also under the old price according to cars.com the power pack option
msrp invoice
2500hd ext cab lb 4x4 lt3 $6,335 $5,258
3500srw ext cab lb 4x4 lt3 $6,010 $4,988
and camper mirrors on 3500srw $230 msrp $198 invoice
2500hd $55 msrp $46 invoice
Indeed the PDN PowerPkg.
is less expensive on a 3500SRW than a 2500HD, even on trim levels where the $1,095 MT1 auto. trans. is standard.
The latest prices on
www.edmunds.com show that on any 2500HD with a standard auto trans (LT2 & LT3), the PDN is $7,555 / $5,742 (MSRP/inv.).
On
any 3500SRW, the PDN is $7,230 / $5,495 (MSRP/inv.) - a savings of $325 (MSRP) - including on the LS 2dr Reg. Cab 2WD, which is for some strange reason already $600 less than its 2500HD counterpart.
The $325 difference is explained by the fact that the 3500SRW PDN doesn't include the locking rear differential (which is $325), but the locker is apparently standard on the 3500SRW.
There must be a few other differences in the standard equipment between a 2500HD and a 3500SRW.
I also wonder if the rear axle standard on the base 3500SRW is already the stronger version that is included with the 2500HD with LBZ.
The standard 3500SRW rear axle is rated at 9,200 lbs., while the standard 2500HD rear axle is only rated at 6,900 lbs. The rear spring capacities are close to the same: 6,500 lbs. vs. 6,084 lbs.
Another advantage: the 3500SRW now comes with 16"x7" wheels, vs. the 2500HD's 16"x6.5" wheels.
The 3500SRW is looking better for those of us who need a long bed.