Ram 3500 SRW daily driver?

[camp-n-family]

Anybody using a Ram 3500 diesel that can shed some light on driving it as a daily driver? I have a 2500 hemi now that drives comfortably enough. As far as I know the only difference is the extra overload springs. They won't engage unless loaded so I'm assuming the unloaded ride should be similar as my current truck?

The dealers have been calling with trade offers which I usually ignore but the latest is an offer I'd be stupid to refuse. I was planning on another Ram 2500 as I don't need a 1 ton truck but when I price out the same truck in a 3500 series it is only $400 more. Seems crazy. What am I missing?

[Whatchaupto]

camp-n-family: why would you want to buy another Ram after your apparent dissatisfaction with your current Ram after four transmission rebuilds or replacements?

[blofgren]

I find my Ram rides much better than my 2003 F-350 did. Saying that the Ford had front leaf springs where the Ram has coils. The Ram has less leaves in the rear than my Ford had but they are MUCH thicker and longer which definitely helps with the ride. Saying that, it is a 1 ton truck and I bought it for a specific job which it does well.

OP, I would recommend driving a new Ram 3500 SRW and see if the ride is that much worse than your 2500.

On edit I see that you did just that and posted while I was typing. 🙂 Congratulations on the new truck!

[camp-n-family]

Now that we have separated the men from the boys based on what make they drive, maybe we can get back on topic.

I managed to get out today to find the answer to my own question. I was able to drive 3 trucks back to back. My own '14 Ram 2500 Hemi with winter tires aired to 36psi, a '17 Ram 2500 6.7l @78psi, and a '17 3500 6.7l @76psi. The dealer wasn't able to drop the pressures for my test drives. (service bays were busy)

As I had figured, the ride was considerably different. After several concussions and some back problems I may be a bit more sensitive than others, hence the concern. I drove my truck to the dealer, then the 3500, followed by the other 2500. The exact same route for each.

The two 2500s had no real noticeable change in ride, even with the different tire pressures. If anything, the new diesel 2500 was slightly smoother Manhole covers, railway tracks and large bumps felt the similar in each truck, only slightly harsher as expected in the 3500.

The rest of the drive the 3500 was a different beast all together.
You could feel every little ripple in what appeared to be smooth roads. The truck would shudder and shake without even a crack visible in the road. The empty front seat rattled the whole way and the seatbelts would bang against the doors. By the end of the 15 minute test drive I had developed a mild headache and my back muscles had tensed up.

I expected a truck ride and am used to one, but I didn't expect to feel beat up. Maybe I'm just getting old. After driving the 2500 next my mind was made. Even for nearly identical prices I will be signing for the softer 2500.

Thanks for (most) everyone's input.

[The_real_wild1]

I think the new frame in the dodge is killing the ride. I think it was 2013?? Before that the trucks seemed to ride so much better. New frame is too stiff IMO.

[garyp4951]

Ram 3500 SRW daily driver?

This is the thread title, thank you very much.

[spoon059]

FishOnOne wrote:
And the Mafia keeps going and going.

The irony is that I am NOT blindly brand loyal, unlike you. Remember when you used to trash my for driving a Tundra? Now you trash me for driving a Ram. You have problems with anyone that doesn't drive exactly what YOU drive. It is truly sad that your self worth is defined by the vehicle you drive and your anger is raised when anyone drives something that you don't.

Again I challenge you to look through ALL of my posts and find any instance where I just blindly rail against Ford (or any other manufacturer, for that matter). You won't find it, because I don't do that. You, on the other hand, have an affinity for knocking Rams. Whatever personal vendetta you have against Ram's is just kinda sad...

[DakotaDad]

FishOnOne wrote:


And the Mafia keeps going and going.

This was a Ram thread. No mention of other brands or bashing of other brands until someone stepped in with a Chevy comment. No "mafia" activity at all.

Or does even just discussing Ram qualify as "mafia" to you now, Fish?

[FishOnOne]

spoon059 wrote:

blofgren wrote:
Fish, what is the point of your post other than stirring the pot???? Just can't help yourself can you? :R

He keeps going, and going and going... He simply cannot help himself. A thread specifically about a newer model Ram, he just cannot resist the urge to troll. No factual experience to speak of, in fact he has to bring up issues with a previous model year truck that has nothing to do with the OP's question. Then he wonders why people get sick of him...

And the Mafia keeps going and going.

[spoon059]

blofgren wrote:
Fish, what is the point of your post other than stirring the pot???? Just can't help yourself can you? :R

He keeps going, and going and going... He simply cannot help himself. A thread specifically about a newer model Ram, he just cannot resist the urge to troll. No factual experience to speak of, in fact he has to bring up issues with a previous model year truck that has nothing to do with the OP's question. Then he wonders why people get sick of him...

[FishOnOne]

blofgren wrote:

FishOnOne wrote:

The_real_wild1 wrote:
Ummm I have had four new dodges since 2008. I will take the IFS in my chevy thank you very much.

Well said... My parents 05 2500 Chevy didn't have any suspension issues when they sold it late last year.

It's very interesting that the koolaid fan boy always forgets that ram got slapped with the biggest safety recall fine in automotive history because of defective ram suspensions.

Fish, what is the point of your post other than stirring the pot???? Just can't help yourself can you? :R

You mean presenting facts to the Mafia

[blofgren]

FishOnOne wrote:

The_real_wild1 wrote:
Ummm I have had four new dodges since 2008. I will take the IFS in my chevy thank you very much.

Well said... My parents 05 2500 Chevy didn't have any suspension issues when they sold it late last year.

It's very interesting that the koolaid fan boy always forgets that ram got slapped with the biggest safety recall fine in automotive history because of defective ram suspensions.

Fish, what is the point of your post other than stirring the pot???? Just can't help yourself can you? :R

[FishOnOne]

The_real_wild1 wrote:
Ummm I have had four new dodges since 2008. I will take the IFS in my chevy thank you very much.

Well said... My parents 05 2500 Chevy didn't have any suspension issues when they sold it late last year.

It's very interesting that the koolaid fan boy always forgets that ram got slapped with the biggest safety recall fine in automotive history because of defective ram suspensions.

[The_real_wild1]

Ummm I have had four new dodges since 2008. I will take the IFS in my chevy thank you very much.

[Me_Again]

The_real_wild1 wrote:
Or buy a chevy and not worry about the ride lol

But then one has a Chevy with IFS! Chris

[The_real_wild1]

Or buy a chevy and not worry about the ride lol