2500/3500 Difference

[EXPSD]

After owning a 1999 and 2001 Ford PSD I came back to GM and am not sorry. One consistant topic on the Ford forums was the lack of difference between the 2500/3500 SD. Other then the duel wheels, higher rated tires and heavier springs they where the same. I know you can not change the manufactures rating but as far as I can see the Chev. 2500/3500 drive train and rear axile is the same. So if you go to 265(e) tires and add airbags or aux. springs you should be able to safely raise the GVW of the truck even though you have not changed the manufacturer's GVWR.

[Black Dog]

That is true. The rear axle weight rating on a 2500HD with the Dmax or 8100 (11.5" axle) is limited by the tires.

[HDLD]

I'm looking at a 5er in a year or (more likely) two so always appreciate reading this type of information.

Obviously those with SRW D/A's are limited in respect to the kingpin weight which puts restrictions on the 5er you can use even though the rest of the vehicle wouldn't complain.

What were you anticipating these changes yielding in terms of an increase in kingpin weight? (all other factors being constant)