It is possible to get a 3/4 ton to have a higher tow rating than the 1-ton depending on how it is outfitted. Anyway, if I remember right, a 3/4 ton is 8600lbs gvw, the 1-ton srw is 9900lbs gvw, and the dually is 11,500lbs gvw. All HD trucks should have a 11.5 AAM rear axle with the dually being a little shorter due to the wheels. Basically, its all in the springs both front and back.

 

I realize that there are major differences in the numbers, I was just wondering outside of suspension (one rear leafdifferenceonly!?!? that is surprising...) if there was any difference in other MAJOR components, such as rear axle was different or something like that (I have an 11.5" rear end). Also, are the 3500 front axles 9.5" also or are some of them something bigger?

I was thinking that later on (5 years down the road or so) on getting a large car hauler (40+ foot) and really need to go to 5th wheel for that... I want to get a 3500, but I promised the wife this truck was it for a LONG time (never should make promises like that...), and having heard all that everyone has to say it sounds like doing some "minor" modifications to the rear end can make towing a 5th wheel safer. I was thinking maybe converting to dually and putting a flatbed on the truck... who knows, just always trying to gather information
Thanks!

 

a little $$ will get things done!

yrs ago I had a chevy 3/4 hd lb it had a 1 1/4ton rear end..the next step was 1 1/2..13.5" rear drums...

the dodges should pretty much be the same dif..numbers on the side and a leaf or two..makes me wonder now, my 93 has 2 sets of leafs..but its a 3/4t.....

 

So what say you if I swap my current rear leaves with those off of a 3500 SRW. I looked up the differances in the trucks.
All the same specs:
2500 - payload 2246, towing 13100
3500 SRW - Payload 3212, Towing 15950

If the only differance is in the springs, I have a 2500HD???? What ya'lls think?

My Dream 5er which I plan to buy next spring is 15900 fully loaded with a hitch weight of 2800. I can't afford to trade in the rig for a one ton now. I wanna keep her forever.

 

air bags

 

I'm wondering the exact same thing. I have a 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 HD CTD. I was thinking about upgrading to a larger 5th wheel which would technically overload a 2500 but would be in the range of a 3500. I don't want to trade my truck in for a 3500. If the only difference is the overload spring, then if I add one, do I have a a truck that has the towing capabilities of a 3500? Are we 100% sure that the only difference between the two is the overload spring?

 

well. . .there is another difference. . .the sticker on the door that states the load capacity so when Mr. Copper pulls you over, pulls out the weight scale, and sees your overloaded.

I havent seen that happen though, heck I saw a F250 pulling a 55 foot 5vr. now that was a sight.

just remember. . .with these trucks it is not about pulling, or loading, it is about stopping the load you are pulling.

 

Very true Drew, but my mod list in order to pull this guy also includes an exhaust brake as well. I thought about the air bags as well, but couldn't find a good system. There is a company called Helwig I found on summit racing that has a set of springs that say a level ride at 3500 lbs in the bed. Now that would definitely suffice. Drew do you know of a good set of supplemental bags?

 

dangit, now that you ask me I cannot think of the company name off the top of my head. the bags only increase capacity and do nothing for the suspension. . .or you can go all out and get a http://www.keldermanairride.com/

Edit: BTW, I stood next to big red. . .that thing is a MONSTER

 

I looked at tht. I mentione in another thread that that particular kit is fan-freakin-tastic, but cost prohibitive. I am speaking of the four link, because the other bag systems do not add anything but smoothness to the ride.... Big red is sweet and if you look at their site.. Sold!!