What practical difference is there between a 3/4 ton truck and a 1-ton truck?

[acadianbob]

In a Ford, the brakes are the same. The front springs ARE up-rated. The rear springs have an extra leaf and the leaves are up-rated; there are overloads as well. Axle ratio is a bit deeper (higher number). F350's are all 10 speeds. F250's are not. Gas trucks with 4.30 gearsets are Dana rear axle instead of Sterling.

[ppine]

For awhile I got interested in older Jeeps. I started learning about axles, diffs, and lockers. In the Jeep world many rigs come with a Dana 35 differential in the front, some have Dana 44 in the rear. The Rubicons have Dana 44 front and rear. They make a big deal about it.

So I checked my 2002 Ford F-350. It has a Dana 60 front and a Ford 10.5 inch rear. No wonder it can pull down small buildings.

[frozen]

Originally Posted by tomkatb

I am sure my Ram 2500 4wd has a #500 lighter rear axle than the 1 ton.

I know it has coil springs instead of leaf. Like a train.

Motor and transmission is the same. Perhaps different ration in the diff. dependent on years.

I've had 2 Ram 2500s with 6.7 liter Cummins, 800 ft/lbs. I ordered my 2021 Ram with the High Output version of the 6.7, 1070 ft/lbs. And the 68RFE transmission is replaced with an Aisin (not Allison) transmission. Those options are available on the 3500 only. My other Rams have been strong when towing in the Rockies, but this engine/transmission are a distinct improvement. My previous Ram had height-adjustable factory rear air suspension, the 2021 has
adjustable rear air plus leaves.

[jimmoore13]

A quarter ton. Hey, someone had to say it.

[robbiels7]

Originally Posted by aircommuter

That depends on make and year. Some take the same parts. One must look up the part numbers for the two different trucks.

I agree. My 2500. Has the same brakes as the 3500. Even the front rotors are the same. You do have to change over the wheel extensions for the drw. Also on the Ram you can't get the HO Cummins in the 2500. At least in the newer versions.

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by jimmoore13

A quarter ton. Hey, someone had to say it.

You're not the only smarta**.

Originally Posted by chriscowles

1/4 ton

[ARhappycamper]

Originally Posted by acadianbob

In a Ford, the brakes are the same. The front springs ARE up-rated. The rear springs have an extra leaf and the leaves are up-rated; there are overloads as well. Axle ratio is a bit deeper (higher number). F350's are all 10 speeds. F250's are not. Gas trucks with 4.30 gearsets are Dana rear axle instead of Sterling.

Can get the same axle ratios in the F250 as the F350. Can get a 6.2 gas with 6 speed in an F350, just like in the F250.

[Eric H.]

The biggest difference in payload comes with 4:10 gears. I don't think you can get those in 3/4 ton trucks.

[Brhehr]

In Minnesota a 1 ton truck license tabs cost $100.00 a year for the life of the truck no mater the year. A 3/4 ton is normal rate would be well over $500.00 a year and start pro-rating after that. I still pay almost a $100.00 a year for my 2004 3/4 ton.
That is why a lot of people buy 1 ton trucks in the country around here.

[KnP]

Originally Posted by AKC

Reading some recent posts where people were buying one-ton trucks made me wonder -- what is the practical difference between a 3/4-ton truck and a one-ton truck? I mean, if you got the very basic bare minimum for each. I have an F-250 and if you go online to look at the general specs, you'll see the Ford groups the 250 and 350 together. Do other manufacturers also do this?

I understand that there are upgrades available for a one-ton that aren't available for a 3/4-ton, but I'm just wondering about the difference in the basic models.

On the 2020 GM Chev/GMC Duramax 2500 and 3500 Single Rear Wheel (non dually). The difference is the rear Leaf Springs. The rest is cosmetic stuff and comfort critters. They both can pull the same, technically. Because of the rear leaf springs, the 3,500 can carry and I think, 900 lbs more and tow upto 25,000 Combined Weight (Truck + Trailer). The 2,500 is rated to I think 5,000 lbs less. The GMs 2500 and 3500 are very closed match. The engine, transmission and differentials are 100% identical. Now, if you take a 2500 and add some Air Bags or Timbrem bump stops, you could carry what the 3500 can carry and tow the same. Here is the kicker, if you get pulled over, that data plate by the door jamb, is going to dictate what you can carry legaly.

I pull our 43 Ft 5th Artic Wolf just fine, weights empty 10,000 lbs and the truck can pull 20,000 lbs. I added the Timbrem Bumps to keep the truck a bit level. The suspension does not bottoms out on the OEM bumps but these ones act like an Air Bag system with a preseted air pressure. Is for a better ride and control, and is a cheap alternative to air bags with a super easy install.

