I realize there has been many questions asked about this and I have read quite a few but still doesn't really answer my curiosity completely, so here it goes...Say if I need to use the truck 60-70% of the time not towing and expect to use it daily on all road conditions including typical North East potholes, do these two make much differences? Or does brand make more difference? From my understanding, GM models ride the best...

I'm not sure about Ram and GM, but with Ford the SRW 350 is identical to the 250. The only possible difference is a single upper overload spring and a taller rear spacer block under the suspension. Both of these items can be had on a 250 as well based on packages ordered. They can also both be added after the fact for cheap money. With Ford, the 250 is de-rated on paper to fill a different market segment is physically the same truck. That said, the two will ride identically...When buying new and ordering I would and did go 350 as the price difference is less than 800 and someday states may start checking private rigs for weight. If I was buying off the lot and found the perfect deal on a 250, I wouldn't hesitate to grab it though. As to ride, I would say either Ram 2500 with it's full air suspension option, the Ram 3500 with it's rear suspension, or any GM product with IFS will ride better than a Ford SD. I'm hoping Ford comes out with some ride enhancement in the 2017 re-design without sacrificing strength.

taken wrote:I'm not sure about Ram and GM, but with Ford the SRW 350 is identical to the 250. The only possible difference is a single upper overload spring and a taller rear spacer block under the suspension. Both of these items can be had on a 250 as well based on packages ordered. They can also both be added after the fact for cheap money. With Ford, the 250 is de-rated on paper to fill a different market segment is physically the same truck. That said, the two will ride identically...GM is similar between the 2500 and 3500 SRW. slightly higher spring rates in the back, not much else. In fact prices are almost identical between the two, there are some occupant feature differences around safety etc. but not much. I would expect them to ride similarly.Interestingly at least on the GMC Denali you would need to look at the VIN or door sticker to know if it was a 3/4 or 1 ton. Badges on both just Say Denali HD, no 2500 or 3500 Designation.around here, 3500 standard (short) box crew cab SRW trucks are virtually impossible to find on the dealer lot. long box, a few, but the vast majority on the new car lots are duallys. I would have needed to factory order the 1 ton, and given it gave up a few safety features avaiable on the 3/4 ton and the 3/4 ton had more than enough payload for our trailer went with the 3/4 ton. But be aware that a crew cab diesel 4x4 from any of the three is going to have a payload of 2200-2600lbs at most. They all weigh 7500+ lbs empty with a 10,000GVW. One ton SRW adds another 1500lbs to payload roughly since empty weight is usually very close to the same 3/4 ton configuration.As far as ride between mfg, best thing to do is go for a test ride and see what you think. they all ride pretty good. What I like in ride may be something you hate. Our son has had a ford and dodge 3/4 ton work truck, and driven both our GM's and prefers the GM ride. He now has my 04.5 duramax. But again best thing to do is drive each one and decide.

My take on this is to go with a 350/3500. Very little if any difference in ride over a 250.Better payloadBetter resaleVery little difference is cost.

I went from a 2500 series Ram to a Chevrolet 3500 dually. Wish I had started out this way. Very little difference in ride, comfort, mileage.B.O.

Don't know about Ford & Chevy, but the Ram 2500 & 3500 cost about the same. However, there's a big difference in payload capacity with the diesel versions. Typical Ram 2500 diesel (CC) only has 2000-2200 lbs. of payload, whereas the same truck as a 3500 has 3500-3800 lbs. of payload. IMO, that is a lot of capability to give up just for the 2500's coil spring rear suspension.

3/4t vs 1t differences | Good Sam Community

taken
Explorer II
Jul 12, 2015
Actually, if you go back and look at 99% of your posts in every thread, it's always about your awesome truck... Even when it has nothing to do with the thread.... Like this one... You either work in Ram/Cummins is great or you rag on other brands. It gets old reading that daily. Maybe you don't notice yourself doing this? Yes, we all know you live your truck. I would like it too as its a nice rig indeed. But haven't we covered that enough?
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jul 12, 2015
" If you need to make yourself feel like a man by saying mine is wrong, go for it"

Don't believe I said anything negative about your truck. All the above I stated are facts but the interior comfort that is opinion.

