DYING to delete mine...3 qts over full ever 5K miles is driving me insane. I've already told my dealer that if they can't fix it, I will....they said to have at it!
Chris
I am DYING to delete mine...3 qts over full ever 5K miles is driving me insane. I've already told my dealer that if they can't fix it, I will....they said to have at it!
Chris
11-23-2010, 08:38 PM
#24
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"Brakes and suspension are the same on the 2500 and 3500...so is the chassis..."
I do not know how you compared them - but as I am not a dodge design expert all I can say is the posted manufacturer literature says that the weights and carrying capacities are very much different from the 25 to 35. Now we all know manufacturers and the old addage "cheapest bidder wins" so why would DC put heavy running gear in a 25 if it was not rated to carry the weight?
I do not know how you compared them - but as I am not a dodge design expert all I can say is the posted manufacturer literature says that the weights and carrying capacities are very much different from the 25 to 35. Now we all know manufacturers and the old addage "cheapest bidder wins" so why would DC put heavy running gear in a 25 if it was not rated to carry the weight?
11-23-2010, 09:13 PM
#25
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The capacities are not all that different from 2500 to 3500. FAWR is the same, RAWR goes up 200 lbs. SRW to SRW as SRW to DRW isn't a fair comparison. GVWR goes up becuase it HAS to. You have to rate a 3/4 and 1 ton differently, otherwise you wouldn't offer both. Dodge didn't use to offer both but there was a consumer demand for 1 ton SRW trucks, so they offered one.
The reason the running gear, frame, brakes, suspension (all except springs and config), etc is the same is the same reason my truck is wired for stuff it doesn't have.. Its easier to make 1 frame per wheelbase, and 1 wiring harness than to have the tooling and time requirements of 3 frames for 1 wheelbase, and 1 wiring harness for every option configuration. So you are correct, the cheapest bidder won.. 1 frame for a given wheelbase, regardless of 2500 hemi or 3500 DRW CTD.
The reason the running gear, frame, brakes, suspension (all except springs and config), etc is the same is the same reason my truck is wired for stuff it doesn't have.. Its easier to make 1 frame per wheelbase, and 1 wiring harness than to have the tooling and time requirements of 3 frames for 1 wheelbase, and 1 wiring harness for every option configuration. So you are correct, the cheapest bidder won.. 1 frame for a given wheelbase, regardless of 2500 hemi or 3500 DRW CTD.
11-23-2010, 10:14 PM
#26
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Differences I know of:
Insurance is higher on the 3500
Registration is higher on the 3500
3500 doesn't have the tire pressure monitor
Rear springs are different
Insurance is higher on the 3500
Registration is higher on the 3500
3500 doesn't have the tire pressure monitor
Rear springs are different
11-24-2010, 07:55 AM
#27
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The capacities are not all that different from 2500 to 3500. FAWR is the same, RAWR goes up 200 lbs. SRW to SRW as SRW to DRW isn't a fair comparison. GVWR goes up becuase it HAS to. You have to rate a 3/4 and 1 ton differently, otherwise you wouldn't offer both. Dodge didn't use to offer both but there was a consumer demand for 1 ton SRW trucks, so they offered one.
The reason the running gear, frame, brakes, suspension (all except springs and config), etc is the same is the same reason my truck is wired for stuff it doesn't have.. Its easier to make 1 frame per wheelbase, and 1 wiring harness than to have the tooling and time requirements of 3 frames for 1 wheelbase, and 1 wiring harness for every option configuration. So you are correct, the cheapest bidder won.. 1 frame for a given wheelbase, regardless of 2500 hemi or 3500 DRW CTD.
The reason the running gear, frame, brakes, suspension (all except springs and config), etc is the same is the same reason my truck is wired for stuff it doesn't have.. Its easier to make 1 frame per wheelbase, and 1 wiring harness than to have the tooling and time requirements of 3 frames for 1 wheelbase, and 1 wiring harness for every option configuration. So you are correct, the cheapest bidder won.. 1 frame for a given wheelbase, regardless of 2500 hemi or 3500 DRW CTD.
Exactly...just because they put different rating numbers on paper, doesn't mean it's not the same parts....that would just be stupid.
Chris
11-24-2010, 08:47 AM
#28
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Registration is no different, at least not here in Idaho. Registration is based on GCWR paid for and vehicle age.
I will probably always own a 3500, either SRW or DRW (if the need ever arises). There is no reason not to.
11-24-2010, 10:39 AM
#29
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The 2500 has a GVWR of 9650.
The 3500 has a GVWR of 10,150.
This is for the 2010 models. I just bought one and got the 2500 because I got a better deal on it. I could not tell much difference in the axles or springs between the two.
I put Air bags on mine but it seems to have plenty of capacity without them.
The 3500 has a GVWR of 10,150.
This is for the 2010 models. I just bought one and got the 2500 because I got a better deal on it. I could not tell much difference in the axles or springs between the two.
I put Air bags on mine but it seems to have plenty of capacity without them.
11-24-2010, 11:57 AM
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