Differnce between F250 and F350

[bseebeck]

We own a F250 and purchased a 353RL High Country because it fit into the load ratings with room to spare. Our first trip from Fla. to Iowa started out fine, the closer we got to Ia., the closer my front jacks got to the ground. Ended up about 2 inches clearance. We went to Ford and they said nothing was wrong..."normal break in", than they told me the only difference between mine and the 350 was one leaf spring. Went to the local spring company and was told the same thing. After further checking and several calls to Ford, I received the same answer. I added the extra leaf along with rubber stabilizers, and it made a world of difference. The ride back was excellent, I might add it cost me 750 and it is a gas truck.

[TLightning]

What is the GCWR of the truck?

[K0LCB]

Tires and wheels are often lighter on F-250

[The Bone]

I had to get air bags for my truck. I think unless to drive a truck that rides like a concrete block than just add springs.
Air bags will not only improve the problem you have it will also cushion the ride when you are not towing. The air bags go between the frame and axle and push up the load to level the truck.

[1retired06]

We found it necessary to add airbags to our dually because of rear sag. Still dicey once in a while with the front levelers

[mlh]

The difference between an F250 and F350, F250 F350 sticker, the lable in the door, the rear spring and the rear end gear ratio can be different other wise every part is identical.
Lynwood

[Charli]

Had airbags on a previous truck and instructions say to always keep 5-10 lbs in them, even when not towing. I found that that 5 lbs made the ride a bit rougher than if i had them empty. Now this was on a Ram 1500 so not sure if the difference would be noticeable on a 3/4 or 1 T given their rides are already much rougher.
Ditto on the difference between the F250 and F350 being the extra leaf spring and perhaps the gear ratio. That extra leaf spring is basically an overload so won't affect the ride when empty but will help when loaded up. Even if you add the extra leaf spring to an F250 you still have an F250 if, in the unlikely event, you are stopped and weighed.

[richfaa]

I wonder why they make the 350. Mine has a extra set of wheels.

[1retired06]

quote:Originally posted by Charli

Had airbags on a previous truck and instructions say to always keep 5-10 lbs in them, even when not towing. I found that that 5 lbs made the ride a bit rougher than if i had them empty. Now this was on a Ram 1500 so not sure if the difference would be noticeable on a 3/4 or 1 T given their rides are already much rougher.
Ditto on the difference between the F250 and F350 being the extra leaf spring and perhaps the gear ratio. That extra leaf spring is basically an overload so won't affect the ride when empty but will help when loaded up. Even if you add the extra leaf spring to an F250 you still have an F250 if, in the unlikely event, you are stopped and weighed.

Unless you move to a dually what difference does it make 250 or 350 ?? Zippo when you check the tow capacity charts, recent years. Maybe pin weight?

[Art-n-Marge]

bseebeck... I had the same problem with my truck but I also had to upgrade the wheels and tires because the 17" wheels could not support the new weight rating. I now have 18" wheels and appropriate tires. You don't say what size tires you have. If you have 20" wheels and tires I believe they conform to the weight ratings. It's not unusual to purchase an F250 and option 20" tires, but while that size tires can support the additional weight, adding the extra leaf makes it all right. Good job.

To answer 1retire06's question why one would purchase an F250 versus an F350, the simple answer is cost. If you buy in California, the price difference at the dealer in 2006 was about $700 for comparably equipped F250 vs F350. I added the extra leaf and changed the wheels for about $500. So besides the minimal difference of cost, the registration fee savings will add up over time since it costs more to register an F350 versus an F250 since it has higher ratings. This is the major reason I did not fully complete the upgrade (rebadge and recertify). The only thing I lose is that I can only use the new ratings for PERSONAL use which I am okay with.

I did not do this on purpose to try and save money. I listened to a salesman and did not investigate my needs. I was able to correct everything after I found out I messed up buying an F250 instead of an F350. The newer trucks have more capability but you still need to understand weight relationships and what your needs will be.

[bigred715]

I bought a F250 in 2001. GVW 8800#. Pathetic. It had only about 1200# carrying capacity in bed. Next year bought a 2880 Montana, 31ft long and about 8800# on the trailer axles. Bumper almost dragging the pavement when I pulled out from the dealer. Got air bags right away and after weighing both rigs determined I was 1100# over my GVW. That F250 for 2001 had no carrying ability even for that small trailer. It had 3 slides and an Onan generator up front. The truck was quite heavy like most Fords and had no carrying capacity.

[Phil P]

Hi

The difference between an F250 and a F350 dully is 20 years in the pen if involved in a serious accident and the load required a F350.

Phil P

[washley1]

I got the 350 and within a year I put air bags on it. Towing ride is more stable and less bouncy. I drain the bags down to 5 PSI when not towing, and ride is OK>

[Trailer Trash 2]

I had a 96 f350 Ford new OTD. had to put air bags on to bring the headlights out of the air looked like I had the high beams on.
I now own a Ram 3500 no air bags needed, only went down 3 inches with the same trailer a 2980RL with a heavy pin weight.
happy with it as for the extra set of wheels I have a wider footprint and have no problem in a good wind very stable.

[Phil P]

Hi

You also increased your GVW by about 1,400 lbs with the second set of wheels. These trailers in the 36 ft and up range have a trailer GVW rating of 15,500 lbs and up. Until about 2013 the duel wheel trucks had a GCVW rating of about 23,500 Lbs. If you have a latter model duel wheel truck 3500 or F350 the GCVW rating is close to 30,500 lbs. These are more suited for towing these larger 5th wheel trailers.

Phil P