I am trying to figure out the diference between an F150 and an F250 of the 73-79 vintage. I know the axles are different (D44/9" vs. D60/D60 I think). And I know the F250 has a leaf spring front suspension. What are the differences in the strength of the frame and are the rear springs (3") different are my main questions. I know the 150 is reputed to have a very strong frame but I don't know if they kept the same one for the 250. If anyone has any info I would love to hear it. Thanks.

 

Mark, All of the differences beyond ID badging is below the chassis that is the same. Everything is more heavy duty under the 250.
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John

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150 has 1/2 ton frame.
250 has 3/4 ton frame.

You could get a 3/4 ton frame on a F150 from factory, I think. I think I read that in the dealer brochoure.

 

youll be lucky to find a f-250 with as 60 front axle, they only came under them with the snow fighter package, and some crew cabs i think, the rear springs from 73-77.5 on the 250's are 2.5 rather than 3 inch, also the frames were narrower along with having a divorced transfer case, now the 77.5-79 250's were much more similar to 150's same chassis width, rear springs are the same length and width (most have a stronger spring rate) but they are interchangable, 150's from 73-79 came with a coil sprung 44 front....except the extended cabs which had a leaf sprung 44 (a setup identical to the 77.5-79 f-250 except for 5 lug) the dana 44's in the fronts of the 77.5-79 f-250's and the f-150's are the same except they have different springs, and the 150's are 5 lug with crosover steering and 250's are 8 lug and had dual piston caliper brakes with a draglink setup, but the axleshafts are interchangable, as for the frames the 77.5-79 250;s and f-150's frames are almost identical, there is a slight differnce in the front crossmembers, but strength wise they are pretty much the same, there are some details i left out, but that should be enough to get you started, maybe you could get lucky and find an old 77.-79 f-350 with the 70 rear and 60 front, those front 60's are rare, i had none in my area...im in georgia, and i had to go up to west virginia to get it....ill shutup now..hope this helps

 

Yeah that helps big time. Thanks. One more little question. What is the difference between the brake booster and master cylinder? You mention that the 250 had dual caliper pistons (like the 350s I'm guessing) so the master cylinder has a larger bore. But is the booster on a 250 stronger than the 11" unit on the 150 and is the master cylinder to booster bolt spacing the same? Inqiring minds want to know. Thanks again for the info.

 

 

on my f-150 and f-250, i cannot visually tell a difference in the master cylinder, nor the booster, so they look to be the same, maybe there is someone who has somw facts that can answer your question

 

Jer, Do you have any Ford documintation that you can reference to back up the different frame claim. I would be interested in seeing it.
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John

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[link:www.ford-trucks.com/users/jowilker|My Club FTE Page] Member since 01 01

[link:www.ford-trucks.net/users/jowilker/NCFTE.html|NCFTO] North Carolina Ford Truck Owners Group

In the cool still quiet of night, you can hear chevies rusting away.