I asked a question yesterday about an F-250,to sum it up I was asking what was the largest tire I could run without straining the stock axles,I was told the F-350 would be a better choice because it has the Dana 60.
So what year do you think would be the best for me to get for a fun truck?I really prefer the look of the 92-96 but I've heard the 78-79 were the best.

And as for engines,I want a 460 but this truck will be a daily driver for at least 6 months,so the gas mileage would suck. My other choice was a 7.3 but matience on diesel trucks is expensive,so that leaves my with the 351w. Would a stock 351w be strained to spin 38-42" tires on a daily basis and through the mud?

Just so you guys know I'm pretty new to this stuff,so please excuse me if I ask stupid questions for awhile,I'm here to learn.

 

Seems like a lot of guys like the kingpin front axles on the late 85-91 trucks. I myself love the 351W. Also you could always do a front clip swap to get the year look you want.

 

a 460 will get BETTER milage than a 351 w 38-40 " tires.

A diesel will get basically DOUBLE the fuel milage of a big block

IIRC the ONLY year for the dent side to get a D60 would be a 79 F350

 

I know it is hard to say without knowing the whole build,but what kind of MPG do you think the 460 and 7.3 would get?
My problem with the diesel is I know that just an oil change can cost $100 compared to $25 for a gasser.

 

I'm getting about 8 in my 94 460. It even has a D60 on 37s, 5 inch lift. If you do go with a gasser, you should either go carbureted or get one with MAF (mass air flow) fuel injection. These will allow you to change your engine off of stock. I have a .030 over bore and rv cam in mine with no egr or smog pump and it is a nightmare sometimes. The speed density system has no way to deal with these changes, and will sometimes run way rich.

IMO, you should get a 78-79 strictly because they look like a tank when jacked up, and the simple one-piece grill looks like a boss. Also, no one would question your choice of carburetion over EFI. The downside to the 79 is that the spring perches may not be the same width as the springs.

I guess my short answer would be 79 (shortbed) with your new f350 axles and a carbed 460. I'd drive one of those.

 

My 96 f350 crewcab efi 460 stick w 3:55 gears and 35s CAN get 12mpg

my 97 crewcab powerstroke diesel stick w 4:10s and 35s gets a CONSISTENT 16mpg

As far as oil changes, I change the 460 oil for $21, I change the diesel oil for about $60

 

How do the 3.55s with 35s tow? I've got an all stock powertrain and I find 3.55s to be a bit too tall while towing, but great for highway with my 265/75r16 (31.8"). Is there that big of a difference between the ZF and E4OD, or do you have some power mods on the truck as well?

 

I very much DISLIKE the 3:55s. Towing or NOT

I have a Vortech supercharger, Banks torque tubes, Banks Ram Air, BBK throttle body, high flo cat and 20 series muffler full 3" exhaust

 

Other then lift issues and tires being tricky to get straight, the d50 TTB axle is nearly identical to the older d60s.
Look up my YouTube videos. Big truck muddin I'll show you how to abuse a truck.
That is a carbd open header 460 revving 6k in 2nd 3rd and once 4th gear. One time I forgot my line lock on (front brakes) and I still didn't break any drivetrain. I broke nearly everything else though. Can mount body mount boh engine mounts and blew up ps pump all while ruining the clutch slave/master.

I have complete faith in the d50. Just really need to get your lift right so alignment is possible.

 

My personal favorite year of Ford trucks would be the 78-79 models with the square headlights. After owning a big block, I couldnt imagine owning anything else! The power to gas mileage ratio is there so I dont complain lol . Iv towed with my 3.55s and am going to upgrade to 4.10s soon, so thats my take on that lol. Honestly, no matter what front/rear end ya get, its not gonna break unless you go crazy on it, as in muddin, rock crawlin, etc

 

But a TTB will EAT ball joints with big tires, just driving it. Offroading is even worse for them

 

I dont guess I owned mine long enough to experience that lol. And im only runnin 265s... for now

 

go to 35s and you will see what I am talking about

 

Eh I dont plan on runnin THAT big. Maybe some 33s. Do they do alright with 33s?

 

They do ok. The TTB is a **** POOR design from the get go with leaf springs, no less going to bigger tires, plow, winch, etc