Spec'ing out a new build, it looks like an F450 is just a couple grand more (list) than an F350. That has me wondering, why not?? Other than the obvious 4.30 instead of 4.10 rear gears and the accompanying differences, how does the 450 ride compared to the 350? This would be a crew cab, FX4, lariat. Thanks!

 

This topic has been the subject of endless discussion. If you were going to get a 350 dually with the 4.10 axle, the 4.30 axle on the 450 is barely any different. Basically, the 350 dually has smaller tires which effectively give it a higher numeric axle ratio almost identical to the 450. Of course, you could choose the 3.55 axle in the 350 dually, and then the 450's 4.30 is substantially different.

Ride quality would come down solely to the tire differences and somewhat heavier unsprung weight of the 450. The 450 has commercial grade 19.5" tires while the 350 dually has the standard 10-ply LT tires found on all the SRW trucks. The 12-ply 450 tires should be stiffer. Also, while the spring rates between a 450 and 350 dually are exactly the same, the 450 has a heavier duty version of the M300 rear axle found in the 350 dually and has a wider (heavier) front axle, and larger brakes all around. This means more weight that is not suspended...which usually results in a stiffer ride. But most people with 450's on the forum claim the ride is just fine.

Between the two, for the small price difference, I might consider a 450. It has a lower payload than a 350 dually, believe it or not, but the larger brakes, much sharper turning radius, nicer rims and overall appearance make it a winner. For my 2017 F-350 dually I chose the 3.55 axle ratio because I'm on the road quite a bit. I was able to get 20mpg unloaded at 55-60mph. A 450 will not do quite so well.

 

my sales guy let me take a 450 for 2 days while my 250 was getting the fuel tank tsb done. It honestly felt very similar in ride quality to my 250. Even driving the 2 back to back I couldn't tell a noticeable difference. BUT let me tell you!! my next truck WILL be a 450. Dat turning radius is heavenly

 

What mpg’s do you see with the 3.55 mixed or on average without trying. I’m beating myself up because I got the 4.10. I struggle to get 15, realistically I get 13.7 mixed. 11.5 towing. If I TRY and baby it at 60 I can see 17mpg like today on my way for 30 miles. But that is just not feasible driving in the daily grind.

 

I bought my 450 over a 350 primarily because of looks. It was almost totally a vanity issue. I like the 19.5s and the wider front end. And yes, that turning radius is crazy good.

I flew to Ohio to buy mine. Then drove it 500 miles home empty. Not exactly a Lexus but the ride was still good. Its not my daily driver but when I'm driving it around town empty, I'm totally fine with it. Having the tires around 80-90 psi helps.

But hauling the toy hauler, it rides like a dream. That weight in the back makes it just float. That's when it really shines.

Long story short, if you want a 450, don't let ride concerns stop you.

 

 

Zeroo,
I have an F350-CCLB KR Premium DRW 10/04/17 build. Like you I have the 4.10 gears. Also like you, the best I was getting was 15.5. Now my trip 2 ave is 14.1 after 4100 miles. Then I added Motorcraft PM22 Cetane Booster. I've seen my 6 minute averages go up about 4-5 MPG around town. Crazy sounding I know. Taking a 360 mile trip to NC to see the boy this weekend - we'll see if the over the road average is as good. Could my local diesel suck that bad? Could winter blend diesel make that big a difference? My inquiring mind wants to know! Disclaimer - I know this sounds like a commercial but it is exciting to see the bar over the 20 mpg line!!! More to come next week...
Cheers,
R

 

It's hard to say, because I towed with it a lot and the mpg's ended up being pretty low. On 55mph highway, 20mpg was pretty common, and that is in hilly New England. On the interstate, going 70mph...you'd get 16, maybe 16.5mpg on cruise control. In town, I'd average 12mpg. These are all unloaded figures. My lifetime average was not very good, but that included a lot of towing.

I wouldn't worry about the 4.10 too much. If you figure out the relatively small difference in fuel economy between a 3.55 and a 4.10...the actual dollars per year is fairly small.

 

 

In the summer, my 2017 F450 KR mileage is a little below this good mileage tankfull, 1 MPG less in the winter. Pm22a seems to decrease regens and boost mileage. Exxon and Shell seem to be better than Royal Farms. 750+ mile range is very nice.