Hi, I'm looking at getting a new Chevy while the deal is going on. I've been looking at dealer inventories and have seen that I can get a 3500 series truck for just about the same price as a 2500HD.

I'm lookin gto get a crew cab, long bed D/A 4x4. Is there a big difference in the ride quality or is the 3500 a lot harsher? Any opinions? Thanks.

3500 has an additonal leaf spring on each side, so yes it would cause a harsh ride with no load. Not sure how much harsher but it would probably help if you swap out for a set of Bilstein.

I just switched from a 2500HD to a 3500. Only minor difference in ride quality, and only in the back. Hard to explain, but on 99% of the roads I drive daily, I can't tell a difference. Only when I hit a pothole, do I feel the rear end's more harsh/sharp. Of course, I haven't adjusted air pressure in the tires yet (they are all at 70psi) so that could contribute also (my 2500HD was set at 60 front and 50 rear when unloaded).

I wouldn't let the ride turn you off from the 3500.

SRW or DRW? Still the dually's really don't ride that bad. My '93 dually used to buck me down the road, the new one's are 100% better.

I'd be looking at a single rear wheel 3500 if I went that route.

I got an 05 3500 cc SRW and it rides great, just drop the rear air pressure to around 55-60 when unloaded and its fine, I dont see how it can be any different than a 2500, just get the 3500 so u have the extra capacity if u need it.

I just picked up a 05 3500 DRW today, and traded an 04.5 SRW 3500,and the DRW rides a whole lot better, and seems easier to track down the road witha all tha bigg butt rubber on the back.

Thanks for all your input. I'm leaning to buying the 3500. I just have to find one now as with the big sale, stuff is flying off the dealer lots. I may end up with the 2500HD. We'll see.

I have had both a 02 CC 4X4 LB SRW HD 2500 and now a 05 HD3500 exactly like the 02. 75,000 mi on 02, and 20,000 mi on 05. Both equipped almost exactly alike and with Bilsteins. Can't tell ANY difference in ride no matter what the use, empty, heavily loaded, or towing trailers. Rode as a passenger in a new Dodge the other day - terrible ride, very rough!

:exactly:

Interesting... I thought the ride of my new 3500 SRW was maybe the worst of any truck I've owned. My wife thought the ride of the 2500HD was too "soft" when we test dorve them back in '02, so they must have really stiffened up the 2500s if you guys say they are similar. The Bilsteins make the ride just acceptable as far as I'm concerned, I'm pissed that they don't come standard issue...

If you guys want to see where the competition is really going, go test drive an '05 Ford F350 SRW. It's rated to carry a whole hell of a lot more than we can as well as tow more. My guess is that will be GM's target to beat for their '07 models. And don't jump down my throat, go drive one and then pipe up. The new Ford has an unbelievable ride for the weight it can carry...

I think that the heavier rear spring pack of the 3500 is a distinct advantage and a good thing. My 3500 rides excellent with Bilsteins installed. If you start to engage the overloads, the ride can get harsh...