estesbubba

i had a 2003 1500 for 3.5 years and recently traded for a 2006 2500. i knew the 2500 would have a stiffer ride and that doesn't bother me. it also seems that bumps, bad or crowned pavement, etc. are more noticeable through the steering wheel. it seems i'm having to work the steering wheel more with the 2500. it this normal and because the 1500 has a more car-like suspension? i could drive my 1500 10 hours pulling a trailer with no problems and am wondering if the 2500 might make me more tired?

the dealer did an alignment when i bought the truck, so everything should be within spec. i like the ride and driving the truck, i'm just wondering if what i'm observing is normal?

sdaly

Hmm, can't say it takes me any "more work" to drive my truck, and I'm doing "more work" than you are since I shift my own gears. As far as steering, mine is effortless. I can drive this truck with my pinky. Maybe the steering ratio is different than the 1500 and that's what you're noticing? The 2500 feels like a...uh...well, a truck! Whereas, a 1500 is like a car with a pickup bed on the back.

boostjunkie1

Yes, you are now driving what I consider a real TRUCK! The 1500 series in my OPINION is not a real working machine. Yes they can tow a substantial amount, but when it comes down to it they are in a commuter/car/suv league of there own. The 2500 frame is 200% stronger/rigid than the 1500 and the suspension is designed for heavy use. Hook that heavy trailer to it and you will see what these things are made to do.
The empty ride is far harsher than expecially a new 1500 Hemi! I test drove one for a couple of days before I bought my new 06. WOW, the ride was great. I can see taking that thing across country with no problems (Empty)! Just like my old Durango. NICE
The 06 2500 loaded down with some weight on the back will ride allot better than it does unloaded.
The steering is actually heavier because of the actual weight that is on the front end!
Have fun!!!!

HappyGA

Consider also that you probably have 500 more pounds of engine now on the front end making it want to go to which ever side the road is banked. That in itself is enough to change the waya vehicle drives compared to another one.

TriSum

I believe if the alignment was set too neutral it can cause steering wander, if you have them put a little more "toe" adjustment that could help.

SOhappy

The only "more work" I experience is trying to wipe that CTD smile off my face. I finally gave up!

bbhzx12

The 1500 is basically a dakota on steroids. It's got independent front suspension with torsion bars compared to a straight axle with coil springs. That will produce a much different ride! They summed it up best when they said now your driving a truck.

Backwoods

I assume your statement implys you need to maintain more effort to maintain your line. I have not driven a 1500 but I am impressed with my 2500 holding a straight line, ten fold better than my prior F-150 and Toyota Van. I test drove many other 2500 (few 05s) before I purchased this one and I dont think the others drove as well as mine, guess I got a good one in that respect. I can line it up and have two sips (coffee) before I even make any corrections to the wheel. F-150 was aligned numerious times and it was tiring to drive untill I made my own adjustment with a little toe-in, didnt notice any tire wear and sure handled better.

C4 Max

Higher tire pressures will have the front tires following the grooves and crowns as well.

mraynor

It takes no more work to drive it. My wife as small as she is, was always driving the 1500. One morning she took the CTD, to take our son to school, when she came back I asked her how she liked driving the truck. All I got was a big smile. Now all I hear is you really need to put one of those boxes on the 1500 or an intake, or something to make it have more power.(already did exhaust) **** I love that woman. But you are right the 1500 is more like driving a car.

J.T

I actually herd that the 1500 carries the same frame as the dakota. So that along with the softer suspension could make a difference.

ramtd02

yeah you probably have too work a little harder too drive these trucks, my 3500's front axle on the scale (just me inside) weighs 4600 pounds. A brand new 1500 hemi weighs 5200 pounds...that is the whole truck!!

Tyler_02

RAMTD02 & boostjunkie1

Speaking of heavy trucks my front end with me in it is 4400 lbs when i weighed it at at DOT scale 2700 and some chang on the back axle. Just my .02

ColdCase

I had the same feeling when I first got my 06, but after 4000 miles it rides/tracks great. Perhaps some trucks need about 2000 miles to set the tires and break in the suspension components. I believe 06 1500s were upgraded to the same frame as the 2500s.

piekarski

"the only "more work" I experience is trying to wipe that CTD smile off my face. I finally gave up!"

this is my main problem too