I was planning on a 2500, QC, CTD, SWB, 48RE, 4X4 but the local dealer has a 3500, SRW, equiped just like the 2500 I was looking for and is offering me a good deal. Question - How much more does the 3500 weigh and will the fuel mileage be much different.

I don't really need a 3500 but it is available and for the right price but I don't want to lose any more fuel efficiency. I am already concerned about the 600s mileage but can't find a 555 like I want.

Any information would be appreciated.

 

Are both trucks 4x4? Is the 3500 a dually? I have a 3500 4x2 (dually), and my buddy has a 2500 4x4. He usually averages about 1 or 2 miles per gallon better than I do. Also, his rig is a 200l.5 and mine is a 99, if that makes any difference. Both are second gen, both have about the same mileage. (70,000) We both are running EZ's, but I also have Stage 1 injectors and his are stock. I do think that I have a little heavier foot than he does.

After writing all this, I guess there are too many differences for the comparison to be valid, but I've written it all now. Seems to me that if both rigs were the same equipment-wise, and had the same driver, the mileage difference might just be a wash. Just a thought.

Good luck with your decision. If you are going to be towing heavy, go with the dually, you'll be happier.

 

Both vehicles are identical 4X4, SRW. I was just wondering if the 3500 is heavier and if the fuel mileage was less. The only reason I am considering the 3500 is because the local dealer doesn't have a 2500 like I want and he is offering me a good deal on the 3500.

 

i have a 2003 3500 srw short bed im getting around 15 around town and 17.5 on the high way but i drive 75 -80 and have the 4.10 rear the major difference between those 2 truck is towning capacity and payload other wise dry weight should be close.

Dan

 

I just purchased a 3500 Quad Cab 2004.5 with the 600, auto. I was in the same situation with my local dealer. He only had the 3500 series. From what I was told, the only difference is in the suspension in the rear ( leaf springs). Both trucks are the same size. I purchased the 3500 and truly love it.

 

One more thing. I have 1400 miles on it and at 70 mph I'm getting over 18 miles per gallon. I was told when it's broke in it should be up in the low to mid twenties.

 

I've heard the 2500 and 3500 both have the same axles in them. So, essentially, all you're really paying for is the extra leaf springs if you go w/ a SRW.

 

Does anyone know if this is absolutely true? Does a 3500 have bigger brakes, clutch, axles,etc.?

If springs are the only issue, why is my 2500 with camper package (extra leaf spring+sway bar+larger tires) rated at 8800# compared to the 11000# of the 3500?? I know you can't tell by looks alone, but my spring package resembles the 3500 springs. Could this be a marketing ploy?? Curious minds want to know.

 

the older trucks had an available overload spring on the 2500 as part of a camper package. the newer truck use a wider space for the spring purch which is said to help stability a load hence no sway bar and no overloads. back in 2003 the 2500 SO got the smaller AAM axle not sure what they are doing for 2004 and beyond since there is no SO anymore but i would guess the only difference between the 2500 and 3500 SRW are the springs.

 

"If springs are the only issue, why is my 2500 with camper package (extra leaf spring+sway bar+larger tires) rated at 8800# compared to the 11000# of the 3500?? I know you can't tell by looks alone, but my spring package resembles the 3500 springs. Could this be a marketing ploy?? Curious minds want to know"

Are you talking the weight of your truck or the payload weight or the combined truck/payload? I think the issue you might be getting at deals w/ why a 3500's capacity is so much greater than the 2500's? If so, your answer lies in the DRW option. With SRW the 3500 can carry around a ton of payload...the DRW can carry about a half ton more than the SRW. Don't quote me on that though!

 

Marketing ploy plan and simple.....Ford does the exact same thing....the only difference between the F250 and F350 is the overload springs when comparing SRWs

 

the only difference between the two is the overload springs on the rear axle, and 1100lbs more GVWR on the 3500.(8800 vs. 9900#)

 

If they are identical, the 3500 probably weighs 100-150# more from overload springs. Go for it!!!

 

Only us unlucky ones who got SO AUTO got the 10.5" rear. SO 5spd still got an 11.5".

The 10.5" is still a 10,000# axle! Definitely no toy.
11.5" is an 11,000# axle and can handle a lot more input torque than the 10.5". But the end point is right, the only difference is the springs!

 

3500 is 70lbs heavier due to the rear spring pack than 2500 plus your forgetting the cab lights are also standard on 3500. There is a substantial payload difference between the two also. Otherwise rear axle and brakes are the same.