I have a new 2010 Ram 1500 SLT quad 4x4 hemi bighorn which I really love - a good friend wants to get a 2010 Heavy Duty (2500). We were debating about how much difference there actually is in underbody parts on the 4x4 1500 vs the 2500 HD. Things such as hubs, gears, bearings, brake system, rotors, calipers, springs, shocks, arms, stabilizers, rear differentials, anything along those lines - Does anyone know exactly WHICH of those parts are upgraded in the Heavy Duty 2500's versus the 1500 Rams for 2010? I told him I did not think there were all that many differences in undercarriage parts but he thought that almost everything was heavier and upgraded underneath the 2500 rams. Does anyone know for sure what exactly the differences would be in underbody parts? Thanks.

 

I have a 2010 trx 1500 and it's been my experience that if you want a truck that you can actually use as a truck you need the 2500. The 1500 suspension is as far as I am concerned great for anyone who wants a car like ride, they just are not built or designed for much more than highway use. You can always add a lift, coil bags, etc. to beef them up, which i had to do just to haul my quad without major rear end sagging. Pretty sure my next one will be a 2500 unless they decide to change the suspension on them as well.

 

He is right nearly EVERYTHING is different. Hubs, frams, brakes, differentials, transmission, etc etc. Its all WAY bigger and heavier on the 2500. Why do you think the 2500 weighs almost 1500lbs more?

 

I disagree, I have had my truck out in some pretty unhighway like situations and it performs well and on those ruts that usually cause you to hit the roof with your head the truck takes the hit not you and you drive away on the highway in comfort not with windnoise and tire noise and vibrations etc. If you are a full time hauler or in the swamp a lot get the hd for sure especially if you are towing cause there is enough trailer tower 1500 whining threads in hear.JMHO I like my 09 1400 pay load , I put 1600 and change almost 1700 pounds of bagged cement, drove like a champ, didn't notice the load , probably would have at night the headlights would be in the trees LOL but so it sagged, hell I sag, it came back up, funny thing is I didn't notice the load at all, at all really it was bizzare. As far as exceleration....same, handling.......same. So I think the ratings are under rated , I think I will put the bags in the springs just so it doesn't look stupid when loaded and what the hell give the suspension a break and not a break.....

 

You hit many/most of the parts that are different or heavier in the 2500.

The key thing that drives most of the changes with the 2500 are the axles. A solid front axle changes pretty much every part up front...springs, shocks, brakes, steering, mounts...everything. The heavier axle in the rear and the leaf springs changes out pretty much every part associated with the rear axle & suspension.

A few other differences that come to mind: the wheels & tires are different...8 lug wheels and load range E tires. The hemi is a little different...no MDS, so it probably doesn't have the collapsible lifters like the MDS hemi does. It even has different peak power & torque numbers. No MDS alters the transmission (or at least the programming) a bit...no need for the torque converter to allow slip when MDS kicks in. The exhaust system is different...no dual exit on the 2500.

So yeah...the bodies and interiors look similar and share a lot of parts, but the trucks are very different underneath. The 1500 does some things better than the 2500, and the 2500 does some things better than the 1500. It's not like one is better than the other...just different.

 

I would hope that the frame rails are stronger, going from 1500 to 2500 Chevy, the frame rails are much wider on the 2500. They are like 6" channel on the 1500 and 8" on the 2500...don't now about Dodge though. Ever notice when you put a Chevy 1500 on a lift the truck almost bends in half...well plenty enough to notice it anyway, lol. You won't see that happen on a 2500 though, it's much stronger...I hope the Ram is the same way!

 

Traded up to 2010 Hemi 2500 Mega from a 2009 Hemi 1500 slt/trx 2 weeks ago. I really think the HD Hemi is a lot of truck for the money. Not much more than a similarly equipped 1500. The main features I traded for: longer bed (6.5 feet) greater payload (almost double) greater towing capabilitys...with better stability, mega cab roominess, hd componets.
The downside of the hd over the 1500 is much longer wheelbase, way stiffer ride, no MDS (if you want it) Ive only had the hd 2 weeks and love it so far....this baby really feels like a truck. Traded for truck in Houston and had to drive it 500 miles home........it got 18.5 mpg driving between 67-75mph. Its getting 13.5 mpg in town driving. My 1500 hemi was getting 14.5 mpg in town. This truck works for me because I do only about 5% towing mostly within 50 miles of home. For someone who does alot of heavy towing I think they would be better off with the cummins!
I am a newbie and have really enjoyed this forum lurking for last 6 months. Kudos to the moderators and members. I plan to give a full report on this truck once after Ive drivin it for awhile. Thanks everyone!

 

The Mega Cab 2500 ride is probably better than the smaller cabs so I think you made the right choice. The strength of the truck is more important than the strength of the motor. That truck with a six banger would tow better than a 1500...good choice! I like the firm ride of a heavy duty truck and I don't like the MDS anyway. You should take a look at that humongous rear end under there...that thing is huge. You won't have to worry as much about stuff breaking with that truck, lol! Put some pics up when you get the chance..I'd like to see the Mega Cab!