I wonder what exactly is the difference between a 2500 SRW and a 3500 SRW...only leafs and shocks or is the axle different too?
Also, how much more is a auto tranny 3500 srw 4x4 able to tow with 3.73:1 ratio then a 2500 same specs?
Thanks

 

both 11.5 I think the 1 ton has a 900 LB payload increase with the adding of an extra leaf or two. Tranny would be same on the HO's 305/ 325 HP. The towing wont be afected becasue of tranny. It would be the payload tow LBage that would increase.

 

All of this info im writing below.....is assuming that DC hasn't changed anything since the 04.5 model year. I am sure they are the same on 05-07 trucks too.

There is no difference in the axles. They are identical on the 2500, 3500 SRW trucks and 3500 Dually trucks. The 3500 trucks have the 2 overload springs which give more capacity for weight. The dually trucks obviously have 2 more tires which adds even more capacity.

A Dodge Ram 2500, in theory, can pull just as much weight as a SRW 3500 or Dually. The difference comes in pin weight and exceeding the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating), which is the allowed weight of the truck and it's cargo. The GCVWR (Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating), Truck, Cargo, Trailer and it's cargo...............is the same among all the trucks and is based on the rear axle gear ratio. 3.73 gears GCVWR is 21,000lbs and 4.10 gears up it to 23,000lbs.

So, if you own a 2500 truck and want to stay within DC's ratings, you can pull just as much weight with a 2500 truck if you can do so without overloading the GVWR of the truck. Usually.........if you are pulling a 5th wheel travel trailer for example.....the pin weight on the truck will put you overweight some, particularly on the rear axle.

Now understand that this is DC's rating. It doesn't mean the truck can't haul or pull more very comfortably, but it takes the liability off of DC and puts it on YOU if you do it.

If you own a 2500 truck and want to exceed the rate weighting, I would recommend that you buy tires (maybe consider Rickson 19.5 wheels with G rated tires) and air bags to help support the extra weight comfortably. The truck will pull it fine. The axle doesn't care....because the same axle is used in the dually trucks too. It is a beast with an 11.5 inch ring gear.

 

Excellent info - Thanks!
All i want to do is to get a little more Payload capacity....so i guess i'll have to get airbags or the stock 3500 Overload Springs.

Thx again! Everything is answered.