It's about time I got it done...

[Art-n-Marge]

My conversion from an 2006 F-250 to a 2006 F-350 has finally been completed!

Last year, I did the research on the parts difference for the F-250 versus an F-350. With everything else being equal (engine, drivetrain, brakes, shocks, differential, etc.) I found the physical differences were an additional leaf spring and brackets and the tires & wheels (larger to support the heavier weight). I also found that many F-250s have some of these component but the pillar sticker was certified for the F-250. I also found that other truck combinations for different years and other makes and models may require different modifications.

After completing the suspension modification (I posted this experience last year), I waited until my tires wore out before upgrading the wheels and tires. But it was taking months, so I went ahead and found wheels on Ebay and had new tires put on (including the spare). I settled on the Michelin M/S2 LT275/70R18 because they had the desired load rating I needed. The last step was having Ford recalibrate the PCM for the larger tire/wheel size. The service tech mentioned the larger tires could cause "fuel starvation" if I had not had this adjusted. You learn something new every day. It made more difference that I realized. When I had first gotten the wheels and tires replaced something was different and I couldn't quite figure it out. After getting recalibrated, I realized it was the shifting. It now shifts better - because the larger tires delayed the shifting (possibly causing an eventual subtle power loss especially when towing?).

Anyway, I am done with this project. There is actually one last step to do but since I am a private party (non-commercial) it is optional. The pillar label needs to be changed (to reflect the new weight capability and tire size requirements). This would also result in a new VIN so the DMV knows about this capability (and can charge more for my tags). I am not required to do this, so I won't bother. I will keep all the paperwork for the parts and changes in case anyone needs proof.

Im my case, I have gained 400lbs of FAWR, 900lbs of RAWR, and 1,500 GVWR. The tow ratings are unchanged (12,500 at the bumper and 15,200 for fifth wheel). I was originally 400-500 lbs overweight on the rear axle. Now I have about 400-500 lbs of margin. YAY!

I take this new rig combination out for its maiden voyage this weekend. The only thing left to check is the bed clearance. The truck sits about 2 inches higher now, and I had 8" of bed clearance before. Now I will probably be at 6" which is the minimum for this measurement. Oh well, at least I won't have a weight problem unless I eat too much. It just never ends.

A special thanks to MOCer Steve S. for providing his pillar sticker to confirm my numbers and to many other MOCers who provided support.

Take care all!

[SlickWillie]

Good job Art...but, get ready. They're gonna tell you it's still an F250!

[Hooker]

quote:Originally posted by SlickWillie

Good job Art...but, get ready. They're gonna tell you it's still an F250!

What else would it be? Until Ford blesses it, it's an F250. After reading this and the other thread, I'm sure Art did a fine job...but an F250 is an F250.

[alandaudrey]

Art, it sounds like to me that you now have a F-325.5. No way do you have a F250.

Sounds like you did a heck of a job with your mod.

Happy trails,

[jimcol]

Art, When you raised the truck wouldn't the floor in the bed raise also? If it did I don't see how your rail clearance would change. What am I missing.

[Art-n-Marge]

jimcol - I was referring to the corner of the bed rails where the tailgate is, not the rails at the hitch. I probably should have been more specific. I am expecting that gap at the rear of the bed to lessen in distance because the height of the trailer wheels did not raise and I expect more of an angle. I do think your point was that the 2" height gain might not translate to a full 2" height loss and that does remain to be seen.

Hey Hooker... From all this I did learn Ford doesn't bless anything when done for private parties. But there are outside sources that do this for anyone, private or commercial. Ford will only do it for commercial purposes because they want all your dollars. You can look at it like a stock car from Nascar. It might have a Ford-looking body, but there ain't much stock about it. So I have the capability of an F-350 in an F-250 emblem/label. That's okay (and legal) with me.

I did this to eliminate any potential problems because of being overweight and I am satisfied with this for piece of mind and since this effort was legal. Please consider, not all F-250s are equal any more than all F-350s are all the same due to installed options and equipment. Also consider that some truck owners actually lowered their GVWR by installing custom tires and wheels that do NOT have the proper load range and while they will still call theirs what the label says, it no longer is the case. When I was shopping for wheels and tires I ran into a guy who did this on a Chevy 3/4 ton. He was pissed off what he did to himself at first but after we talked and he realized his truck was for show and wasn't going to be doing anything heavy, he was okay with it. It's about being aware of what you do and the results.

AlanandAudrey and Stiles - LOL. It is still an F-250 because I will still call it an F-250. I just don't feel like wasting money for the privilege of calling it an F-350. I should state I have the "capability of an F-350", NOT an "F-350". How'zat?

[bncinwv]

According to some of the fine MOC members and their posts, if you called it a "Chevy" or a "Dodge", it would pull anything, and you wouldn't have to do all those mods!! Hee Hee!!!
Bingo

[exav8tr]

Art, No matter what you call it, it is a towing machine. You have done your due diligence and saved quite a bit. You have "Personalized" your personal vehicle to your liking. It should last you quite a few years the way you take care of it. There is no doubt in my mind that you have significantly upgraded the towing capabilities and who cares what you call it. BTW: We will be back at PIO Pico for a few weeks starting NEXT Thursday or Friday, maybe we can get together again..

Phil

[Art-n-Marge]

Hi Phil,

We are going to Pio Pico this weekend starting tonight! This is our test destination for the addition of the wheels and tires. Hopefully it doesn't rain and I don't get a "trailer fault" this time. I'll message you about getting together. With watching the grandson our next RV outing window is Memorial Day weekend), but maybe we'll make it a weekend drive down.

Bingo, very funny... I just finished my submarine, I'll be by your dock and sink something. Unfortunately, it is too heavy to tow to your river because I only have a Ford, but I'm working on it.

[Tom S.]

Hey Art, get some 550 emblems for it and mess with every body's mind!

[Waynem]

Better yet, get a Duramax 3500 emblems for the sides, and mess with more people.

[Art-n-Marge]

Finished the trip with my 1 ton F-250. Everything went great. I lost only an inch of clearance at the bed rails (was 8", is now 7") so that is no big deal. I am happy now that that chapter is DONE.

Another one off the "list".