2016 Ram 2500 - Improving Payload

I own a 15 Ram 2500 with a 6.4. I have had 4k lbs of rock in the bed on multiple occasions and the truck sits level like a chevy at that point. The first time I loaded it with rock I just kept adding it because it didn't squat much. When I went over the scales I realized how much weight I had in it. It didn't hit the bump stops on the 30 mile trip to unload either. That's not pulling thousands of miles with a trailer on the back, but it handled the weight just fine. Personally I wouldn't worry about going over the stickered payload capacity on one of the ram trucks. I have heard but not experienced softer springs on fords though. The payload stickered number is basically a tax number anyway. The way the manufactures come up with that number has nothing to do with testing or measurements. The chassis is taxed for 10k, they weigh the truck after it is built, then subtract that from the chassis tax rating and that is where you get your payload stickered wieght. It has nothing to do with legalities, saftey, or anything like that. The real limiting factor is your tire capacities and the axle ratings. However that being said, when some guy comes and puts 8k in the bed of his 2500 that might cause issues.

FYI ring gear on a 3500 is larger than a 2500 but they use the same housing.