My 2500 is an 01

 

I'm talking about 98.5-01 1500's frames being thinner than the 94-02 2500 frames. There isn't any question that an 01 2500 frame is 0.25" thick. The question is when and why did they switch from a 0.25" thick frame on the 1500's. My best guess is either the 1998.5 model year split, or the 5.2 vs the 5.9, or maybe something like a factory tow package includes the thicker frame. If there are in fact 0.25" thick 1500 frames out there, I'd like find out what they were in.

What's the GVWR on your 1500's with the 1/4" frame?

 

Interesting thread, I have searched this in the past with all answers being wishy washy. I went out and measured mine, 1997 1500 Sport 5.2 w/ tow package. 1/4" in the rear until the split, 3/16" from there on. Would be interesting to hear from other people to confirm that the later model 1500's have a thinner gauge rear end. Then one could say the 94-97 1500's are better platforms to convert to true 3/4 ton trucks, if so desired.

 

The 1997 is an early model, basically the early models have 1 airbag the new models have 2.
So far the two theories I have that are holding:
The 5.9 vs the 5.2 might get you a thicker frame.
Factory tow package
Long bed vs. short bed
some 1500's had different GVWR?

 

6xxx according to title. Mine has 360 (5.9L), tow package, short bed, and 6 factory springs. I bought it off my grandpa and he had it since it was new. Never did anything to it as he's all about stock. I talked to an old Mopar tech who worked on these trucks. He had EVERY blueprint/specs/book Chrysler had for these trucks. I still have his number might give him a call and see if he can distinguish this. The frames when I talked to him last (last year after I bought a mut truck where someone took a 2500 and put 1500 axles and suspension under it) and he said all the frames up to 3500 were the exact same. I am going to call him later and see if he can email pics of them so I can post them here. He said it was cheaper for Chrysler that way. Also according to him these trucks will haul and tie anything you can out into them. I can vouch for that as I was hauling so much rock/dirt one time that the back bumper was 2in about the ground and I blew out both back tires. I'll let you guys know if I can get a hold of him.

 

I'd be interested to see how your 2500 was converted to "1500 axles and suspension" The front is pretty cut and dry, but the back, there are a few ways you could do it. Are the rivets still in the frame split and cross member? Were the 3" spring hangers replaced with 2.5" spring hangers? Can you post some pictures that show the thickness of the frame? If I was going to ***/2 a swap like that, I would just swap the entire back half of the frame after the split.

Attached is a picture that shows the beefiness of the 2500 full 1/4" thick frame vs the 1500

 

Finally went out to check all 3 of mine, and all of them are 1/4" at the back. The 2500 is just over 1/4" (talking 1/64") and both 1500 frames we're just under (again, talking 1/64").
I don't have the door sticker for the 2500 frame, but it was a late 98 with a gross of 8800.
Here are the door stickers for both 1500's (gross of 6400 lbs).



Im looking forward to seeing what the spec books show for these trucks. If I find any newer 1500's locally I'll try to get a measurement from them.

 

2.5" spring hangers were put in place. How do you want the pics? I'll take them when I get back home

 

Attach it to the thread like I did?

I'm confused, Are the 1500's 3/16 or 1/4"? Is it just the tow hitch that is different thickness? What engine? Did they have a factory tow package?

 

I have two 1500 frames and one 2500 frame. They all have the factory tow package. Both of the 1500's measured 15/64" at the very back of the frame. The 2500 measured 17/64" at the back. All are within spec of being called 1/4".
Some places on the frames when I first measured these varied by a tiny bit. In some places the 1500 frames were thicker, but it was only by a 32nd or less. I think the variance that I've seen could be caused by the mill shapeing the frames.

​​​​​​​Sorry for the confusion. I deleted the bit about the tow hitches because it doesn't really pertain to the topic.