I've done some searching here, but not finding the answers I'm looking for, so I'm hoping for some help.

I currently own a 1999 Ram 1500 w/ 140k miles, but am looking to replace it with a slightly used truck. Something 2 - 4 years old and less than 50k miles. I will want to put 33" tires on it if they'll fit and I don't want to lift it. Not interested in other mods, execpt cosmetic.

I don't 4-wheel much, except to get thru some woods or thru the snow once in a while. I pull a small ski boat (less than 5000 lbs) occassionally.

I know I want the 5.7 Hemi. So based on that info, what should I be looking for - a 2500 or 1500?

Help me pick my next truck.

Thanks in advance!

 

1500 if your a woman, 2500 for the bigboys

No, Actually 1500 is a softer more comfortable ride in general, Great for occasional 4x4 and pulling, If thats all your gonna do go with the 1500 and save a few bucks. The main difference between the 1500 and the 2500 is a solid front axel in the 2500 and a beefier suspension. the Solid axel is near bullet proof thus making it great for hauling real heavy loads and offroading, The trade off is a bit more of a "Truck" ride. The 1500 has a independent front suspension, making the ride a bit smoother.

With all this said, 33" tires will fit without problems on either. In fact I beleive the SLT and up packages all come stock with 20" wheels and 33" tires. With leveling the front by about 2" You can easily clear 35" tires without issues.

Of course all of this is being typed assuming you are looking at 2003 and up rams.

 

Sounds like some good advice. Anyone else?

 

Traker1001 is right. You tow a good amount with the 1500. It should be easier to find an used 1500 that wasn't beaten on. With the saving some money getting a 1500 you could get a pretty new one.

 

I have a 1500 and if money is not an issue or if you find a 2500 around the same price I would go ahead and go 2500.

 

2500 is so much better. Ride is not as bad some might expect, THe front steering stablizer really makes the 2500 cut cornors, now a 2500 is not a sports car, but you will be surprised how well a 2500 handels.

The hemi has more than enough grunt in a 2500, but its not as quick as a 1500 due to the gearing, its more of a work truck than a pssenger car, and the week links of the 1500 are gone, leaky rack and pion, cv joints, c clips ( rear axel )

Out of the box, the 2500 has higher ground clearance, 1500 and 2500 hemi are really close in real time mpg, Ironic because the 2500 hemis dont have mds.

Rear axles ratios in the 2500 are 373 and 410, i think the 1500 ram has the 392, but add the taller 20+ inch rims vers the 2500 17 in rims and thier real close in mpg.

if you want a drag racer, the 2500 is not built for it ( thier by no means slow, mine can hit 120 mph stock tune , true duals, voalant cai, don't drive any where near close to those speeds, well I did once..... ) But stop light to stop light 1500 Ram waxs me....

 

sounds like the 1500 is right for you since you dont sound like a hard core trucker. i would get the 2500 if you have some really hard work to do like towing 9000 lb trailers. the 1500s would be cheaper and have more comfort. you dont need a 2500 for driving around town

 

I had an '07 1500 QC 4x4 that I traded for an '08 2500 because I needed the extra payload.

The suspension is stiffer (very noticeable on speed bumps) and it's a couple of inches tallers, but nothing jumps out at me as obviously different in handling.

 

Thanks a million for all the advice. I keep going back and forth, and now I'm leaning back toward a 1500.

 

Consider this, for the price of a base 2500 hemi, You can get a SLT 1500 RAM HEMI tow package with all the extras. Now if you want a Powerhouse that can tow an amazing amount of load and capabilites of being very fast for not a lot of mulah, get a Cummins Turbo Diesel. The only reason I didn't is the diesel fuel prices.