[QUOTE=theboom;16584037]Am I missing something? What incentive do you have to get the f450 over the f350 crew cab 8ft bed drw 4x4? The tow capacity for the 450 is only 1200lbs more as opposed to last year where is was like 5000lbs more(I think?) Payload from what I have seen has no real advantage ether. Why not go with the f350 and save almost 4k for an equal trim truck? or are they saying 1200lbs is worth 4 grand now? Are there some unseen advantages of the f450?[/QUOTE

Both trucks have pros & cons.....

450 Pros
-wider front axle (better turning radius & stability)
-bigger brakes (a huge plus when towing max loads)
-factory wheel looks much better IMOP

450 Cons
-can only get a 4:30 gear option
-higher initial cost
-only available in 4wd
-heavier empty weight

350 Pros
-can get in 2wd or 4wd
-more selection in gearing (better fuel mileage when not towing)
-lighter (slightly improved ride/mpg)
-less expensive initial cost

350 Cons
-wider turning radius
-smaller brakes

........sure I'm missing some points but here are a few

 

Correct me if I am wrong, but I just read where the 450 has less HP/Torque????

 

All of the pickup trucks F250/350/450 in the 6.7 have 440/925. The chassis cab models have less.

It has something to do with the emission requirement differences.

 

For me it is a capacity issue, I understand that on paper it has minimal capacity over a 350. However it is a class 4 truck but marketing lowers the GVW to 14K so Ford can have such a monster technically compete with other class 3 trucks.


I prefer to have the biggest tool I can afford for any job I want to perform and may perform. The components on a 450 like u joints, bolts, frame connections, sway bars, drive shafts, brakes and the like have always been larger and rated for more abuse than those on the 350. I would rather spend 3k more for something that wont limit the type of trailer I may want to buy during the next 10 years I own it.


Oh and it just looks really really cool!

 

This is why I'm soooo glad I bought a '16, the '17 F350 is not available with the wide track front axle, why?....I don't know. As mentioned several times above, the turning radius is unbelievable for this size truck. As for the brakes, this thing will throw you through the windshield if you don't have your seat belt on, add the tow haul and exhaust retarder.....amazing!!

I was also looking at ordering a '16 F450 and honestly it was just for the looks, didn't really need it. Then my insurance company said it would have to be registered as a comm'l veh due to the VIN. number and it would cost $$$$$$$$.

So after I did some research I found the "high capacity trailer tow option" and now I have a baby F450. And yes, the big fender flares look great and the larger wheels/tires. Mine are 20's that I installed......love it!!

 

In another thread one of the posters said his ins company will insure the 450 as if its just another truck., so you might look around and ask.

 

2009KR,
What's your daily drive like and how extensive is your weekend use? I find I think in a very compartmentalize way with vehicles. I own a Fiesta for driving around, an F550 for big stuff and an old F250 for normal pick up use. One size fits all is a challenge. Break down your usage into percentages and do a little triage. Of course, nothing wrong with just getting the biggest hammer to do the smallest job if that's to your liking, it's just less than optimal from a value standpoint to myself.

 

I am so envious of your '79. Advancement in styling made the modifications of the 1978 and 79 trucks two of the best years for Ford. Regardless of the capability of the new ones those two years were the epitome of that design series. I drove my 78 F350 close to 300K miles. And they were available without an 8 month waiting period.

 

If you've ever seen one blow up, you'd understand. I have seen a 19.5 blow up on a mechanic. 100+ PSI is not a joke. Sounded like a bomb! Blew him over and back about 8 feet. Knocked out cold. Shredded his shirt. His whole face was blood red. He was off work for a month, and now has permanent loss in one ear. This is why ford recommends a 6' fill hose to the air control lever too! Super dangerous.....

 

I own a 2015 F450 and the difference is in the truck itself. First off both have a GVWR of 14,000 lbs. If we compare 4X4 Crew models with the same options. The 450 has a payload of 5,320 lbs while the 350 6,540. So of course you assume the 450 is a slouch compared to the 350. Let me put it to you this way The F450 weighs in at 8,680lbs while the F350 tips in at 7,460 lbs. This is why with the same GVWR the F450 appears weaker. What you need to ask is how cheap the extra 1,220 lbs cost per lb and where does it goes!

The biggest difference is the 7,000 lb wide track front axle. This makes a HUGE difference when backing a trailer into tight quarters. Add in the 6 Continental HSR G rated tires and you will be way more confident pulling big loads. I don't think a truck should pull more than 25K without G rated tires. Expect a good 60,000+ miles out of the back and replace the steers accordingly. I just did my fronts a hair under 44K but only for a better ride. They could have gone longer tread wise.

Now add in bigger brakes, gearing, and a few other details and you have a F450!

