I am thinking about getting a new truck, either way its gonna be a super duty but should I go with the 2008 F250 or the F350?
What are the pro's and con's of each and what would you recommend?
Oh....and I am getting the diesel no matter what.
One other question, anyone here have the rapid heat supplement, if so does it work good?

 

The only differences between the 2008 F250 and the F350 that I know of are:
1. F350 has 1/2" taller blocks in the rear.
2. F350 has higher rated payload in SRW version, even though there is no difference mechanically (other than larger rear blocks).
3. Badging (one says F250, one says F350)
4. F350 is available in SRW (single rear wheel) and DRW (dual rear wheel) while F250 is only available with SRW.

It really depends on what you plan on doing with the truck. If you plan to use it to pull a 25,000 lb fifth wheel, go with at least an F350. If you don't think you will ever pull anything that large, then the F250 will do everything (and more) that you want it to do. One other thing...some states base the registration costs of vehicles on the GVWR. The higher the GVWR, the more you pay. Most F250's are in the 10,000 lb GVWR range. Check your local laws first, since it might cost a lot more to register an F350. Also, some homeowners associations have banned the parking of these large trucks in driveways.

Others may know of more differences that I probably missed.

 

For me, I needed the interior space of a crew cab AND the cargo capacity of an 8' bed....that meant Super Duty. So I looked at how I use the truck. For me, cargo capacity (hauling) was way more important than towing. All things considered, this told me that a 2WD, 172' wb, DRW would serve me best. Finally, when looking at used options (2006), there was very little price difference between 250 or 350 and not a big jump to DRW. So that's my story. I have no idea if the pricing is similar with new.
As already mentioned, there is a price increase to drive a 350. License plates are more. Toll road fees are more. Insurance is more.
Just decide yourself on what you expect of the truck and you'll kind of answer your own question on whether a 250 or 350 will be a better fit for you.

Good luck!

 

A couple of things to add to your list is the F350 also has a 37 spline count vs a 35 spline count on the F250, I believe the SRW F350 and F250 have the same axle size them self's...10.5.

Also on the rear blocks the F350's are 2" bigger then the F250( F250=2" F350=4")


I would say that a 250 would suit you fine, but a 350 is what you could end up with. I say that because I myslef was actually looking at super duty's last week....Wanted a Fx4 or lariat with the v10.....just about load out with every option.....dealer could not find ANY F250s in a 450 miles search, a part of it was the v10 but he did the same search on F350's and got back about 45 hits......either way you will end up with a kick *** truck......good luck in finding one you want to take home!

 

Yup ~ the rear block issue is correct as I am trying to get a hold of some 4" F350 blocks and then am going to install a 2.5" front leveling kit for my 'cheap' lift.

 

350s have solid front axel 250s do not

 

Hey ryencreed!!

...I hate to say it...but, you obviously don't know what you're talking about!

Thanks for the humor!!!

 

maybye hes talking about the 250 light duty.

 

Mine has a solid front axle, and I can't find anything that indicates that the F250 and F350 SRW have different size axles. I searched around on the internet one night for several hours, and there seem to be lots of "experts" on these trucks, but lots of conflicting information. One poster above said that the F250 has 35-spline axles and the F350 SRW has 37-spline axles. I can't find anything that confirms this at all. Would it really be cost effective for Ford to make that slight difference between the two models? Heck, there is even conflicting information about the size of the rear blocks on them. Someone needs to write a definitive comparison so people can really make an educated decision about what to buy.

 

Since the OP mentioned 2008, here's the differences I can find on Ford's site:

Front suspension:
Twin-I-Beam (F-250/F-350 4x2)
Solid Twin-Coil Monobeam axle (F-250/F-350 4x4, F-450 4x2 and 4x4)

Rear suspension:
Solid axle
6200 lbs. (F-250)
7280 lbs. (F-350 SRW)
9000 lbs. (F-350 DRW)
11,000 lbs. (F-450)

Brake Size:
Front 13.66" (F-250/F-350); 14.53" (F-450)
Rear 13.39" (F-250/F-350); 15.35" (F-450)

Wheels:
Size 17" (standard); 18" or 20" (optional F-250/F-350 SRW); 19.5" (F-450)
Studs 8 (F-250/F-350); 10 (F-450)
Bolt pattern 6.7" (170-mm) SRW; 7.87" (200-mm) F-350 DRW; 8.85" (225-mm) F-450

That's all the info their site has.
As for a light duty F250, didn't they stop making that a while ago? I thought the light duty 250 became the heavy duty 150 and now all 250s are the same.

 

Regarding the F250 (light duty) versus the F250HD ~ no longer made (last year was '97 or '98)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_F-Series

They were replaced by the Super Duty:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Super_Duty

 

Yeah, that's what I thought too. I really think there was more difference between the F250 and the SRW F350 prior to the 1999 model year.

On a side note, my 08 F250 has the "Stabilizer Package", which apparently includes something called "heavy service" front springs. Anyone know what that means, exactly?

 

Not a great description but this is what Ford claims:

"Stabilizer Package (63B) Designed for all SRW models that will frequently be heavily loaded and towing. Includes:
• Heavy service front springs — 1 up
(1 up spring upgrade over the spring computer-selected as standard; not applicable if maximum spring rating is computer-selected as standard equipment)
• Rear stabilizer bar"

 

It's good if you carry alot of load in the bed or a cab over camper shell and such. Otherwise it just gives a bit more of a stiffer ride. The front springs are probably a good match for the heavy diesel motor though. Also, if one decides to add a heavy winch or bumper combo it's good.

 

Yeah, I noticed that this truck has much stiffer suspension than my previous 08 F250. Of course, running 65 psi in my tires doesn't help either...