[Josephwalker58]

2020 and up Chevy 2500 & srw 3500 With Duramax diesel are the same truck except for rear leaf pack they both have the same rear differential 342 gear and 10 speed Transmission.DRW 3500 is completely different. My 2021 Chevy 2500 Duramax has 11550 gvwr max towing is 18500 pounds payload is 3500 pounds and truck curb weight is 8,038 pounds .

[justpassinthru]

Hi folks. Only difference as mentioned is payload. But also consider is it a basic level XL or a Lariat. You get where I’m going. That also depends on payload. But if you want the max in performance payload, turning radius etc. Why not at least test drive the F450 not really that much difference in pricing and you get heavy duty brakes in comparison along with the wide tracking front end that allows you to left turn u to the next lane. Can’t do that in a 250 or 350. That added spring and being a F450 puts you in a 1.5 ton P/U / verses a 3/4 or 1 ton. So for me more security while towing. More stability with a dually I know can’t run it through a car wash. Etc etc. But I own it for towing and security. At least gets me out exercising washing it. Just my 2 cents.

[KnP]

I was watching a video about the GVWR and CDLs. I think, the max a driver can tow without a CDL is 25,000 lbs. On the F450, the truck is great but is heavier than a 350, or 3500, or 250, 2500. I think the 450 weight around 12,000 lbs. That leave 13,000 lbs left on cargo and trailer. If you have a CDL you will be fine, without it, if you exceed 25,000 you are hosed.

IMHO, if you do NOT have a CDL, get a 250/2500 or 350/3500. You will have more flexibility to pull a 5th wheel plus cargo. If you have a CDL, the sky is the limit

[Firefighter306]

Originally Posted by BigH

The article is false regarding the GM trucks (which would make me question other things...) and because of the early falsehood I didn't see a need to finish the article.

Fact: not all GM 2500 configurations use the same rear axle housing as the 3500 series srw as was stated in the article. I had a '17 and a good friend had a '18 2500. Not his or mine had the same axle housing as a 3500 srw.

my 2020 GMC has the same axels as a 3500 the slings are the only difference but it also has a 11500 GVWR not 1000

[Firefighter306]

My 2020 GMC has a11500 GVWR the only difference between the 3500 is the springs

[graystone]

Originally Posted by AKC

Reading some recent posts where people were buying one-ton trucks made me wonder -- what is the practical difference between a 3/4-ton truck and a one-ton truck? I mean, if you got the very basic bare minimum for each. I have an F-250 and if you go online to look at the general specs, you'll see the Ford groups the 250 and 350 together. Do other manufacturers also do this?

I understand that there are upgrades available for a one-ton that aren't available for a 3/4-ton, but I'm just wondering about the difference in the basic models.

Years ago a 250 would pull more than a 350 because it weighed less. Today a 350 will carry more and pull more than a 250. You need to look at the GVW to determine which truck is right for you. 350 you can get duellies 250 you can’t. I have a 2016 fat boy or wide track. It came with a special package to pull the heaviest loads with out having to go to a 450 which a completely different running gear.

[hotrod6]

One ton pickups only come in men’s!

[graystone]

Originally Posted by justpassinthru

Hi folks. Only difference as mentioned is payload. But also consider is it a basic level XL or a Lariat. You get where I’m going. That also depends on payload. But if you want the max in performance payload, turning radius etc. Why not at least test drive the F450 not really that much difference in pricing and you get heavy duty brakes in comparison along with the wide tracking front end that allows you to left turn u to the next lane. Can’t do that in a 250 or 350. That added spring and being a F450 puts you in a 1.5 ton P/U / verses a 3/4 or 1 ton. So for me more security while towing. More stability with a dually I know can’t run it through a car wash. Etc etc. But I own it for towing and security. At least gets me out exercising washing it. Just my 2 cents.

I own both 350 dully (fat boy or wide track) it has the same steering as the 450 and a 450 service body. AAA would not insure a 450 they consider it a commercial truck even with a pick up body. The 450 rides much harder (100 psi) than the 350 (80 psi ) they steer the same unfortunately ford stopped offering the wide track after 2016 model year. That’s the main reason I haven’t replaced the truck. I pull a 45’ fifth wheel and yes I need a CDL to do it technically. Haven’t gone that far yet.

[graystone]

Originally Posted by hotrod6

one ton pickups only come in men’s!

👍🏼

[DannyLori]

Great conversation. thank you.
I am glad I own a Ford F250