Differences between 1500 and 2500 Rams

[Reaper1]

OK, I've been trying to figure this one out since I got my truck. I've read on forums, done Google searches, looked at factory specs...I can't seem to get a clear answer.

I have a '99 Ram 2500 2WD 5.9 Magnum (gasser). I'm wanting to do some modifications to it (nothing really extreme), but the selection of parts for a 2500 is significantly less than for a 1500.

What I'm wanting to know is: is the position of the engine in the chassis that same between both models and what exactly is different about the front suspension?

The first question is because I want to eventually put headers on it as well as a Y-pipe. The headers I want to buy, the Y-pipe I'd rather make myself because it's much less expensive than to buy one.

The suspension question is because I want to lower the truck. I don't want to "slam" it or anything. I just want to get the body a bit closer to the ground to make getting in and out easier (especially for my wife as she's really short) as well as reduce the total frontal area of the truck to try and help get better millage.

Lowering it isn't imperative, so that's not as big of a concern as the engine placement in the chassis.

[Kryp2nitE]

I know 94-98 2wd front coils will interchange 2500 to 1500, some of the 12v cummins guys swap 1500 V6 springs in. Guessing that extended to 2002 but not 100%. I used drop shackles for the rear of my 95 from airbagit.com. Took a little grinding and had to open up the bolt holes but otherwise easy install.

I can post a picture when i get home.

No clue on the exhaust.

[Vigo]

From what ive seen when i researched for my dad's 01 1500 a few months ago:

The frames are the same. The front suspension is mostly the same. They have different springs and brakes/hubs. Not sure if the spindles are different but they probably are. The rear springs are wider (with accompanying differences in frame bracketry) and the rear end is completely different.

Pretty sure 5.9 to 5.9 the engine and trans mounts are identical.

[Reaper1]

Based on your knowledge, will lowering front springs for a 1500 work well in a 2500 (or at all)

Good to know on the engine placement.

[turismolover22]

From what I remember, like what Vigo said, framewise, they should be identical. Its the little details that seperate them. Like buying a TI 89 Pacifica, instead of the Shelby Z model. Brakes, tires, springs, rear ends, etc. But as far as most mounting changes, it wouldnt make sense for a company to make a vehicle with identical drivetrains with different engine placements, driveline geometries, etc.

[Vigo]

I think the springs will work fine!

[Reaper1]

So oddly enough somehow I stumbled across the solid answer to my question! I was just bumming around the internet and I found Belltech makes lowering springs and the associated parts for my truck. It's a -3"/-4" drop. I've got to measure, but I think that might put it exactly where I want it. The price for the entire kit is a bit steep, but the front springs themselves aren't bad.

[Vigo]

If you never put 3/4 of a ton in the back of your pickup, you can just get drop shackles fairly cheaply and then take out a couple leaves to get the same effect.

[Reaper1]

Even though right now I don't haul much more than engines and transmissions or the occasional towing of "The Junkyard", I don't want to compromise the load capacity of the truck. Lowering it, but keeping the springs in tact is a priority. I just don't need all of that ground clearance...I don't go offroad where I need that much clearance.

I have seen the aftermarket drop shackles available, I just posted the entire kit because it shows they have more than just the front springs. They also have kits that come with shocks, too. Those are overpriced, IMHO just from a glance at the numbers, but I haven't figured out if it's actually a good deal.

[ajakeski]

I swapped 1998 2500 suspension and axles (Dana 60 and Dana 80) onto my 1996 1500.

Everything bolted in except for the rear leaf springs. 2500 rear springs are wider than the 1500 springs.

Use the newer front tie rods. They were redesigned in 99 or 2000 to eliminate some of the play in the steering and the occasional Death Wobble. (When the front end shakes uncontrollably)

[Reaper1]

Thanks! That helps me out, actually. I have a 2500, so it's good to know that I can use 1500 parts on some of it. I've never experienced any kind of wobble in my front end, but it is a 2x4 and it is a '99, so that may be why.

[Ondonti]

Thanks! That helps me out, actually. I have a 2500, so it's good to know that I can use 1500 parts on some of it. I've never experienced any kind of wobble in my front end, but it is a 2x4 and it is a '99, so that may be why.

But after your K car steering complaints I can see you ordering a set right now

[ajakeski]

Wobble issues were a 4x4 problem.

[Force Fed Mopar]

An axle flip will drop you 4" in the rear....

[Reaper1]

I can't complain about my steering now! I don't need it! LMAO

I'll have to look into the axle flip. I've heard of doing it, but I don't know what's entailed. I always thought it was for more of an extreme drop...but I suppose one could argue that 4" is quite a bit.

[Vigo]

I think 4" is on the conservative side. Basically what it entails is either cutting off your spring perches and rewelding them on the other side of the axle, or welding new perches to the other side of the axle. You realistically have to take the rear end completely out of the truck and at least drop one end of the leaf springs to get the axle on top of them. It's a lot of work but it doesnt affect your load-carrying other than by reducing your available compression travel a LOT.

[Reaper1]

Hmmm...axle flip needs welding and such...no thanks. I'll stick with shackles.

[Force Fed Mopar]

It's not hard for a good welder. It can be done in the driveway with a MIG welder. New spring pads are cheap. However, shackles are cheap and simple and should be able to get you 3" of drop depending on design and location.

[Reaper1]

Now I'm at another dilemma. Spring based lowering or air ride? I've already got one person saying to stick with springs...

Thought?

[Vigo]

How about both? Take out leaves and add a helper air bag. Up front go to cut v6 springs with an internal air bag.

They wont have the show aspect of being able to go up and down rapidly because the lines will be tiny and there wont be a tank, but they'll still accomplish more or less the same thing with cheaper parts.