Hi, 1st time poster and a long time reader. I'm getting ready to order a (my 1st ever FORD) 2001 F-250 SD, SC, 4x4, SRW, AUTO, LB and I have a couple of questions. oh ya, I decided to go with the V-10.

a couple things you should probably know ( don't worry it's relevant to the subject). I live in Omaha,NE (in the city) and I drive 10 miles to work and back (on the interstate). but we'll be moving in to Iowa (about 40 miles away from Omaha) in 2 years. we also have a farm 150 miles east of Omaha (in-laws) were are horses are. we have a 6800# gooseneck 4 horse trailer (so add about 1000# a-piece for the horses). for the questions (bout time huh?)

1. suspension: my dealer said I wouldn't really need the heavy suspension package, it's only for heavy after market equipment like campers, etc.. Will the standard suspension be enough to support the weight without sagging to much? I also have a car hauler (bumper pull).

2. gears: (3.73 or 4.30?)i know the 3.73 is a higher gear. I just want to know if the 3.73 is going to be enough. Also, I read something about your gear # changing depending on the size tire you put on. Example: 4.30 gear with 35" tire made it a 3.94), is their any truth to that?

Well that's all folks. Looking forward to your comments. Oh and I don't work for FMC.

Thanks, T Nolan
Ford Motor Rep
1-800-GET-FORD (Just Kidding )

 

Hi Tim and welcome,

If your worried about the weight you sould check out the F-350. Only about $700 more if I recall. You get the heavy duty springs you may want later. You are also correct on adding bigger tires. Generally people say go with the lower gears (higher number) for towing and what nots. Also if you plan on installing bigger tires it'll help keep your gear ratio as low as you can. If you do a lot of heavy towing you may consider the PSD.

Rob


1999 F-250 SD CC V-10 LWB SRW 4X4 Lariat Red clear coat 33x12.5 on 16.5x12" wheels K&N

 

1. If I had to do it over again, I would have gotten the heavy duty suspension. You might also want to think about the snow plow package also. The snow plow package will give you the highest rated front spring (6000 lbs) while the heavy duty suspension will get you I think 5200 lb front springs. The heavy duty suspension package will also give you the aux. rear springs. That will give you a 7120 lb rear spring rating vs. 6084 lb stock rating. I've heard of a number a people having problems with spring sag and the heavier springs should help. People also seem to prefer the ride of the heavier springs.

2. I'd have to vote for the 4.3 especially since you're going to be towing. A change in tire size does effect you're final drive ratio like you've heard. So, if you're planning on getting larger tires, that's another reason for the 4.3 gears.

 

I agree with Rob, I'd go up to the 350 with the 4.30 rear, srw. and the heavy service suspension package. Add the trailer towing package, mirrors and the 4 wheel anti braking system and you should be ready to go. Just a layman's opinion!

 

#1. I would advise you to step up to the F-350. The cost differencial is well worth the investment.
#2. I would go with the V-10 for power without spending the extra $4500.00. Yes, your fuel costs will go up but for sheer cost vs power vs maintenance, the V-10 wins hands down
#3. I would go with the 4.30 Axle Ratio, you will need that "off the line" torque for pulling the trailer from a stop and correct me if I am wrong, but most of the time the trailer is on soft, loose surface not pavement. Every more reason to have the lower gearing. Remember, what you get in the back, you get in the front (Gear wise).
#4. I would go with the Snow Plow Prep Package. If you look closely at the other optional suspension upgrades the Snow Plow Prep package gives you EVERYTHING the others do with the exception of the Camper Certification -who cares?????.
#5. I also will mention a often missed option "Carpet Delete". If you use (I MEAN USE!!) your truck for work, it doesn't take long to destroy the factory carpet & use the $41.00 Credit towards your first 1/4 tank of gas HAHAHAHAHAH
That is my five cents worth.
I am waiting for my new 2001 F-350 Crew Cab and I agonized over each and every option for months prior to placing the order.
This is my second Super Duty since the redesign.
There is nothing in the world like them nor will there ever be!!!!
It is truely INDESTRUCABLE!!!!
GOOD LUCK and E-Mail me with what you finally decide to do just for grins - IDKwhy(No Email Addresses In Posts!) my name is Ira (FYI)

 

I would listen to the dealer regarding the heavy service suspesion. This is used primarily for fleet trucks that carry special equipment on a permanent basis. Typically the utility companies order these because they get loaded with a special set of tool boxes that are loaded and likely add 1500 to 2000# to the truck. Without the permanent equipment mounted on the rear your truck will ride like a brick. I recommend either the 350 or go with the 250 with the camper camper package. The overload springs don't kick in until you hit a fair amount of weight. Pulling the trailer will not add to the front suspension load so I don't see a need for the snow plow package.

 

The thing you have to consider with upgrading to a F-350 is the cost of registration and insurance. In some states, there can be a very big difference.
I'd also have to say go with the carpet delete. Why anyone wants carpet in their car/truck is beyond me. It's nothing but a pain in the bumm.

 

Congrats Nolan on your new truck. First, I have a 250 4wd and I opted to get the overloads for just the reasons you asked. Don't haul trailers all the time so I just ordered the overloads for those times when I might need them. And yes, those springs will sag with repeated loading, thats another reason to get the o.l. springs. I have the V8(i know i know) I just hardly pull much but wanted to be able to if I did, so I got the 4.10 w/LS, so far seems to have plenty of power, but you may want the 4.30's for all the hauling you do. And if you plan on adding larger tires you'll want the lower gears. Well thats my .02, good luck.

 

 

i would seriously consider the 350. my dad has the 00' 250 psd and it sags when he pulls the horses. "the trailers sound the same". the truck pulls it fine just a lot of sag.

 

i went with the f-350 with the heavy duty suspension package,which brought the gvw to 9900 lbs and although i've never drove a super-duty that did not have it, the truck is still the best riding heavy duty truck i've ever owned.

i think they get this good ride and carring capacity by using longer leaf springs which will have a tendancy to sag over time.

i just hit 3000 mi & love this rig more every day. only thing i can say bad about it is, since i'm only 5' 6", i need a 2 foot step ladder to see into my tool box or to do anything under the hood.



2001 f-350 xlt super-duty 4x4, reg. cab., long bed, 5.4, 4.10 posi, hvy-duty sus pkg, 9900 lb gvw, airaid intake & spacer, cat back dual exhaust, hella driving lights, kenwood cd player w/ mp3 module, rhino spray in liner, weather guard xtra wide & xtra deep diamond plate tool box .............................AND THAT'S ALL MY MEAN WIFE WILL LET ME BUY!!!