Changes for 2018?
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2006
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In "real life" the 450 is not a heavier platform. It shares the same exact frame as all the trucks do, even a lowly F-250 SRW Crew Cab long bed has the identical frame as a 450. And the 350 DRW and 450 share the same exact springs and spring rates. Bigger brakes and a heavier duty version of the same axle, along with the higher rated tires are all that separate it. But given that the axle tube size is identical, and these are full-float axles with all the "weight" being borne by the tube, there should be no difference in axle capacity.
If you have a camper in the truck bed weighing 4500-5000lbs, you have already used all, or even exceeded, the max payload capacity of the 450. That leaves you zero ability to tow a trailer at the same time...especially if you are planning a long hitch extension which is what most of the truck campers require...that further lowers tongue weight.
If you have a camper in the truck bed weighing 4500-5000lbs, you have already used all, or even exceeded, the max payload capacity of the 450. That leaves you zero ability to tow a trailer at the same time...especially if you are planning a long hitch extension which is what most of the truck campers require...that further lowers tongue weight.
I'm aware nearly all one tons are over loaded when carrying a big slide in. I'd just rather have the 110psi tires underneath it. I've seen guys using F350's for the same task that I want to. These trucks are stout.
On the non mech side of things.....I like the look of the 19.5's and that big front axle.
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Posting Guru
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I'll be using air bags anyways for the camper to keep it level.
I'm months away from driving it and I'm already thinking about what I'd like to add to it.
Now I get to start looking for a camper. I won't be purchasing this until next summer at the earliest. I have read great things about Arctic Fox.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,641
Likes: 507
From: Phelan CA
It was an easy decision in 2015 for me to go with a 2016 F450. In 2017, it was a really really hard decision. My main and only regret is the turning radius, which I am working on improving!
I just left a friend shop who specializes in extreme suspension work. He looked at my front suspension, and given my tire size, feels he could easily and safely grind back the stops to allow for a 44 degree turning radius without any fear of binding the U-joints or components making contact.
Soooooo.. might be something happening soon.... a little more measuring before I jump into it.
I just left a friend shop who specializes in extreme suspension work. He looked at my front suspension, and given my tire size, feels he could easily and safely grind back the stops to allow for a 44 degree turning radius without any fear of binding the U-joints or components making contact.
Soooooo.. might be something happening soon.... a little more measuring before I jump into it.
Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 7
It was an easy decision in 2015 for me to go with a 2016 F450. In 2017, it was a really really hard decision. My main and only regret is the turning radius, which I am working on improving!
I just left a friend shop who specializes in extreme suspension work. He looked at my front suspension, and given my tire size, feels he could easily and safely grind back the stops to allow for a 44 degree turning radius without any fear of binding the U-joints or components making contact.
Soooooo.. might be something happening soon.... a little more measuring before I jump into it.
I just left a friend shop who specializes in extreme suspension work. He looked at my front suspension, and given my tire size, feels he could easily and safely grind back the stops to allow for a 44 degree turning radius without any fear of binding the U-joints or components making contact.
Soooooo.. might be something happening soon.... a little more measuring before I jump into it.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,641
Likes: 507
From: Phelan CA
Yes. Also the 11-14 f450 pickup uses the wide track with the 17 inch wheels
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,641
Likes: 507
From: Phelan CA
If you're going to do an entire axle swap setting up gears is nothing. The carrier and housing should be the same between the two if you run 4.10s.
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Posting Guru
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Speaking of gears, the 4.30 sets in the 450 I ordered today are limited slip. I know this axle is new and I am wondering if anyone has installed an air locker yet? I know that an ARB needs an open carrier.
I have had good and bad experiences with limited slips. My FJ40 runs ARB's in both ends. Is the limited slip from the factory ok for sand and loose dirt ect.
This truck will be going to the badlands for mule deer and to the farm for moose.
Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 7
In "real life" the 450 is not a heavier platform. It shares the same exact frame as all the trucks do, even a lowly F-250 SRW Crew Cab long bed has the identical frame as a 450. And the 350 DRW and 450 share the same exact springs and spring rates. Bigger brakes and a heavier duty version of the same axle, along with the higher rated tires are all that separate it. But given that the axle tube size is identical, and these are full-float axles with all the "weight" being borne by the tube, there should be no difference in axle capacity.
If you have a camper in the truck bed weighing 4500-5000lbs, you have already used all, or even exceeded, the max payload capacity of the 450. That leaves you zero ability to tow a trailer at the same time...especially if you are planning a long hitch extension which is what most of the truck campers require...that further lowers tongue weight.
If you have a camper in the truck bed weighing 4500-5000lbs, you have already used all, or even exceeded, the max payload capacity of the 450. That leaves you zero ability to tow a trailer at the same time...especially if you are planning a long hitch extension which is what most of the truck campers require...that further lowers tongue weight.
Although I will never twist a shaft on this rear axle I consider the ultimate strength of an axle being measured by its spline count. As a mechanic, and a guy who builds trucks for crawling, I have replaced many shafts. Full floaters and c clips. Of course if you are dealing with spindly GM 10 bolt tubes and the like this would not apply.
The tube strength is something that most builders would regard as secondary to spline count in a heavy duty axle. When an an axle lets go its at the inner end, then you get out the long magnets.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,641
Likes: 507
From: Phelan CA
I would think 4.10 and 4.30 should share the same break. Might just be a matter of swapping carriers and pinions.
Speaking of gears, the 4.30 sets in the 450 I ordered today are limited slip. I know this axle is new and I am wondering if anyone has installed an air locker yet? I know that an ARB needs an open carrier.
I have had good and bad experiences with limited slips. My FJ40 runs ARB's in both ends. Is the limited slip from the factory ok for sand and loose dirt ect.
This truck will be going to the badlands for mule deer and to the farm for moose.
Speaking of gears, the 4.30 sets in the 450 I ordered today are limited slip. I know this axle is new and I am wondering if anyone has installed an air locker yet? I know that an ARB needs an open carrier.
I have had good and bad experiences with limited slips. My FJ40 runs ARB's in both ends. Is the limited slip from the factory ok for sand and loose dirt ect.
This truck will be going to the badlands for mule deer and to the farm for moose.
The other issue is ARB doesn't make a locker for the DANA M300.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2006
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Lots of the smaller lockers require an open diff.