I have searched for the answer to my question but I don't think I'm searching the appropriate combo of words. I'm considering an F-450 and I have noticed that the tires seem different from front to back regarding drive tires and steer tires. Am I able to use drive tires on the front of the truck?

Thanks all,

John

 

The tires themselves are the same (225 wide Conti HST) from the factory.
The wheels are all the same spec, though the outers are Alcoa aluminum and the inner rear is steel. You can run any of the tires in any position if you want. I run Toyo M608Z (drive tires) on both front and rear of my '17 450. No issues.

 

If you are wondering about tire rotation, the normal rotation is to swap the fronts from side to side each oil change and rotate the rears in pairs from side to side if any unusual wear is noted.
If you are wondering about the spare, it can be used in any position on the truck.

 

 

 

F-450 can tow more, but had less payload. Figured that out yesterday. I dont need the payload but people that go 450 might. I only wanted the widetrack axle, but not the 4.30 gears.

 

Many of us who own F450s discovered that the 4.30 doesn't hurt mileage much, is more fun to drive, and fantastic to tow with. I climb most large hills at 25.5k# without even downshifting from 6th. It is just an easy, relaxing tow experience. The reduced payload is only on paper.

 

X2 on the above. If I run CC at around 62-65, will get over 14/14.5 mpg. To me, this is good for a truck that weighs almost 10k by itself. The widetrack is a big plus, would not want to go back to a 350 for that reason alone.

 

 

At first it may seem intimidating, but it’s not actually tough. The mirrors stick out further than the rear wheeels, so if you aren’t hitting your mirrors everywhere you go in a srw, you’ll be fine in the drw. Use the lower spot mirrors to watch where the rear tires are when backing into a parking spot. The benefit of the wide track axle is amazing and overcomes any hesitation associated with the drw.

 

 

I have no comparison so I am staying with the stock tires for now. According to the lie-o-meter I am averaging
10.9 MPG based on approximately 70% towing a 16K 6th wheel vs 30% driveing free, over about 8K miles so far.
I know the stock tires are stiff so I'm not entirely surprised at the ride in some situations. I plan to change tires
and shocks in the future, but so far, the ride hasn't been enough to make me spend the money yet.