Was deciding a 250 or a 350 but I got to thinking what Is really the difference between the two

 

For the most part, the size of the rear leaf spring blocks, the GVWR number on the sticker on the B-pillar. That's why you usually just spring for the F350 unless you are charged by vehicle GVWR classification, in which case it may be cheaper to register a F250.

 

I am curious to know the official answer on this since I just got a better deal on an F350 than an F250. It used to be an extra spring in the rear end.

 

Yes, just basically heavier springs to up the load capacity.

Funny thing is, on the SRW trucks, the tow rating is the same.

In my case, for my job, I need the lower 10K GVWR of the F250 to allow me to haul heavier trailers and still stay below the 26K GCWR point where you are required to have a CDL for a commercial vehicle.

 

I found F350s in the same price range when I was looking. Insurance was a little cheaper on the 350. As for the registration - in IN you pay for the GVWR. I say find what you want in the truck (color and options) either is a great work truck. I ended up going with a 250 Lariat FX4.

 

It all depends on the use and weight you intend to put in it.The 250 will sag quite a bit once you are pulling a 14k load.In that case I would go with a 350 or else you will end up doing what many others end up doing in the end.Putting bags in or bigger blocks ect.Tow rating may be the same but with alot of weight your headlights will be pointing toward the horizon.But if you are going to pay through the nose in your particular state then the only option is to do that.In my state reg is by gvw.Wasnt going to make a much diff between 250 and 350 for me.( few dollars)Much easier to buy the 350 and not have to add things to make it beefier in the rear end.The 14k Fiver I pull dropped my rear end in my 350 about 1.5 inches or so.Much more in a 250.Again it just depends on how you intend to use the truck you buy now and in the future.

 

I just bagged my 250, cost me about $600 for firestone bags and airlift remote controlled compressor. 55psi of air completely levels the rig with my 5er hitched.

Bag and compressor install was a good Saturday job. Wired the compressor to uplift switch. sweet. Just set the remote for air wanted, flip the switch and, viola! no more squat!

jammer

 

MSPR for the SRW F350 was $900 more when I ordered. A 250 camper package can have the same spring packs (w/ overloads) as a 350 for $150, depending on wb and engine choice. A 350 will sit 2" higher in the rear.

If you are going to lift, you will remove most all of the things that make them different (shocks, block, ubolts, springs) except for the GVW sticker

I went through Ford's spec to answer this same question, here is the '12 version..

 

I'm no math major but the difference is 100!!

 

now the f250s and f350s both have 4" blocks...fords attempt at combating rear end sag apparently. go to a dealer, they all have lots of rake

 

My situation is this, the 250 has a 10,000lb GVWR. The curb weight of the truck as I have it set up is 8600lbs. That leaves me with 1400lbs for tongue weight and passengers and cargo. I am on the road almost every day with more than 10,000lbs on the 4 wheels. So technically I am breaking the law and vulnerable to lawsuit if I am involved in a wreck.

The 11,500lb GVWR on an f350 SRW is what I and probably most everyone that tows a trailer needs from a technical and legal perspective.

 

Go to page 18 of 25 that Smoky Diesel provided.

The F250 vs. F350 axle rating of 6200 lbs vs. 7280 lbs; plus larger axles on the F350 with 37 splines vs. 35 on F250.

It isn't just springs and blocks.

Bob

 

Oh no, not the axle argument again! LOL that one is never going to go away!

 

If you want to know the real difference in capacities, just go to a Ford dealer with lots of trucks, find comparable 250 and 350's, and check the door jamb figures. The rest don't mean squat.

 

Oh this brings back memories of those threads where we were debating spline count and whether that was a printing error or not.