What mechanical differences (other than being physically bigger and heavier duty) sets these apart from the F150 series? Are there certain engine/drivetrain options that are only found on particular series pickups? I've also wondered about the Chevrolet 1500/2500/3500 series as well. Still new to this truck thing. Thanks.

 

With Ford, the 3/4, 1 ton and up (450, 550) are built on a completely different frame than the 1/2 ton F150. They use a solid front axle, larger rear axle, basically larger everything. Only thing in common is the 5.4L V8 available in the 250 and 350. Superdutys (or is it Superduties?) also have the optional "Powerstroke" diesel engine.

With Chevrolet, the basic body and frame design of the 1500 or Silverado and the 2500/3500 are the same. Both utilize an independent front suspension and, up untill this model year, the exact (more or less) body design. The differences include stronger and larger torsion bars, larger rear axle, and believe it or not the privilege of smaller tires than the half ton trucks.

 

Not all superduties have the solid front axle. Only 4wd models.

 

True true my fault.

 

250's and 350's also have different sized blocks in the rear. And the 350 has better springs than the 250 in the rear increasing payload.

 

If 'better' meaning the springs on the F350 only have a higher payload capacity. Otherwise there isn't anything better about them

 

they do sit higher............:rocker ::

 

True, but if I simply installed the 4" blocks in place of the 2" ones the 250's come with it would be the same. So it's not really the springs so much.

Anyway, The 2" blocks that the 250's have give it a level apperance instead of sittin' up in the rear like the stock 350's.

It's kinda funny you mention that because I am going to get the 4" blocks and a 2.5" leveling kit to get a wee bit more height anyway (kind of a cheap mini-lift)

 

i thought about a leveling kit, but the truck would not fit in the garage and i would have to get new front shocks...... you'll have to get some wheels and tires with that.....

 

Kind of off topic, but I ran into a guy last year that had an F350 KR. His homeowners association did not allow work vehicles (one ton) to park overnight in his neighborhood. So, he bought new badges that had F250 on them. He used his truck to winter in south Texas, as he was a snow bird from Minnesota. Kinda funny.

 

Luckily I park outside...no prob with the wheel / tire issue (when I go to the 305/70/18's)

 

Yup...I got lucky....I had just bought my truck before moving into our new home when I read in the association by-laws that any truck over 3/4 ton would be considered a commercial vehicle and cannot be parked in the driveway or street....if I had bought a 350 I would have done the same!

 

Who was it that decided that anything over 3/4 ton is a commercial vehicle? I purchased an F-350 for personal use, nothing commercial about it...

 

Heck if I know ~ stupid IMO!

 

i live in an association, solved the 1 ton problem by parking it in the garage. i have left it out when we did some work in our garage, but don't think anyone even looked at the badging.............