Wondering if there is much ride difference when empty between the two since the 3500 has about 2500 lbs. more GVW. I did notice last fall when I was trying 2500's, the longer wheelbase in the megacab seemed to make it feel like a better ride. I know, I need to drive it myself, but until that happens curious what others found. Thanks!

I just made that swap this weekend, going from a 2014 2500 6.4L with the coil spring, to a 3500 Cummins. Both are SRW short beds.The 2500 did ride better, but the difference was not as dramatic as I expected. The 3500 is not the "crashy" lumber wagon of one-tons from years ago. It's stiffer for sure, but still pretty well composed. Then again, I've had it for only three days, and haven't hit the worst local roads yet. Final outcome still pending.But it IS worth trying both out. So far, I've been pleasantly surprised. Hopefully that impression holds up over the long run.

We made the switch about a month ago now. Went from a 2012 mega cab 2500 Hemi to the 2016 crew cab 3500 Cummins. Both short beds obviously. But haven't noticed much difference in the rides. We live off of a really well driven road( beat to death)and then a dirt driveway. Just over 1000 miles on her and like we said its nothing noticeable in ride I'd say.

When I was shopping for this one, the ride difference between a 2500 we test drove and the 3500 we bought wasn't as dramatic as I would've expected. So I bought the 3500 for the extra payload. Either would've done the job. That said, I didn't get a chance to test drive the 2500 loaded, nor did they have one in either flavor equipped with air ride. If you can find one of those, I'd be interested to know the difference.

IDoMyOwnStunts wrote:nor did they have one in either flavor equipped with air ride. If you can find one of those, I'd be interested to know the difference.Yes, actually the 3500 I am looking at has the air ride, so that might help a bit.

my 3500 is bouncy empty, but ride good when loaded. we went with the 3500 for cargo ability. look at the above posts about buying a 2500 just to find out it is not eneough

Ram 2500 (coil spring) versus Ram 3500 (with opt air ride)

38 Replies

Cummins12V98
Explorer III
May 17, 2016
Perrysburg Dodgeboy wrote:
You guys running DRW had better be careful about how much you deflate your rear tires! Even unloaded the tires can rub on the inside going over bumps or hauling even minimal loads in the box. This will over heat the tires and can cause a blow out.

Don

At 35psi on my Dually rear tires there is no contact or even close. It's all about the load placed with the proper inflation.
Perrysburg_Dodg
Explorer
May 17, 2016
You guys running DRW had better be careful about how much you deflate your rear tires! Even unloaded the tires can rub on the inside going over bumps or hauling even minimal loads in the box. This will over heat the tires and can cause a blow out.

Don
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
May 16, 2016
whjco wrote:
Unfortunately, I can't offer a comparison but I can say that I'm surprised at how well our 2015 2500 Ram rides. While there's some stiffness, it's not the harsh ride of HD pickups of years past. And we've hooked our TT and it says dead level.

Yes that is what I really like is no matter the load the truck looks the same loaded or unloaded. Both pics with truck in Alt ride mode.

Rear axle weight is 9,580 with about 5,500# pin.

I know some will like to know this, the ground to top of bed at the back corner is 55" with Alt ride mode set.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
May 16, 2016
DmaxWW wrote:
Cummins12V98 wrote:
thecdnmole wrote:
Well I finally got to see this airrdie setup on a 3500 SRW Ram and it looks more like helper bags than actual suspension. The amount of leaf springs looks close, I didn't have time to count and measure thickness between one with and without the air. I thought it was more like a highway tractor setup with the airbags doing all the load, but does not appear so. Not sure if it's worth $1500 CDN unless your loading up to the max in payload.

The bags ARE carrying the load. The springs are there to control axle wrap and position axle.

There are two full length springs and two that go from the axle to the front spring support.

I feel the system is worth every $$$. The truck rides near level instead of AZZ high solo and rides level when towing no matter the weight up to RAWR. The ride is very nice.

The 2016 has a different spring setup with the level air, mine has 3 full length springs with a 4th one going to the front, guess they changed something on the 2016.

Interesting! I wonder if the long springs remained the same thickness?

I would like to know why the change. I run not too far from the RAWR and the truck performs extremely well.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
May 16, 2016
thecdnmole wrote:
Cummins12V98 wrote:

The bags ARE carrying the load. The springs are there to control axle wrap and position axle.

There are two full length springs and two that go from the axle to the front spring support.

I feel the system is worth every $$$. The truck rides near level instead of AZZ high solo and rides level when towing no matter the weight up to RAWR. The ride is very nice.

Thanks Cummins, your picture helps as it was fricken cold when I looked and didn't have time to really check it out. I can see how the leafs that are there are more for stability and control. Next thing now is a test drive!

Make sure you lower the rear tire pressure to 35. My truck when it was delivered had 80 in the rear and 70 in the front and it was not a good ride! My truck is a Dually.
whjco
Explorer
May 16, 2016
Unfortunately, I can't offer a comparison but I can say that I'm surprised at how well our 2015 2500 Ram rides. While there's some stiffness, it's not the harsh ride of HD pickups of years past. And we've hooked our TT and it says dead level.
Vette_Racer
Explorer
May 15, 2016
Cummins12V98 wrote:
thecdnmole wrote:
Well I finally got to see this airrdie setup on a 3500 SRW Ram and it looks more like helper bags than actual suspension. The amount of leaf springs looks close, I didn't have time to count and measure thickness between one with and without the air. I thought it was more like a highway tractor setup with the airbags doing all the load, but does not appear so. Not sure if it's worth $1500 CDN unless your loading up to the max in payload.

The bags ARE carrying the load. The springs are there to control axle wrap and position axle.

There are two full length springs and two that go from the axle to the front spring support.

I feel the system is worth every $$$. The truck rides near level instead of AZZ high solo and rides level when towing no matter the weight up to RAWR. The ride is very nice.

The 2016 has a different spring setup with the level air, mine has 3 full length springs with a 4th one going to the front, guess they changed something on the 2016.
minnow
Explorer
May 15, 2016
CampingN.C. wrote:
So the 3500's with bags have a different leaf package than the standard 3500 without bags? Or am I reading that wrong?

Yes that is correct.
CampingN_C_
Explorer
May 15, 2016
So the 3500's with bags have a different leaf package than the standard 3500 without bags? Or am I reading that wrong?
thecdnmole
Explorer
May 15, 2016
Cummins12V98 wrote:

The bags ARE carrying the load. The springs are there to control axle wrap and position axle.

There are two full length springs and two that go from the axle to the front spring support.

I feel the system is worth every $$$. The truck rides near level instead of AZZ high solo and rides level when towing no matter the weight up to RAWR. The ride is very nice.

Thanks Cummins, your picture helps as it was fricken cold when I looked and didn't have time to really check it out. I can see how the leafs that are there are more for stability and control. Next thing now is a test drive!