ram 2500 vs 3500

Hello.Been a mechanic most of my life,work little now because of injuries,and will try to explain some things.The "1/2 ton,3/4 ton, c10,c20,f150,f250" designations have been so warped/not true, or flat out lying,since the early 1970's.You need the "build sheets" of the truck you are thinking of buying.I have seen "1/2 ton" trucks have a higher load rating,and higher towing capacity, than "3/4 ton" trucks.It is all about marketing and the part of the country they are being sold.Trust no salesman.USA manufacturers have been playing this game,for many years.For years,Chrysler products had some of the best frames,but terrible drive trains.Then they fell in and adapted the same scam.Sorry to make this seem hard,but you just need to do more research, or get numbers/facts and consult here or on other sites.Just to give you an example,my Dad purchased(ordered) a 1/2 ton chevy,1974.Camper special(for hauling a in bed camper), with towing package.It came out to be a standard long bed pickup,350 engine,th400 trans,4,56 gears.Sides were marked/emblems -K10.Even though it was 2wd.Front suspension was coil spring,1 ton,2wd.Rear was single rear wheels, 12 bolt rear diff., with overload leaf springs.What frame was under that old unit?, I can only imagine it was a 1 ton frame.Anyway,hope this helps.Oh,that old truck also came with 16.5 split rims.