Hey BensBud, I just noticed that you were from Mass.

I'm planning on buying a 2004 around next Sept/Oct.

If you're planning to buy around the same time we could get a better deal if we went in together.

I called Herb Chambers in Danvers for the info I mentioned in my last post.

If you're planning to buy on or near the North Shore think about it. I live in Lynnfield.

We could save some serious cash.

DT.

 

Wow! I'm in Reading (the horse is in N. Andover), and I'm thinking it'll be right about the end of summer beginning of fall - although I'd like for it to be sooner. LOL!

[on edit: ...and I just pulled the 2500 from my sig. Not so sure anymore. ]

 

Aside from a softer ride (but hey, these ARE trucks aren't they??), the 3500 also gives you 1,100 more pounds of payload. You may not ever need that, but I'd rather have too much truck for the job than not enough.

 

Yes Hoss you are correct, better more payload than less.

You only live once!

I'm down for a 4WD 3500.

Also, I figure those lights will be a great safety feature. Who knows how many people haven't run/crashed into 1 ton trucks because of those lights?

These days, or any days for that matter, the fewer lawsuits the better IMO.

DT.

 

I see the lights a bonus. I think they're cool.

The way I see it is that you won't regret picking the 3500 SRW over the 2500 SRW, but you MIGHT regret it later if you pick the 2500 and need the extra payload of the 3500.

 

I agree for sure. Especially if the price is that close. I mentioned that I have a two horse bumper pull, but I didn't mention that I have access to a variety of other trailers - including a 6-horse gooseneck. I expect that I'll drive this baby for a looong time, so the upgrade now will make it easier later. As for the roof lights - my (9 year-old) daughter and my (5 year-old) son both think the clearance lights are cool too. I could take 'em or leave 'em, so they're not an issue for me.

 

Just a note, the 3500 SRW will not be heavier than the 2500 SRW due to its bigger rear end, brake pads, etc., because it does not have a bigger rear end, brake pads, etc. The 2003 and later HO/6-speed versions of these two trucks have exactly the same running gear (identical axles, brakes, rear end, frame, etc.), the only difference being a set of overload springs on the 3500. I believe that a 2500 with an automatic transmission may have a 10.5" rear end, though.

So if you are talking about an HO 2500 you are talking about essentially the same truck. If you ever need more payload capacity you can always add a set of overloads, or Timbrens, or air bags, or whatever you like and you will be set up the same or better as a 3500 SRW.

So, if the dollar difference is small (and you like those 'cool' clearance lights) then certainly there's no reason not to go with the 3500 SRW, but also no real reason not to go with the 2500 if you see one you like with a good price.

 

Thanks for the info SMiller.

Does the 3500 with the auto-transmission have the 10.5" rear end too?

DT.

 

SMiller,

Also, who makes the air bags you mentioned?

Thanks,

DT.

 

>Does the 3500 with the auto-transmission have the 10.5" rear end too?
>Also, who makes the air bags you mentioned?

The 3500 has the 11.5" rear end in all models, including those with an auto transmission.

There are several manufacturers of rear suspension air bags. Probably the best thing to do would be to search this site and the web and you'll get a lot of hits.

 

Question !! If your saying that the 2500 HO and the 3500 SRW is basically the same, can the GVWR of the 2500 be legally changed to that of the 3500 SRW by just adding the leafsprings ????? Does it have to be done by who ??? to be certified for DOT ??? My problem right now is that I am over the GVWR of the 2500 unit, but OK on axles weights. I still don't understand how DC computes that GVWR of the vehicle ???? You would assume that it would be an addition of the axle weights ??

DieselNEWBIE: I use my 2500 constantly off road, it works great in 4x4, but I was told that the 3500 (at least the Dually) is not real good as a 4x4 vehicle, it tends to bounce and has to much weight in the rear.

ON THE FUEL PERMITS: Yes, my vehicle is licensed as commercial, that might be why the DOT looked at it to see if it was the 1 ton unit. Commercial fuel permit has to do with fuel taxes. I guess since all those car haulers are using the 1 tons out there, that DOT decided that was where to start with the fuel permits.
I would assume that if you aren't licensed as commercial, then you wouldn't need one.

WHAT WAS THAT ABOUT A 4500 unit in Mexico ???? What is it ????
DC is also marketing a Dodge SUV, like the Durango, only on a 1500 chasis. It is said to be fantastic, but they won't bring it into the states because of EPA !!!

 

My apologies. I was under the impression that only the 3500's have the 11.5" rear end....and that they had different brakes on them. I could be wrong though because I don't really do a lot of research on that kind of stuff. I also thought it was a different axle and a completely different spring set up.

Just a note though....you can't increase your payload capacity by just adding air bags or whatever. No matter what you add to it, the 2500 SRW is still going to be rated for 1,100 pounds less than the 3500 SRW.

 

I don't believe that there is any way to change the manufacturer's GVWR certification, but I'm not sure about that.

As far as how DC (or any manufacturer) computes GVWR/towing ratings, well, it does sometimes seemed to be based more on input from the marketing department rather than engineering...

 

This link describes the suspension diffs between the 2003 2500 and 3500.

http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/roadt...7/article.html

Read the 6 paragragh from the end.

DT.

 

Well, actually a 900 lb. difference, not 1,100 (2500 HO rated for 9000 lbs, 3500 HO SRW rated at 9900 lbs), but yes, you are correct in that any mods will not change the 'official' load capacity as reflected on the door sticker.

You will change the actual load capacity though (same equipment has to equal same capacity)... that is if you buy Dodge's line that a set of overload springs can increase capacity by 900 lbs...