But hey have a good weekend and thanks for the compliment!
taken
Explorer II
Jul 12, 2015
All valid points. I could make just as many for Ford. Buy what you want and I'll buy what I want. I think you have a very nice truck. I just like mine better. Brand preference is opinion based on what each individual buyer finds important, not fact. I won't tell you yours is wrong. If you need to make yourself feel like a man by saying mine is wrong, go for it.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jul 12, 2015
Picking the pump is not just "ONE" thing it's a really BIG thing.

Then we can go onto a true Medium Duty engine, transmission, class leading and backed up by SAE ratings.

Hitch prep from the factory that will accept a 25K/6,500# rated hitch.

15K oil changes, lift the hood you can still see an engine under there, top quality comfortable for hours interior.

Handles 32,540# combined with ease!
BenK
Explorer
Jul 12, 2015
Wow...11 pages...din't read all and had stopped posting on this
when it went oblique for me...

#1...ride quality is more 'car' stuff, IMHO. Not on my 'have to
have' list for TV's/trucks. Very low on my 'nice to have' list for
TV's/trucks

#2 Philosophically...do you, the OP or heck anyone here, size things
for the good days out there or for that day Mr Murphy crosses
your path? Or just cross your fingers and hope it only happens
to the other guy???

Been in technology all my life and the best design metric taught
to me while still in college working part time as a designer:

"....all things engineered/designed are for that worst day out
there...not for the good days when any design will do...."

#3 So, the OP says 60%-70% of the time used as a 'car'...but how
about those 40%-30% of time used as a truck?

Not if, but 'when' Mr Murphy crosses your path...will you have the
properly sized and setup TV/Trailer?

There will be no time to go back to the store for bigger/better.....nor...
time to resetup

Either it is there spot on or not

I size my stuff in hopes of having the most and best for that
day Mr Murphy crosses my path...of which he has a few too many
times...

PS...so many think it only happens to the other guy...ask him
if that was his thinking too...

PPS...Darwin had something to say about this type of thing...

Acei wrote:
I realize there has been many questions asked about this and I have read quite a few but still doesn't really answer my curiosity completely, so here it goes...

Say if I need to use the truck 60-70% of the time not towing and expect to use it daily on all road conditions including typical North East potholes, do these two make much differences? Or does brand make more difference? From my understanding, GM models ride the best...
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jul 12, 2015
I dont bo both ways, I keep it straight ;)
taken
Explorer II
Jul 12, 2015
If that makes you feel better, say it loud and proud...LOL

Picking one thing on a vehicle and saying that makes it better is kind of silly to me. I like AND dislike things on Ram, Ford, and GM. When I bought my truck I picked the vehicle that had the most things I liked and the least I didn't. They all have pros and cons. When I buy my next one I will do the same. Ford has no inside track so it could go any of three ways. YMMV...
Me_Again
Explorer III
Jul 12, 2015
taken wrote:
Anyone who get's excited about any one brand over any other for any reason other than looks or options has been living in a cave for the last 10 years... They are all good. Pick a flavor and be happy...

They will all be on the same plane when and if RAM switches to the CP4.2, until then it is head and shoulders above those with that injection pump. Chris
taken
Explorer II
Jul 12, 2015
Anyone who get's excited about any one brand over any other for any reason other than looks or options has been living in a cave for the last 10 years... They are all good. Pick a flavor and be happy...
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jul 12, 2015
taken wrote:
up2nogood wrote:
Cummins12V98 wrote:
"Maybe the 2017 redesign will change that?"

And the frame won't twist!

Couldn't help yourself :h

No no... he's right. We are all jealous of his truck.

That's funny!

You have to admit 18 years is a long time on the same platform. But hey why change if people keep buying them.