Differences between E250 and E350
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
Differences between E250 and E350
I did a search but didn't find anything specific.
I'm really looking at my 1993 specifically but any information would be nice.
It seems that when looking up suspension parts, almost everything says it works for E250 and E350.
What are the differences?
I know there are drastic differences in the E150 -> E250 move. The frame itself is substantially beefier.
In the specs the rear GAWR is about 900lbs higher on the E350's but they use the same axle as the E250 (Dana 60). If that is the case what is the difference then? The springs?
I'm really looking at my 1993 specifically but any information would be nice.
It seems that when looking up suspension parts, almost everything says it works for E250 and E350.
What are the differences?
I know there are drastic differences in the E150 -> E250 move. The frame itself is substantially beefier.
In the specs the rear GAWR is about 900lbs higher on the E350's but they use the same axle as the E250 (Dana 60). If that is the case what is the difference then? The springs?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
Here is another thing that makes me wonder. Both the E250 and the E350 have the same GCWR (assuming the same 5.8l engine with 3.73) of 13000 lbs with the trailer weight listed at 7600lbs. By subtracting the maximum trailer weight you are looking at 5400lbs which is approximately the curb weight of a cargo van.
This leads me to believe that as far as towing capacity the only thing ford considered is the engine and rear axle ratio. This means difference between E250 and E350 makes zero difference for towing assuming the same engine.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: Central, TX
Ahh, well that could be a definite improvement. Bearing failure on semi floating is somewhat of a concern for me. Maybe i'll look for a full floating rear axle with some 4.10's
Here is another thing that makes me wonder. Both the E250 and the E350 have the same GCWR (assuming the same 5.8l engine with 3.73) of 13000 lbs with the trailer weight listed at 7600lbs. By subtracting the maximum trailer weight you are looking at 5400lbs which is approximately the curb weight of a cargo van.
This leads me to believe that as far as towing capacity the only thing ford considered is the engine and rear axle ratio. This means difference between E250 and E350 makes zero difference for towing assuming the same engine.
Here is another thing that makes me wonder. Both the E250 and the E350 have the same GCWR (assuming the same 5.8l engine with 3.73) of 13000 lbs with the trailer weight listed at 7600lbs. By subtracting the maximum trailer weight you are looking at 5400lbs which is approximately the curb weight of a cargo van.
This leads me to believe that as far as towing capacity the only thing ford considered is the engine and rear axle ratio. This means difference between E250 and E350 makes zero difference for towing assuming the same engine.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 197
Likes: 4
From: Atlanta
At least for my year model, the e250 wasn't even listed in the dealer brochure for the passenger "wagon" model, only the e150 and e350.
The 2006 Vehicle Specifications document only shows the following differences:
Front Springs ratings -
e250 1924 to 2318lbs,
e350 2101 to 2670lbs
Rear springs ratings -
e250 2350lbs,
e350 2775lbs
Axle -
e250 Dana 9.75",
e350 Dana 9.75" HD and 10.5" for Extended
Shocks -
e250 1.19in piston (std),
e350 1.38in piston (optional on e250)
Frame maximum side rail section -
e250 6.16 x 3.18 x 0.181in,
e350 7.69 x 3.18 x 0.212in
Frame section modulus -
e250 3.30in,
e350 5.44in
So the only real differences appear to be springs, shocks, rear axle, and frame.
The 2006 Vehicle Specifications document only shows the following differences:
Front Springs ratings -
e250 1924 to 2318lbs,
e350 2101 to 2670lbs
Rear springs ratings -
e250 2350lbs,
e350 2775lbs
Axle -
e250 Dana 9.75",
e350 Dana 9.75" HD and 10.5" for Extended
Shocks -
e250 1.19in piston (std),
e350 1.38in piston (optional on e250)
Frame maximum side rail section -
e250 6.16 x 3.18 x 0.181in,
e350 7.69 x 3.18 x 0.212in
Frame section modulus -
e250 3.30in,
e350 5.44in
So the only real differences appear to be springs, shocks, rear axle, and frame.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 6,293
Likes: 47
From: South central, Minnesota
The '92+ E-250 & 350 frames are the same. It is not true that all 350's came with FF rear axles either. Rear axles on these years are a grab bag ranging from Dana 60 full and semi float, limited slip and open, up to a small few with Dana 70's FF, both open and limited slip (Trac-Loc). DOT will go by actual door sticker, but rated towing capacity varies as well by components on each vehicle. Towing capacities also increase with gear ratio. Example: My 2003, E-350 has a GVWR of 9400 lbs. and rated max trailer weight of 9600 lb. Max TW would have been higher if I had 4.10 gearing, but I'm glad I don't! FYI, if you are looking for a FF axle, you are more likely to find one in an extended passenger van than any other configuration. Cheers!
I never thought I'd see a E350 van with a semi floater. And I've also had a few 75-91 E250's that came with FF's.
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: Central, TX
I know not all E350's came with FF's. But it sure seems like a whole lot more of the 92-98 SRW E350's have FF's then the SRW 99+ E350's! I found that out while looking for a 99+ E350 Disc brake rear diff for my 89 E350. I was pretty shocked to see quite a few E350 Superduty SRW vans with semi floaters. I never thought I'd see a E350 van with a semi floater. And I've also had a few 75-91 E250's that came with FF's.
I never thought I'd see a E350 van with a semi floater. And I've also had a few 75-91 E250's that came with FF's.FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 6,293
Likes: 47
From: South central, Minnesota
Yes, particularly in 97-98 you can even find a handful of E-350 EB passenger vans that came with the 5" wider Dana 70-2U(tracks same width as front without wheel spacers). It also has the 10.5" ring gear and rated around 7k. IMHO, the Holy Grail of van axles, if you can find one with disc brakes! I know because there's one with less than 100k on it sitting in my garage awaiting 35 spline axle shafts, full re-build and a Tru-Trac with 3.73 gearing. I was disappointed that Ford had used a Dana 60 semi-floater behind the International 444 in my 2003! The only reason for switching from 3.55 to 3.73 is I'll be running 33" tires when I do the swap and it already has aftermarket springs, shocks, etc. all around.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: Central, TX