As for these questions:

The other down sides are
1. 500# more weight, which means 500# less payload (on paper) and slightly slower acceleration and braking. Five hundred....try 1,220!
2. Much of that 500# weight gain is unsprung, which will likely degrade ride quality. Yes, a rougher ride empty FYI mine tips the scales at 9,050 with a full tank of gas. (2015)
3. Ford's TPMS doesn't work with the 19.5" tire construction yet, so no TPMS for the truck. Who cares you get G rated tires and this matters more if you are pulling heavy loads!!!!!
4. The 19.5" tires need to be inflated in a cage or with a remote fill as they can be deadly if they fail. The HSR is an amazing tire. I had a screw penetrate 1" into the face of the tire. We removed the screw.....no patch and ran all summer through heat with out an issue. I have lived with HSR's for years and the latest version is a heavy hauling reliable tire.
5. Insurance is often more, sometimes, much more. Not for me as it is still a class 3 truck! Shop your insurance and find a company who doesn't classify it as commercial. I can hall more than my b-trucks yet my insurance doesn't classify it as commercial.
6. Lower MPG due to the 4.30, though it is a great towing gear I get 12.5-12.8 around town averaging 28 mph. I can get 15 on the highway empty. Amazing mileage for what the truck can do. The 4.30 is FUN so add that back in to the mix.
7. It costs over (edit) $3k more The tires and front axle are worth the price alone. Ask yourself this would you want to pull 30,000 lbs with non g rated tires? Now that is a risk if you ask me!!!!!


It comes down to this. If you need a payload bigger than 5,320 go the way of the F350. If you tow heavy loads get the F350. If you tow heavy loads often, long or really heavy loads the best choice is the F450. The axle, tires, and gearing make a huge difference and $3,000 is nothing on an $83,000+ sticker percentage wise! Besides the 4.30 is FUN!

Both are capable trucks. One just pulls more and I mean pulls more better and safer. We all don't need more. Hence Ford makes a F250, F350, and F450.

 

I was not aware of the safety warnings but makes sense. Catastrophic failure at 50 pounds is dangerous. Real truck tires are different animals and the pressures are substantial. One of our mechanics (back in the OTR days) is forever in a wheel chair when a 12:00x24.5 (120 PSI) exploded after inflation in a cage and he was mounting it on the truck. Blew his shirt off, pants, underwear and ruptured his spleen, ********* and other internals. Shattered both legs, pelvis and lower spine. Six weeks intensive care and a lifetime ruined for a 22 year old. High pressure tires are nothing to mess with.

 

It's nice to hear from a F450 owner. As far as the weight difference, it's 500# more for a F450 compared to a similar F350. The 6.7 adds 750# of the 1220 you mention.

What do you think about daily driving a F450? I have a 25 mile commute, mostly highway / beltway driving. How would you compare the ride of your truck to a F350 SRW or DRW?

Also, I'm surprised that your mileage is below 13. There are many reports of 15-17 MPG with that truck. Naturally, driving style affects this a lot with such a heavy vehicle. Thoughts?

 

Mine is an odd duck. It has the 360 motor and front grill from a '76. I received it from a forum member who was planning on scrapping it for not passing emissions and safety inspection. Registered as a farm truck now. I do think it's pretty darn good looking.

 

I live in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. My MPG is 12.5-12.8 around town @ aprox 28 MPH with no load. The big figure to look at is average speed at 28 mph with stop and go.....intersections....lights......stop signs......traffic. The best, empty with a good tail wind, on the highway is maybe 15.5 and that is pushing it on flat land or down hill. This is after living with the truck for over 2 years. I think that is great considering the set up.....4.30.......dually W/large tires.

OUCH I didn't realize the F350 DRW Crew could be had with a gasser......doesn't make sense to me. What I love about the F450 is the real world numbers. What I mean is that many specs like payload and towing capacities come from the 2WD short bed stripped versions where as the F450 specs come one way 4X4/Crew/Diesel/Longbed........you can change the options package but she only comes long and wide. So the chart for the F450 specs is small and real.

Honestly, my F450 is empty 3/4 of the time. You have to park in the back and make sure to choose a parking spot wisely so you don't have to "Austin Powers" your way out, but you get use to the rear. As far as ride........it's a F450! It is what it is!!!! The tires are tough but louder than Michelin's. I think that Michelin LTX's are the best light to medium duty tire ride wise vs wear wise on pavement and the Continental is no Michelin ride wise. But the Michelin could and would not work load wise!!! The Continental will last 60,000 miles easily, but is louder than an LTX and even louder in the rain. OH, and on the F450 you have one tire choice........the Continental. WHY! It's the only G rated tire with the proper speed rating and weight capacities to meet with the F450. My tire deal won't even install the Toyo's or other 225/70R19.5 tire offerings on the F450 because of this.

As far as ride quality....it's a dually. If you hit a big bump that goes the width of your axles and you are empty she will buck. Guess what so will a F350. I know as I owned one.......can't remember if it was a 09' or 10' any more. The point is a dually is stiff in the rear. The reason is it is hard to squat a dually and for good reason.

In a week my 2017 fully loaded F350 SRW will be in. My loads have gotten so large that we use semi's most of the time so I only need to pull around 15,000. I decided why even get a dually and the biggest difference between SRW vs DRW comes to light......CAR WASH!!!!

Oh, and for all you out there who think there is a big difference in price a loaded King Ranch F350 SRW is right at $79,140 vs a F450 DRW with the same options $83,155. I actually feel the F350 is a lesser value. $4,000 represents 5% more and is 5% even a lot more at this price point?!?!??!

 

I noticed the 360. Had one in my '71. Good engine but it was stuck at 10 MPG loaded or empty until I added a 4 bbl when it dropped to 8 MPG. '78 was a 400 which ran great. Had to replace at 200K miles due to timing chain failure. Good 'ol trucks.