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Does anybody have information on what is "unique" about the Extra Heavy-Duty Front End Suspension package (the one that provides the 7500 lbs. Front GAWR) on the F-450 / F-550?
I'm reading some reports that the axle is more "heavy duty" than the remaining packages that just provide a spring upgrade. Ford seems to just advertise it as a "unique" axle in addition to the springs.
I know on the 17-22s Dana themselves rated the M256 front axle at 7,500lbs. I asked when I called and asked about gear oil viscosity. The person said keep it clean and full and it will last longer than you want to keep it. It will be fine with 75w85, 75w90, 80w90 75w110 or 75w140. Anything really. I tend to agree. On to your question, on the 17-22 it was just a spring change at Ford that dictated the "axle rating" per door sticker. The 450 PU has the lightest 6k springs but you can swap in 6500lb 7k or 7500lb springs and the axle itself will support that weight safely. It will not change the rating on the door tag or damage the axle.
I heard on the 23+ they went to a smaller axle, i dont know if this is still relevant today.
Just to clarify, this would be specific to the F-450 / F-550 chassis cabs. This is package 67P.
Ford lists the package as containing a "unique" axle in addition to the 7500 lb. springs. I attempted an online chat with Ford Customer Support and they indicated "larger axle shafts, bearings, and housing". I'm wondering if anybody had anymore technical detail? My dealer has not been helpful.
Maybe the C&C with the HD front suspension still gets the Dana M256 instead of the smaller axle. That would be an upgrade from the smaller M235, I'd think. With Ford customer response, that seems the most likely that the "unique " axle is a Dana M256 instead of the M235. I'd think that is right, it should be physically larger, have larger bearings and thicker axle shafts.
Question, did they put a M235 in a F450/550 with a lower spring rating of 6500lbs or 7k?
No, the standard 450/550 chassis cab front axle is still the M256 with 6k springs for gas or 6.5k springs for diesel. We increase the springs / FGAWR with various spring packages. This 67P package seems to be the outlier as it's the only one with that mentions a "unique" axle.
No, the standard 450/550 chassis cab front axle is still the M256 with 6k springs for gas or 6.5k springs for diesel. We increase the springs / FGAWR with various spring packages. This 67P package seems to be the outlier as it's the only one with that mentions a "unique" axle.
What kind of upfit are you looking to do?
I find it difficult to add front axle weight on most of our 550s.
Side note: I was running a pair of 7500lb take off springs on my previous 2020 F350 SRW gasser. Surprisingly, they weren't as rough as I would have suspected. Gave me about 1" lift or so as I was planning to run a heavier front bumper.
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