Coming from an F350 - no overload springs on 3500?

[champ198]

Hi everyone,

This may sound like a really dumb question, but here goes. Just got my first RAM truck, a 2016 3500 Tradesman, 4x4, 6.7, crew cab. I noticed that it does not have the extra rear overload spring leaf like the F350 I used to have. I assume this is normal on a 3500?

Also, where can I find an affordable fuel tank skid plate?

Many thanks
DDH

 

[opie]

Doesn't need it because you can't overload a dodge as easily as you can a ford.

Kidding, kidding. Just couldn't resist. I have no answer.


Sent from a field

 

[smurfs_of_war]

I suspect it has a lot to do with the spring weight/ rate and thickness. I think the DRW do have overloads on them, but the SRW don't. Perhaps the leaf used in the Ram differs in the rates and overloads are not required to support the weight within the GVWR specs. Just a guess.

 

[spoon059]

So the F250 and F350 are the exact same truck. The only mechanical difference is that the F350 has an additional spacer and the overload springs (which can also be spec'd on the F250, ironically...)

The 2500 and 3500 have a lot of similarities, but the rear suspensions are completely different. The 2500's use coils and the 3500's use springs. Because they aren't trying to retrofit one truck based upon another truck, Ram can use leaf springs that are progressively tuned to handle the weight without overload springs.

Duallies are completely separate beasts though, I believe they have overload springs because there isn't really an economical way to have progressive springs that can ride respectably empty and still handle 7000 lbs of payload...

 

[RubberFrog]

^ this is exactly it

 

[SouthTexan]

So the F250 and F350 are the exact same truck. The only mechanical difference is that the F350 has an additional spacer and the overload springs (which can also be spec'd on the F250, ironically...)

The F250 and F350s are exactly the same except they have different rear springs(see image below). However, like you said, you can option an F250 to have the exact same rear suspension as the F350 for $160 with the "camper package". Without this package, the F250 rear springs are very weak and are prone to sag with even the slightest weight.

 

[Jaxyaks]

That explains why so many F250's are sagging horribly in the back with light loads and small trailers. I was curious about that.

 

[Will Ram 2500]

That explains why so many F250's are sagging horribly in the back with light loads and small trailers. I was curious about that.

Try putting a pallet of ice melt in the back of an '05 F250 and it feels like the truck is going to tip over going around corners.