What are the major differences between 1500 Ram and 2500. I am speaking mainly mechanical differences. What makes the 2500 tow more than the 1500, assuming they were both 5.7 Hemis.

 

The 1500 has a weaker frame axles and springs. The receiver is also a slightly different design. Member unless you get a weight distributing system or a fifth wheel both trucks are limited to towing 5000 lbs. (per mopar http://moparestore.trademotion.com/m...tch%20Receiver).

 

The 5.7L Hemi in the 2500 makes 380Hp @400ft Lbs while the same engine in the 1500 makes 390HP @407ft Lbs. This actually gives the 2500 actually a worse power to weight ratio than the 1500. As pointed out the greater towing capacity of the 2500 comes from the frame, bearings etc. No doubt the 2500 is stouter than the 1500 but I am left to wonder, given the same weight to pull, would the 1500 then outpace the 2500? I cannot fathom why the 5.7L is detuned in the 2500, does anybody know the underlying logic behind this?

 

but I bet if we overlaid the power curves the 2500 would have an edge somewhere. At least I would hope it does.

 

Yes, this may well be. I just have not been able to find the power curve on the 2500 Hemi. I would be surprised if it didn't have an edge somewhere.

 

I think that the 2500 has a less aggressive timing curve and possibly cam. This means you have less chance of knock under the heavier loads that the 2500 is expected to see. It also means lower HP numbers.

 

I love the hemi, but in a 2500 with dodges great automatic transmisson, you are left to ask just where are the 380 horses.

I bet the hemi is detuned to keep the transmisson alive. only rear differance is a a 3/4 rear ton suspension ie leafs, and a car suspension, rear coil springs on the 1500 Ram.

 

Cyclone I beg to differ. The rear has a completely different axle... hence the different wheel bolt pattern. The tranny in the hd is far stronger than that in a 1500... it can stand up to the additional few HP that the 1500 has.

 

yes, 2500 axles are stronger, vers 1500 axles, I just assumed every one all ready understood that, but, from my ownership expierances, 2500 drive line with non serviceable u joints has proven to be not up to standard of a HD truck, I may have a querky truck, but don't asume the 2500 drive line is bullet proff vers a 1500 Ram with its querks.

 

my 01 Ram 2500 CTD i just sold put 590hp 1240tq to the wheels, the stock rear and axles lasted 180k, sold it with 230k. If thats not heavy duty I dont know what is.