I am looking to purchase a 2006 or newer E 250 or E 350 Ford cargo van. I am trying to find out other than spring capacities, what the underside changes might be, eg. heavier duty frame, steering parts or whatever. If I buy an E 250 and simply install heavier springs is that the only difference between the two. Please comment if you know, thanks, Tom

 

In my past research the only thing different I could find between a 250 and a 350 is the rear springs and the axle, and some additional engine options on the 350's. There may be other differences though.

This was on 90's models however.

 

I think it's mainly the emblem on the back. One says E-250 and the other E-350.

Seriously though, maybe there's a difference in the springs but I can't see it. I swapped an 06 set of leaves from a 250 onto an 06 350 that had a broken leaf and I couldn't tell the difference. Brake parts are the same, shocks are the same. 250 came with 225 wide tires where the 350 came with 245 wide tires. That's the biggest difference I've noticed. It could be that the springs are slightly different, but I haven't noticed anything funny with the 350 using a 250 rear leaf spring on one side.

 

I happen to have a 2006 E series body manual with frame specs and the 350 has a deeper and thicker frame. Copied below from a pdf--weird to read but the figures are in order. Glancing at other specs, the 350 has a higher capacity Dana rear axle and heavier springs but looks like the same steering box and brakes. George

Suspension
FRAME SPECIFICATIONS
Model/Series Wheelbase (in.)
Maximum Side Rail
Section (in.)
Section Modulus
(in.)3
Yield Strength
(psi)
E-150 138 6.05 x 3.18 x 0.161 2.92 36,000
E-250 138 6.16 x 3.18 x 0.181 3.30 36,000
E-350 SD Van 138 7.69 x 3.18 x 0.212 5.44 36,000
E-350 / 450 SD Cutaway / Stripped
Chassis
138, 158, 176 7.69 x 3.18 x 0.228 5.73 36,000
E-450 SD Cutaway 158, 176 7.69 x 3.18 x 0.248 6.40 36,000

 

Thanks for all the information guys, you have helped ma make a decision

 

So what did 'Ma' decide?