Hi I am pretty new to the forum and looking for a decent 250 to use as a DD/tow rig for my 72 Commando. I'm not really concerned about what year I get, just looking for durability and good highway manners when towing. I need 4wd for surf fishing, camping, snow, etc... and although I would prefer an extended cab I'm not sure its necessary for me. I am going to look at an 85 F250 4WD, reg cab with a 351W and a C6 and was wondering what I should check out besides the usual. Will this have the TTB front end and if so is it going to be the same as the F150 model, light duty, or is there a heavier version? Also is a solid front axle swap worth doing on one of these or is the TTB okay? I dont plan on beating it up but do need it to be able to handle towing 6000lbs and hauling parts as needed, maybe eventually a plow??? Has anyone had both a regular cab and extended and prefer one over the other, any good pros, cons? Sorry for all the questions, I'm only used to my old 250 highboy but thats long gone.

 

if you want a real F-250, find one with a 460, Youll get a durable never say die package with tons of stock power, with plenty of power mods available. The F-250 will handle your towing needs and already comes with a dsireable solid front axle. I have had my 85 f-250 for eight years and it still finds ways to impress me

 

Someone with more knowledge will have to jump in, but I thought the 250's still had the twin-I-beam 4wd system.

And the 351w is a good all around engine. It won't tow like a 460, but it's way better than a 302 for heavy work. And that c6 is one of the best trannies Ford ever made.

 

Franklin2

To the best of my knowledge the 80 - 97 F-250 4x4's had the TTB front axle, that morphed from a Dana 44 HD to a Dana 50. I believe about 86 and up F-350 4x4's had the straight axle up front.

When they went to the Superduty that changed I think.

 

Thanks, from what I have found out there were two TTB front ends available on the F250, a D44 version and a heavier duty D50 version, you can tell the difference by the type of snap ring on the axle u joint. Internal ring- D44 External ring- D50. Even the F350 used the TTB front till @ 1985 then they swapped to a solid axle D60.
I wouldnt mind a 460 but they are alot more expensive around here and the gas for a DD would be pretty bad. The 351 should be fine for me, I just have to see what I can do to it for more power and still keep it smog legal?
Does $1500 seem like a good price for an 85 F250 4wd 351 with 107k miles and a little rust in the wheel arches?

 

yes sounds like a great price if it runs good