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Dec 4, 2001 | 07:02 AM

rotorhead

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From: Jackson, MS

250 2 350

This question is sort of theoretical, in that I don't have specific plans to do this. I am simply curious whether or not it's doable. Is the difference between the F250 and the F350 simply one of springs? And if so, then theoretically, could you not add springs or add-a-leaf kit to a 250 and have what is for all practical purposes an F350? I suppose there may be a difference in axles as well, I don't know. If not, then would it not be possible to increase the GVWR of a 250 from 8800 to 9900?

Origin of this question comes from the fact that Mrs Rotorhead wants a new camper, and really wants it to be a bigger 5th wheel! Ours is a 24ft TT now, and she'd like something in the 28 to 30 ft range, which I BELIEVE will probably exceed the capacity of my '97 250HD. Can't afford another truck and a camper at the same time but i'm not gonna go pulling a trailer that's too much for my truck.

Thanks

rotorhead

Dec 4, 2001 | 05:42 PM

jcm

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250 2 350

It depends on a few things. The 2002 suposedly has the same axles and some believe that the axles on the 99-01 are also the same. Easy to overlook is the tires. The 350 has a higher load capacity.

Dec 4, 2001 | 10:27 PM

NoMo

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From: OK

250 2 350

>... which I BELIEVE will probably exceed the capacity of my '97 250HD.

I don't think he's asking about a new-style SD.

Wish I could help, but back then I drove F150s. Don't know a thing about the heavy-duty trucks. :-(

Dec 5, 2001 | 04:04 AM

the law

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From: Billings, MT

250 2 350

Now don't quote me on this, but I heard somewhere the the difference between the 150, 250, and 350 was not just the suspension but a slightly more solid frame on the 350s as compared to the 250s, and again from the 250s to the 150s. I also heard the the F-250 Heavy Duties (87-97, at least) were an F-250 frame on F-350 supension. However, like I said, this may be pure BS, but you might want to check it out anyway.
As for the 5th wheel, you'd be surprised how far past the "recommended" limits you can go and still be just fine.

The Law

Dec 5, 2001 | 06:17 AM

rabidranger

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From: -

250 2 350

I have a 97 F250 HD (like you). Through NUMEROUS investigations the only differences between the F250 HD and F350's is the Dana 60 front axle on the F350. The T-case, tranny, engines, springs, and rear axle are all the same (unless it's a dually!). The steering setup is way different between the 2 axles, but... If you look carefully at the engine crossmember you can even see the bolt holes for where the track bar for a dana 60 would go! That is one mod that is on my list when I find a decent D60. It is an actual no BS bolt off, bolt on swap. The frame and the body and everything else is the same. Since the camper will have all it's weight centered over the rear axle, and you won't be pulling in 4x4 your F250 HD will more than accomodate the larger trailer.

Dec 6, 2001 | 12:03 PM

SOFTTAIL

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250 2 350

You guys are missing one of the major differences between a F250 and F350.. the BRAKES! The brakes are larger on the F350 than they are on the F250.

The axes are the same (dually excluded) the engine and trans is the same. the higher towing capacity rated on the F350 compared the the F250 is due to the size of the brakes. You can stop what you got in motion.

Dec 13, 2001 | 10:07 AM

harald

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From: Olympic Peninsula, WA USA

250 2 350

>You guys are missing one of the major differences between a
>F250 and F350.. the BRAKES! The brakes are larger on the
>F350 than they are on the F250.
>
>The axes are the same (dually excluded) the engine and trans
>is the same. the higher towing capacity rated on the F350
>compared the the F250 is due to the size of the brakes. You
>can stop what you got in motion.

This is not true if we're talking about the 99 and up Super Duty truck. They have the same brakes. And the F250 and F350 have the same towing capacity (both have a GCWR of 20,000 lbs). The difference is in the GVWR. Non CA F250 is rated 8800 and F350 is rated 9900. So what limits towing capacity on the F250 is its available payload to support the pin weight on a fifth wheel.