Is there a reason why so many here get a 1500 and then add lift kits with bigger tires then change the gear ratio rather than starting with a 2500 that is already higher?

 

They're cheaper.
Usually less beat into the ground second or third hand.

 

^^^^^ exactly

 

^And those are the ONLY reasons I wanted a 1500.
lol

 

Some of us were stupid and didn't really consider the fact that the 3rd Gen 1500s were IFS after having a 2nd Gen 1500 that was SFA and having to deal with the constraints of an IFS system.

I went looking for a new CTD 2500 when I bought, but with all the rebates on the 1500s that the 2500s didn't have, coupled with the fact that the dealers were not only not discounting CTD, but instead charging a $2500 "ADJUSTED MARKET VALUE" fee over and above retail, I bought a 1500 Hemi 4x4 for over $17,000 less than I could have bought a CTD for that only stickered for $9000 more!
Having only averaging about 8k miles a year on my trucks coupled with the fact that the heaviest thing I towed at the time was a 3000 lb. bass boat/trailer, I opted for the 1500. I considered a 2500 Hemi, but it had NO rebates, so even it would have been about $4500 higher, for a heavier truck that would not have performed as well as the 1500.

In hindsight, I'd prolly do it all over again. At one time I wanted to go higher with larger tires, but I'm past that now and am willing to live within the constraints of an IFS 1500. Still can't justify that kinda difference for a CTD. Of course now, with diesel fuel through the roof, they are willing to deal on diesels that they weren't doing back in '04...

 

I bought my 2500 used in January. When I look at prices the used 2500's with Hemi's run aboud the same as the 1500 with Hemi's. I was primarily buying the used truck as a tow vehicle so I wanted to have plenty of payload. The older 1500 QC have pretty low payload limits. I am staying with stock tire size because I am a tow with it. You have a really cool looking truck. My 2500 seems to be pretty much level as a bought it. I think the rear wheel well is about 1/2 inch higher than the front.

 

The truck I really wanted was a 2006 2500 Cummins Laramie...since that barely exists here I would have settled for a 2006 2500 Hemi Laramie...that also barely exists...so I bought the 2006 1500 Hemi Laramie that I have now.

 

The only 2500 I want is a 5.9 cummins. Actually, that's about the only truck I do want haha. Does any know the difference in gas mileage between the 1500 and 2500 hemi? Or this there even a difference?

 

The 1500 should be slightly better in city because its lighter. The solid front axle on the 2500 probably has more drag than the FWD on the 1500. At highway speeds the only real effect would be the 2500 sits higher stock than the 1500. They usually have different gear ratios but if you had the same gear ratios and tires. I would expect maybe 1 MPH difference. Mine gets around 16 if I reset the console on the highway give or take a little based on wind conditions at 60-65 MPH.

 

Upfront price difference, for one. Extra maintenance/cost of ownership (2500), for two. Better ride quality (1500), for three.