Cowboy45

Wanted to find out what the difference is between the 2500 and 3500 SRW 4x4. I know the the GVW is different but what else? Is it in the springs, axles, frame, height, etc. I'm still new to the Dodge world and hope to learn all I can. I know there is not much difference in the Fords. I have a Ford now and plan on buying a Dodge real soon. Thanks.

05mxdiesel

The only differance is the overload spring on top of the pack. Kind of like the overloads on the Ford's. Other than that everything else is exactly the same.
Same height also.

Tfeore

I think, and I could be wrong....The brakes are bigger on the 3500.

Can anyone else speak to this.
tom

StrokeThisCTD

wider i believe

handymantim

The only difference is the overload springs. The cab clearance lights are standard on the 3500 and optional on the 2500.

Cowboy45

I've been looing for a used 3500 6 speed and it's just short of impossible out here in California. Now I will be looking for a 2500 also, just put air bags on 'er I guess.

Cowboy45

While you guys are reading this can you give me some good opinions on why moving to a Dodge Cummins would NOT be a bad thing. Everybody says I'm crazy for selling the Ford, that the Dodge has a good motor but the rest is junk. Any good words for me?

Hal

I got rid of my 2001 F250 powerstroke and have no regrets! No oil or transmission leaks yet!

strokethis600

When I was ordering my new truck I was told that it also had a heavier frame.

TexasCTD

The trucks have the same frame, same tires etc. The 3500 SRW has overload springs on the rear that raise the trucks GVW rating up to 9900lbs. The 2500 is rated at 8800lbs. The overloads on the spring pack dont effect the ride or raise the truck. They only come into play when an excessive amount of weight is placed on them.

Overhead clearance lights are standard on 3500. Optional on 2500.

To me, it is a no brainer to get the 3500 if it is available. It doesn't cost that much more......maybe $500 or so.

BlackSunShyne

I traded in my 2001 F250 for my 2005 Dodge 3500, both similarly equipped. I thought I might be sacrificing some pulling power over the 7.3 I traded in. And I know this is a Dodge forum, so the opinions will be biased to some point, but my Dodge does EVERYTHING better than my Ford did. I also went through 3 clutch replacements with the Ford, in 89,XXX miles. I pull alot of weight often (at the very least once a week) Loaded 24 foot cattle trailers and 3 and 4 horse slant load show trailers.

Will it keep it up over the long term? Time will tell...but from all the research I have done looks like the chances are pretty good.

If it were (hypothetically) between a new Ford 7.3 and a Dodge, I could see there may be some decision. But between a Dodge Cummins 5.9 and a Ford 6.0? No decision to be made there...

Big Ed

Overloads on the rear spring are the only difference aside from the higher GVW. Also, I would like to clear up some misinformation. For 2006 the cab clearence lights are now optional on the 3500srw as well as the 2500. Prior to 2006 all 3500's came with the cab lights regardless of DRW/SRW. In addition, diesel 2500's have a GVW of 9,000lbs not 8,800lbs.

Siberian

My brother had a 2500 and I have a 3500. My truck is slightly taller than his. I have helper springs. The CTD is optional in the 2500 and standard in the 3500. I got mine $2000 cheaper getting the 3500 over the 2500. As for the brakes, I honestly did not look at that. Everything else is the same that I saw.

Hoss

I think most folks that have owned Dodges would disagree with the people who say that the only thing good on a Dodge is the engine. I've only got 52,000 miles on my truck, but so far it's NEVER had to go to the shop for anything. I can't say that about the two Fords I owned.

In general, the people who will tell you that Dodges are junk have never owned one. They're just loyal to Ford or Chevy and they're repeating what someone else (who probably never owned a Dodge) told them. This is my first Dodge and I've been VERY pleased with it.

By the way, does the 3500 SRW have a bigger differential than the 2500 or are they they same? I was thinking that the 3500 came with the 11.5" gears and the 2500 came with the 10.5" gears.

smiller

The brakes on the 2500 and SRW 3500 are identical, as is everything else except for the overload springs. The DRW 3500 has slightly different rear brakes.