BowerPower
Senior Member
maybe they are different because you have an older power wagon and in 2019 when they updated the body, supposedly they did some updates to the axles. A simple search on the internet will reveal the fact the 2500 and 3500 have the same axles with the exception of the cummins HO having a bigger rear differential. The springs are different which will change the axle weight rating. From a manufacturer perspective there is no reason to make multiple different housings if the ring gear is the same.pw and nonpw 2500 arent the same front. the passenger side of the pumpkin and passenger side short tube are different and thus the lower 4750lb fawr, versus the 5600, 5750 and 6000 of a regular 2500 . these differences are very easily seen if you drive your pw to any dealer and park next to a regular 2500 and look underneath.
i do believe but cant say for 100%, the internals of all 2500 and 3500 9.25 fronts are the same ( gears, bearings, shafts, steering ujoints , etc)
When it comes to towing, the tongue weight is on the rear axle. Any heavy stuff in the bed, the weight is on the rear axle. Both of those scenarios make the front axle rating almost completely irrelevant. I would not exceed what the chassis itself is rated for 10,000 gvwr but if i were getting close to that on a regular basis id want to a dually.
A power wagon with E rated tires, and air bags towing 10,000 to 12,000 pounds is gonna feel so much better than a 1500 truck that is actually rated at 12,000 pounds towing