1500 to 2500
#11
04-12-2006, 05:34 AM
RE: 1500 to 2500
I also read somewhere that the 2500 leaf springs are 3" wide and the 1500 springs are only 2.5" wide. If that is true, then there is no way to "just bolt them up" You would have to change spring hangers and shackle mounts making the job quite involed once you consider the cutting and welding that would have to be done.
Also, on the rear axle, 1500's use the Dodge 9.25" in the rear, not the Dana 44, that is the front axle.
Also, on the rear axle, 1500's use the Dodge 9.25" in the rear, not the Dana 44, that is the front axle.
#12
04-12-2006, 07:35 AM
RE: 1500 to 2500
ORIGINAL: superroofer
I have a 99 1500 5.9L magnum 4x4. I pull a lot of trailers for my horse refuge and have been debating on upgrading to a bigger truck. The truth of the matter is that I can't afford a new truck, but a friend told me that I could upgrade mine to a 2500 for just 2-3k. I was told that the motor,tranny, and rear end are the same between the two, that I would only need to beef up the suspension and maybe buy a superchip to help performance. Has anyone else atempted this? If so what were the results and can you give me some pointers please. Thanks in advance for any and all help
I have a 99 1500 5.9L magnum 4x4. I pull a lot of trailers for my horse refuge and have been debating on upgrading to a bigger truck. The truth of the matter is that I can't afford a new truck, but a friend told me that I could upgrade mine to a 2500 for just 2-3k. I was told that the motor,tranny, and rear end are the same between the two, that I would only need to beef up the suspension and maybe buy a superchip to help performance. Has anyone else atempted this? If so what were the results and can you give me some pointers please. Thanks in advance for any and all help
#13
04-12-2006, 12:21 PM
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RE: 1500 to 2500
ok where to start.
You could make your 1500 like a 2500 by doing an axle swap but that would take more mechanic skills than you have.
Just trade yours in on a 2500 or 3500.
But beware, Dodge made a light duty 2500 with a 8 lug D44 in the front and 2.5" wide springs in the back. So, just because its got 8 lugs doesnt make it a real 2500.
Also the front suspension in a V8 gasser is exactlly the same as the 1500, you wont get any lift from the coils if put into your 1500. If there is a V10 or Cummins in the 2500 than the springs are much stiffer and will provide lift on a 2500 v8 gasser or a 1500 .
The axle configurations can vary, but on a 2500 V8 HD it is D60/D60. On a V10 and cummins it is D60/ D70 or D80.
different gears where avaiable via factory If a towing package was ordered than a 3:73 or a 4:10 could be in the differentials.
One more thing. Different suspension options were available. Not via the coils, but via the coil buckets. Did you ever notice that some dodges sit higher than others Even though they are the same model? they just raised the coil bucket to make the front sit higher. If you look on the spec tag there is an option code that reflects it.
You could make your 1500 like a 2500 by doing an axle swap but that would take more mechanic skills than you have.
Just trade yours in on a 2500 or 3500.
But beware, Dodge made a light duty 2500 with a 8 lug D44 in the front and 2.5" wide springs in the back. So, just because its got 8 lugs doesnt make it a real 2500.
Also the front suspension in a V8 gasser is exactlly the same as the 1500, you wont get any lift from the coils if put into your 1500. If there is a V10 or Cummins in the 2500 than the springs are much stiffer and will provide lift on a 2500 v8 gasser or a 1500 .
The axle configurations can vary, but on a 2500 V8 HD it is D60/D60. On a V10 and cummins it is D60/ D70 or D80.
different gears where avaiable via factory If a towing package was ordered than a 3:73 or a 4:10 could be in the differentials.
One more thing. Different suspension options were available. Not via the coils, but via the coil buckets. Did you ever notice that some dodges sit higher than others Even though they are the same model? they just raised the coil bucket to make the front sit higher. If you look on the spec tag there is an option code that reflects it.
#14
04-12-2006, 03:13 PM
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#15
04-12-2006, 08:09 PM
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#16
04-12-2006, 08:13 PM
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