ram 2500 vs 3500

[Road_Phantom]

Was wondering what, besides the suspension, is the difference between a Ram 3500 and 2500 i.e.; brakes, axles and are bearing loads in both trucks the same? Do both have the same frame?

[Cummins12V98]

3500 SRW/DRW, LongBed, AISIN with Factory Rear Air = GOLDEN.

[JIMNLIN]

I assume your asking 2500 vs 3500 SRW.

Dodge/Ram Body Builders Guide shows the frame rails (2500/3500 SRW) are the same even with the coil spring 2500 truck (same cab and bed) back to the coil spring area. The rear of the frames rails are modded and have componentry added for the rear coil suspension setup.
The front axles are the same on both trucks.

Brakes ??
Dodge/Ram body builder guide doesn't give us much info on brakes sizes but Dodge/Ram dealer mechanics and behind counter sales say they have the same parts numbers. Rear axle assy is the same 11.5" AAM on the 2500/3500 SRW.

One member (IB516) says this about his 2500 coil spring Ram;
"I hooked a 14k 5er to my coil sprung 2500 and it sat level. I regularly towed a 12k 5er with no issues. In fact, the 2014 2500 with coils sagged less with the same 5er than my 2007 3500 SRW did with Torklift Stableloads installed."

[rhagfo]

Road Phantom wrote:
Was wondering what, besides the suspension, is the difference between a Ram 3500 and 2500 i.e.; brakes, axles and are bearing loads in both trucks the same? Do both have the same frame?

Well depends on the year, are you looking new or used?
The biggest difference since 2013 is the frame, as the 2500 uses rear coil springs requiring a different configuration at the rear of the frame. The other is that the 2500 is only available with the standard output Cummins and 68REF transmission. I also believe that there is only one differential offered in 2500's, it was 3.42 before 2018 then went to 3.73.

[rhagfo]

BurbMan wrote:
Here is the 2021 Ram Towing Chart that gives you the capacities of different models. In addition to diesel or gas, ratings vary based on trim level, box length and cab configuration. Figure out what your pin weight and cargo needs are, then buy the truck that will do the job.

Your link isn't working, at least for me.

[BurbMan]

Here is the 2021 Ram Towing Chart that gives you the capacities of different models. In addition to diesel or gas, ratings vary based on trim level, box length and cab configuration. Figure out what your pin weight and cargo needs are, then buy the truck that will do the job.

[Curly2001]

I agree with MT BOB, in fact if you can, order exactly what you want. If you are looking for used, do all the homework that you can do. Years ago I purchased a used 3/4 ton Chevy van which turned out to be a half ton with bigger wheels and tires but no floating axles. Didn't do what I wanted it to do but it was my fault for not doing more research. Today with all the bells and whistles you really need find what you are looking for and ignore all the lipstick that they are putting on the new vehicles. And, don't listen to the sales people. Good luck,
Curly

[bucky]

To the OP. What model year are you asking about?

[Bionic_Man]

Engine and transmission can be added to the list. The high output Cummins and Aisin transmission are only available in the 3500.

[MT_BOB]

Hello.Been a mechanic most of my life,work little now because of injuries,and will try to explain some things.The "1/2 ton,3/4 ton, c10,c20,f150,f250" designations have been so warped/not true, or flat out lying,since the early 1970's.You need the "build sheets" of the truck you are thinking of buying.I have seen "1/2 ton" trucks have a higher load rating,and higher towing capacity, than "3/4 ton" trucks.It is all about marketing and the part of the country they are being sold.Trust no salesman.USA manufacturers have been playing this game,for many years.For years,Chrysler products had some of the best frames,but terrible drive trains.Then they fell in and adapted the same scam.Sorry to make this seem hard,but you just need to do more research, or get numbers/facts and consult here or on other sites.Just to give you an example,my Dad purchased(ordered) a 1/2 ton chevy,1974.Camper special(for hauling a in bed camper), with towing package.It came out to be a standard long bed pickup,350 engine,th400 trans,4,56 gears.Sides were marked/emblems -K10.Even though it was 2wd.Front suspension was coil spring,1 ton,2wd.Rear was single rear wheels, 12 bolt rear diff., with overload leaf springs.What frame was under that old unit?, I can only imagine it was a 1 ton frame.Anyway,hope this helps.Oh,that old truck also came with 16.5 split rims.