I was referring to the statement about import trucks and corrosion. Noteably it has been a Toyota problem and they are c channel from the cab back on Tundra and Tacoma.

 

Thanks for the input on the frame. I believe I'm comfortable with that aspect. As for the axles, I have the Ford eSource print out from my dealer in front of me and it clearly shows the rear end having identical 7280lb. rating for the '16 and '17. It also shows the axle diameter to be 1.43 with 36 splines on the '17 vs 1.50 and 37 on the '16. Maybe the 17's axle are made from a higher grade material, but I have nothing to show that. Ring gear shows increase to 10.8 in '17. Interesting thing though, I noticed tonight that the spec sheet shows the M275 for the F250 but shows the F350 (which specs I show above) to sport a "Ford & Dana" rear end. In re-reading another dealer supplied PDF, It indicates that the rear "housing" is heavier. This would lend itself to a higher weight capacity, which several of you have indicated it has, but it is not supported by the Esource data.
I, like a lot of you, read the ford supplied criteria, read/watched the reviews, and made my decision to buy based on what I saw.I was not having doubts or buyers remorse aiding my disappointment. I merely wanted to learn more about the truck I was getting and asked the dealer for some info regarding the specifics about the thing. That's when the confusion started. The frame concerns were an afterthought. My dealer was having trouble sorting this out as well. Last Thursday they told me that they had given the assignment of pinpointing the exact nature of the structural improvements to one of their master mechanics and that they would have a comprehensive report to me by today. Hasn't happened yet.

 

He's obviously here for a good time?? lol...

 

Not here for trouble-maker...lol.. but from what I've gathered it seems you've made the decision that you don't care for the new truck...but you keep attempting to talk yourself into it. My troll alarm keeps going off thinking more than likely you're a gm/dodge guy here to bust our chops about the 17s... with a bunch of wishy-washy he said she said.. if you need a Ford mechanic to look the truck over and report back to you to validate you buying one of these trucks ... then you may just be at the wrong brands dealership. Wouldn't you just keep doing your own research? I would venture to guess the mechanics opinions may be a little bias. You seem the be needing a lot of convincing to be a potentially satisfied new truck owner.

 

The M275 is stronger than the Sterling 10.5, which was a very good and strong axle. Ford is going to rate it to whatever they want to. Go to the Dana website for better numbers on its (the axle) true capabilities.


Bottom line is your truck will handle anything you throw at it.

 

It shows "Ford and Dana" for the 350 as either can come with it. Get the gasser and you will have the Ford Sterling 10.5 just like before. Get the 6.7 and get the Dana M275. On the 250 it's the same thing. Get the 6.2 or standard capacity 6.7 and get the Sterling. Get the 250 with HD tow and get the M275. Either way, the axle will be rated higher than the truck. The Sterling 10.5 was rated to 9750# if bought stand alone. The Dana is rated higher but no individual specs are on their website about it or their other new M300 axles. Again, it really doesn't matter because the axle is far from the lowest rated link in the chain.