I have a few questions some of you may be able to answer. I may have possible access in the near future to a totaled-out (engine/cab burned out) 3500 srw 2004.5, single cab shortbed 4x4. Hopefully, once the owner and the insurance company come to terms.

1. I was wondering, is there any benefit to installing a 3500 srw suspension (leaf springs) onto a matching year 2500?
2. Will it fit? Or does the 3500 leaf springs mount in a different location?

 

they ride smoother, but you will have to install the overload stops.

 

So that is something else I will need to remove, anything else?

 

Might want to check the lengths of the springs. Don't hold me to this but I think the 3500 springs are longer than the 2500.

MikeyB

 

Are you sure it is a single cab shortbed, Dodge never made that combo. they only made single longbeds or QC shortbeds/longbeds The springs are the same length the only difference is the secondary packs on top, BTW the perches for those leaves are welded on.

 

I researched this very question when I was deciding between a 3500 SRW and a 2500. It turned out the rear springs are identical except for the overload leaf. This is what gives the 3500 SRW its 900# higher GVWR. I opted for the 2500 because I can always add air springs, which is a better solution anyway.

 

a ctd single cab/ shortbed would be friggin' sweet! ive been wanting to put a ctd in my gasser

 

I will get back with you on that one. I will have to ask the owner about this, as I have not seen the truck I was only going by what I was told. I do know for a fact it is a single cab, because his behind the front aftermarket sound system was a total loss also. From what I was told, is that it had some sort of electrical fire. When I have the chance to see it I will post pic's.

 

I did this to my truck, (3500 overloads on my 2500)
it's easy to do. the actual main spring pack is the same on 2500's and 3500's
the only difference being 3500's have 2 overload springs on top. I went to a junk jard and took the top overloads off, and there is 1 small shim too. the shim is similar to the shims that are between the axle and springs, but only 1.

obvisously u will need the 3500 u-bolts too. interestingly the bump stops are welded to the frame on 3500's so u can't take them off. so i used the bump stops from a 2000 ford f-350, cause they bolt on.

u will need to weld on the bump stops to your frame however. cause our frames are fully boxed with no access behind. the good thing about doing this is, u can adjust where and when the overloads contact the stops, by welding them in where-ever u want.