Joe,

I just bought a F350 from Jeff. I agree with polarbear that the Fx4 and the camper package is the way to go. In my research before buying, I found no difference in the available rear springs between the 250, the 350's, and no difference with any of the optional packages in regards to payload. As Jeff mentioned there are many factors that determine payload. However most of those factors are the same for the 250, and the 350's. What is different between those vehicles is the rear axle capacities. For the F250 the rear axle rating is 6200 lbs. For the F350 SRW 7280 lbs, and for the F350 DRW 9000 lbs. Also a 4x2 will have a slightly higher payload capacity than a 4x4 for any given configuration. I chose the 350 DRW, partially for the additional payload which is 1200 lbs for the 4x4 CC. If you want the higher payload capacity with a 350 consider the DRW. In my opinion it drives better, looks better, I get 13-18MPG, and with only a little more thought when parking. Also do yourself a favor and buy from Jeff.

Phil

 

Thanks Phil, I appreciate your "real world" comments. I have decided on the F350, but I need to stay single wheel on the rear. I do think the Camper Pkg and FX4 will be the right way to go and be enough payload capacity. As for purchasing from Jeff, I just sent him a PM last night and returned his message this afternoon by phone. We shall keep our fingers crossed on a locate with Jeff.

Regards,

Joe

 

I have a shop in horse country and work on lots of heavy duty haulers. The best set up I have built was the stock rear suspension with added on Firestone airbags. Please, not airshocks but airbags. They mount between the axle and the frame and you can put in as much or as little air as you like. The onboard air pumps are nice, but an unnecessary expense. Run seperate air lines to each bag, mine mount on little pieces of angle bolted up under the rear bumper in existing holes. If you use a single fill, the air will swap from bag to bag when the truck leans. The bags are great. Let the air out and they don't affect my ride. I did this after lowering the back a little to level out the truck so it looked better. Since doing mine, I have installed others. So far, everybody loves them. They are available as a kit from Summit or others.