My F-450 runs the same loaded or empty

Kenworth · #1 (**permalink**) 06-22-2008, 11:48 PM

I have taken the flatdeck off my truck for a new one. The truck is unbearable to drive as a cab and chassis what a rough ride

Anyhow it doesn't matter with the deck off the truck it pulls the same as it did with 1200lbs of steel on it. I was surprised that the cab and chassis doesn't act any different than it did with the deck on the truck.

I thought I would beable to take off from a stop in second gear (6spd) with it does the same with the deck.

I guess it it is the way the computer is set up in the truck but it seems to pull the same loaded or empty. The truck weighed 9300lbs with the deck that was on the truck. I removed 300 or more pounds of extra steel that was used by the previous owner for a different application. They left all that extra steel attached to the truck and put a flatdeck over it.

It had some custom made crossmembers for a crane or something. They were built out of 1/4 inch thick rectangular tubing and 3/4 inch and some 1 inch plate. It was a SOB to remove the truck should flex a little better now that all I have is the factory crossmembers in the frame. The frame the deck was welded to was heavy.

Will be glad to get the new flatdeck mounted so I can drive the truck the ride is way too rough with bare frame rails. I was a little worried that the new deck was built heavier but I think with all the extra steel I removed from the truck should even out the weight. The extra weight isn't going to matter with the take off power of the truck.

mudmaker · #2 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008, 12:24 AM

What year is your 450? I am looking at an 05. It has an aftermarket centurian pickup box on it, basically one ton box w/ a 5 or 6 inch extension on the front. When I drove it friday I noticed it rode much rougher than my F350, which was not a suprise. If I get the thing I'll be installing a flatbed so maybe the ride will be a little better.

BTW what kind of mileage is your 450 getting??

Kenworth · #3 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008, 11:00 PM

I get 12mpg doesn't matter if the truck is running around empty (9300lbs) or loaded up to 15,000lbs.

You can make a F-450 ride smoother ie put some weight on it.

For a F-450 made into a pick up truck you need to run good quality tires and have them balanced. The 19.5 tires can ride a little rough but once you get used to them you never go back to 16 inch rubber.

mudmaker · #4 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008, 11:08 PM

Are they hard on front tires?? The one I am looking at has a new set of fronts, but he rears seem to be originals. If I get this thing it wont be a pickup for long. I need to setup a truck for pulling my JD 310SG.

I have actually been wanting to swap out my 16 inch tires for 19.5s on my f350 for quite some time. Guess a 450 will take care of that.

Mr Jimi · #5 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008, 11:18 PM

My F-550 was a cab & chassis and it rides hard and I don't expect it to ride any better with the pickup bed that I put on it.

mudmaker · #6 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Jimi

My F-550 was a cab & chassis and it rides hard and I don't expect it to ride any better with the pickup bed that I put on it.

I dont think the pickup bed has enough weight to make a difference. If I get this 450 and you were closer I would make you a great deal on the box that's on it.

Edit: I just looked at your gallery! Looks like you have got it handled. The box on the 450 I am looking at has a 5 or 6" filler strip on the front of the box. Yours looks like it fits fine though.

Kenworth · #7 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008, 11:43 PM

If the truck has the General LMT400 they are horrible riding tires they last forever because the rubber is so hard.

Yes F-450s are a little hard on steer tires (front) but so are F-350s.

If your pulling a backhoe a F-450 is allot better than a F-350. The bigger brakes the S110 rear axle the 19.5 tires that don't squirm all over under a load like 16 inch rubber.

Mr Jimi · #8 (**permalink**) 06-24-2008, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mudmaker

I dont think the pickup bed has enough weight to make a difference. If I get this 450 and you were closer I would make you a great deal on the box that's on it.

Edit: I just looked at your gallery! Looks like you have got it handled. The box on the 450 I am looking at has a 5 or 6" filler strip on the front of the box. Yours looks like it fits fine though.

I looked at the boxes with the filler strips and that was not for me, I have a thread on this here
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/68...y-f-550-a.html

and I should update it some, I had lots of other things to do but I did get some done last Saturday.