Thoughts on MY11 F450 vs MY08 F450

[transferred]

First my truck: 08 F450, CC, King Ranch, 4x4, 4.30 gears, Reese 22k 5th Wheel, Line X I love this rig. I came from a 6.0 F350 Dually 4x4 which I liked a lot and followed that up with a Silverado 3500HD Dually 4x4 which I really liked too. Before that was a Cummins 2500 (another good truck). I'm not brand loyal but must say Ford were the only maker to step up to the late and provide me with a rig that could legally match my bi-weekly tow of 22k on my 8-tire flatbed(backhoe, skidsteer...) My point for posting is this video. Video Tour: 2011 Ford F-450 King Ranch - PickupTrucks.com Special Reports Okay, so the MY11 looks GREAT but I am concerned the truck has gone backwards. i....The wheels look like 17 or 18s meaning the current F450 brakes must've been downsized ii...the wheels themselves look weaker iii....600lbs has been shed. I'd perhaps welcome this on an F250 or F350 but the F450 in particular should be about strength not economy. I was going to give the new 6.7 one full year on the road and then, all being well for the engine and my work, trade my truck in on a 2012 F450. Now I'm not so sure. I was really looking forward to the new 6-speed torqshift and the return of the single turbo engine. I do like the 6.4 but yy only complaint is that with my setup regularly at 32,000 GCVWR I would like a little more torque down low. The 6.7 sems to be the answer providing 700+ at 1600rpm but why downgrade the rest of the truck. Maybe I'm reading it wrong. Anyway, would like feedback and see what others are thinking. I normally keep my rigs for 200k and then trade. I guess there would be worse things than running this one for 300k-- it really is that sweet of a truck. -Rob

[senix]

well one thing is certain, right now it is all speculation till Ford annouces the specs. But I have to agree seems they downgraded it. But don't underestimate technology improvements, they may allow it to maintain current ratings.

[ruschejj]

I don't disagree with you but the weight savings is just the lighter 6.7 engine vs. the 6.4. They knocked out a lot of weight with the heads, block, and oil pan.

[ssharber]

I agree that the smaller wheels and the weight savings are not favorable for the mighty 450. Its when he is talking about suspension changes when he mentions the weight changes which makes me wonder if strength was ditched for economy. But like Scott said, only time will tell.

[sbaset]

The wheels do look really wimpy compared to my 19.5's on my 08 F450.

[powerstroke72]

They are also scrapping the Dana S110 rear axle in favor of the Dana M80. They are changing the front axle as well. They've trimmed weight front to rear.

[Crazy001]

I'm still trying to figure it out.

But seriously, is the M80 too light for -450 use? Are the springs heavier? Frame? I'm pretty sure it's still rated for the same towing capacity of the '08 F450s, so there must be some upgrades over the -350.

I'm sure tires will be quite a bit cheaper!

[whporwil]

I read on another site that the reason for the 17 inch wheels was so they could remove the speed rescriction. I also read that the front half is the same frame as the 350 and the weight savings came from a smaller rear frame. I think I also saw the payload was down 500 lbs.

[transferred]

Originally Posted by whporwil

I read on another site that the reason for the 17 inch wheels was so they could remove the speed rescriction. I also read that the front half is the same frame as the 350 and the weight savings came from a smaller rear frame. I think I also saw the payload was down 500 lbs.

I read the same thing about the top speed. unacceptable. Ford say they listen to their customers but which idiot complained that their F450 can only do 80mph. That's as fast as one should be going in a pickup that weighs 10k empty. Also, that's the fastest legal speed in the nation anyway.

I'm not saying I follow every limit but there's no need to be going than 80mph in an F450.

Guess it'll be a more expensive F550 C/C w/PU conversion for when it's time to change. Glad I bought this one when I did that's for sure...

Rob

[bayouboy]

If you are having good luck, and love your current truck, maybe you should hang on to it. I loved my 08 F250 work truck, but do the the economy, I had to let her go. I was hoping to keep it a real long time.

No that I don't have the 08 anymore, if I was in the market for a new truck, I would definitely hold out until the 6.7 come out, and pick one up.

Just my 2 cents.

[duallydan]

What's with the hood and the grille not being attached?? And the wheels are wussy looking. I love my '08, but I do love the grille on the 2011 model in that video, just wish it was attached to the hood like it should be. Also love the new dually fenders...