I was just curious as to what differences there are between the 1500 and 2500 dodge ram frames. I ask because I started thinking that when I get a donor truck to do a manual swap, I could get a 2500 and swap axles out so Ill have a D60 instead of D44. Also would swap all springs while I am at it. Itd be a cheap way to go for a swap since donor trucks that are wreck, have serious rust, or are just really beat up can go for less that a 1000.

Now, I realize a Dana 60 swap can be had without having the same frame if there are differences, but main reason I ask about the frame is if its the same, Ill put a fifth wheel on it for live stock trailer and flat bed when needed.

 

I believe the the 2500 frame is boxed more than the 1500 making it a bit stronger.

 

Boxed? Like more braces between the runners?

 

I had a 2500 when I was doing my 60 swap and the frames looked identical to me. I didn't do any meausuring, but they seemed the same


You will want to put a 60 in the rear too. 3in wide leaf springs means 3in perches. Bigger hangars and shackels. Holes drilled in the frame to mount the hangar and reinforced with steel plate on the back side

 

If it helps any? I took a frame mounted fifth wheel that lays flat under the bed and they lined up exactly with my 1500. The only thing a shop guy told me once was the different axle and an extra leaf.


I compared the springs and shocks were the same between the 1500 and 2500. *******ly every part I have pulled off a 2500 has been the same. Even the shield cover over the exhaust that is mounted near the front right of the bed lined up.

 

Hmm, well cool. When I buy a donor truck for a manual swap, Ill get the 2500 parts changed over. However, the springs may seem the same, but 2500 shocks should be slightly longer. Ive seen multiple comparisons and they all seem like this. Maybe somebody mismatched them? Or the ones I was seeing were HD springs. Does changing things over mess with titles? I mean, a diesel swap requires trucks to be reinspected and theres some minor paper work for changing title. I assume turning my truck into a 2500 would be similar.

Now, if anybody goes off and says I should just buy a 2500, well, its labor of love. Id spend 100 grand building a 2nd gen dodge to my specs before I would buy a brand new 2015 GMC Duramax Denali concept which by the way are beastly. Id rather have cummins engine, but the style is my type. Probably buy one after college anyways. Cattle need hauled sometime and gas is gonna be terrible expensive...

 

Shocks are the same.

Springs aren't the same at all. Unless you get one of those weird 94 models 2500LD. Which is just a 1500 with different decals. Same 44 and 9.25