11/6/16

Summary of Thread Regarding Rear Axles

11/6/16

Summary of Thread Regarding Spring Rates

2017_F-250_F-350_F-450_SD_Pickups_-_Specs (1).pdf


Original Post 11/3/16:

I've been asking a lot of questions and finally drove to a dealership to snap pictures. It is clear that the F350 has a larger rear end than the F250.

Next question:
1. Does F250 with max tow get the same rear axle as an f350?
2. If it does, does the "max front springs" ride stiffer or softer than a standard F350?

My goal is to get the truck combo that has the larger rear axle but the best ride.

Pictures:
F250 Top
F350 Bottom
(sway bar is the F250 w/ camper package)

 

Yes, the HD 250 gets the same M275 axle as the SRW 350. The front springs should be the same as the 350. Max is still 5990 with the plow prep.

 

So do we know spring rates of HD250 vs F350 definitively? Really then, the only difference (if spring rates are the same), is the couple extra leafs in the rear of the 350? 5 vs 3 leafs? other than that same truck?

 

The spring rates are not the same in the rear. It's not just the extra leaf.

 

There are no front spring differences between the F250 and the F350. The front spring differences on both trucks are driven by selected options. Highest rate is snow plow prep. 5,990 lbs on 2017s; 6,000 lbs on 2005-2016s.

 

So, to get the M275, an F350 would have softer front springs, stiffer rear springs than an HD250.

Would it be safe to say that the F350 would ride better in the cab than an HD tow 250 since the fronts are softer?

End goal is the best riding variant of F250 or F350 as long as I get the M275 rear.

 

Do you have access to the front spring rate chart?

 

I doubt you will notice a ride difference between any configuration. As to the front rates, they will be the same between the 250 and srw 350. Base with a 6.7 is 5200#. HD front suspension pkg. or camper package nets you 5600#. Plow prep gets 5990#. This the same whether the 250 is HD or standard.

 

I'm sorry I think I've gotten this incorrect in my wording. The high capacity trailer F250 Vs F350 is what I'm trying to say.

High capacity trailer for F250 states "Max Front Springs" and upgraded rear axle

Does that mean that the F250 High Cap trailer front springs are stiffer than the F350?

 

Stiffer than regular F350 coils? Perhaps...But why not just order the F350 so you get the M275, the 11,500 lb GVWR, the higher capacity leaf springs and RAWR, and then add the camper package so you get 5,600 LB front coils and a rear sway bar, or add the snow plow prep package so you get 5,990 lb front coils?

 

The end goal is to get the smoothest riding Super Duty with the M275 rear.

If I find that the rear is too soft, I'd buy bags.

I really appreciate everyone chiming in by the way.

 

I forgot the HD 250 gets max front springs. It's silly actually since it's rated lower than a SRW 350 with the base front springs but anyways. Yes, a SRW 350 should technically ride better than an HD 250 as it will have 5200# front springs. However, most can't tell the difference between between any of the SRW trucks ride wise. I'd take a test drive in all and not make a decision based on specs. You might be surprised.

 

I have a HD Tow Pkg Platinum F250. I do not have the camper or plow packages. Here are my stickers(technically they are from my dad's Ruby..but the two truck are identical and stickies are the same. I seriously doubt my 250 rides any smoother or rougher then any combo 350 SRW. It definitely rides smoother then my 2011 KR 250...but I can't compare yet until I drive a new 2017 350 SRW.

 

OK, so I'm confused. I guess the HD 250 doesn't get the max front springs...LOL. I thought I was wrong but that was inaccurate...LOL...

 

Great points. I'm with you, technically the 350 should ride better but I will now drive both and see what works better. I really appreciate your input.