I am going to be ordering a new truck here very soon, possibly even tomorrow. I have been dead set on getting an F-450. But just now, I started wondering why I have not considered an F-350 with a 6.4L. Before, it was because really liked the F-450 front axle. But now that is offered on the F-350 as well.

What else makes an F-450 better than an F-350? Here are the differences that I know about.

Bigger breaks - is it a noticeable upgrade from an F-350?
Higher towing capacity - hmm... probably not going to be towing 33K
19.5" wheels - to accomidate the bigger breaks, also look cooler
F-450 emblem - this is just a coolness factor, that I like

What else am I missing? The cost difference for my order will be approx. $3000.00 difference between the two models. Is there anything else to justify the extra money?

Thanks.

 

You'll get minimum 4.30 gears unless that has been changed for job 3. if you don't need those and the little less fuel economy then that's another. your truck might fall into the 10k plus class and your plates/registration could be more etc...

 

Regardless, I am getting 4.30's. Anything else?

 

Check your insurance, you may have higher rates based on a different "class" or higher payload/tow rating, GVWR. Check your local ordinances/laws regarding whether there is any limit on the size of vehicle, there are some locales that prohibit a vehicle based on GVWR, not necessarily the actual weight of the vehicle.

 

Looks like in Oregon, it is standard licensing is for vehicles under 26000 lbs. GVRW for an F-450 is 14500 lbs. So, an F-450 should be a standard registration and licensing. I will also check my insurance tomorrow.


Any other differences in the trucks themselves?

 

If I were going drw
i'd get the 450 for sure. All coolness factor. I'd hvae ahard time believing that 450 would'nt be worth more down the road. For sure you'd keep the 3k margin when selling it used. .02

 

Yeah Safehaven, knowing where you are would help. I didn't realize you're in Oregon.

 

This does not make much of a difference to most, but to some it does. The F-450 is speed limited to 81 MPH vs. 95 MPH for the F-350.

 

Thanks for all of the replies.

The more I think about it, the more I am leaning toward a 350 now. Sure, the coolness factor is there with the 450, and boy would it be cool. But for practicallity reasons, I am thinking that the 350 makes more sense.

I am not going to be towing 33K, ever. The 350's now come with the wide track front axel. The bigger breaks would be nice, but my current '05 DRW already stops extremely well, and it stops lightyears better than my '03 SRW. I just read that the 450's are ~1200 lbs heavier than the 350's. If this is true, I am not too wild about that. I also just read that the ride quality in a 450, some say, is less than desirable and potentially unstable at highway speeds.

I am going to drive both tomorrow. But I think as this point, with the money savings and the availability of the wide front axle, the 350 seems like it might be the smarter choice.

 

I agree with your reasoning. I am also a big fan of the F-450, but would probably buy a F-350 if I did not have the need for the F-450.

F-450 is actually 590 lbs heavier than the F-350, not 1200 lbs. This is based on both trucks being 4X4 CC LWB. The F-450's are definately heavy though. I have yet to see one scale at anything less than 9000 lbs.

 

The fact that you have to run commercial tires is the only reason I would not get the 450 - I wish you could run 17" tires and stay within the load rating of the tires. Oh and you can't get a 450 SB CC

 

Agree 100% our fleet trucks run the 19.5, there hard to balance, hard to find in rual areas if you have problems and the price tags are crazy. Here in Nevada the tires dry rot after about two to three years and have to be replaced regardless of thread condition.

 

I am assuming by this statement your truck is going to be a tow vehicle. If not i would realy consider how much you are going to tow vs daily drive, with that being said, i would realy consider the 3.73 axle if its aslo your daily driver for the fuel milage.

On another note i would consider the diffrence in the ride between the two, i have seen alot of 450 owners complain about the ride empty, that its a little firm. If its mostly a tow vehicle this will not be an issue but again tow vs daily driver has to be considered.

 

I just bought a F-450 as a 5th wheel RV tow vehicle. It rides very well for what it is, and what it can haul, but I can't imagine is as a daily driver. Seats are comfortable, interior is nice, but just too long, wide and bumpy for a DD. Not that I'm complaining...

 

Well, I went into the dealership today. I went ahead and ordered an F-350. I could not justify the added cost and extra quirks associated with owning an F-450. The F-350 was almost exactly $3000 less than the F-450. I did drive an F-450 though to see how it turns with the wide front axle... WOW! I though the '05's with the coils turned good. That axle makes a HUGE difference.

SANDDEMON - Thanks for the heads up. I already own an '05 6.0L with 4.30's, so I am sticking with them. I have a 39' toyhauler that pushes 16K when fully loaded, so I like the gearing to pull that.

The new truck will be the wifes, as usual. I will get the hand-me-down '05. And I'll more than likely trade my '03 Centennial edition in.