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Max load

Old Feb 25, 2009 | 01:01 AM
  #1  
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From: Everly Ia
Max load

How can i get the max payload out of my 97 F250 powerstroke. I know i can pull more then what is says the truck can handle but what im looking for is trying to get it up to a 350 or 450 if i can. anyone can help that would be great thank you
 
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Old Feb 25, 2009 | 01:29 AM
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Swap in a set of axles complete with brakes and springs from a 450, then hope the frame will take the weight.
 
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Old Feb 25, 2009 | 07:45 AM
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F350 was just one more leaf spring in the rear. Gave an extra 1000# carry capapcity in the truck. Towing was the same rating. F450 was different frame along with axles and brakes. The brake system tend to be the defining factor in what the total capacity is, you have to be able to stop it all safely in a certain distance
 
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Old Feb 25, 2009 | 09:20 PM
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I just wanted to mention a few thing to think about.
Your truck being a SRW will not be near as stable as a dually is with a larger load on it.
Like toyman mentioned, I wouldnt worry about your engine, gears or frame first. I would worry about the brakes.
If you wanted to tow alot more with your truck, you can get a trailer that can handle that kind of weight and have the trailer support most of the load.
For example you could pull a trailer that weighs 10k lbs and another trailer that weighs 20k lbs but have the same amount of weight supported by the truck pulling either trailer, it all depends on load placement. However the one negative side to this, as I mentioned, is the difference in stability in a SRW vs. DRW.
Although you should be ok unless you plan on towing alot of weight alot of the time, if that is the case I would be looking for a different tow rig.
But if I was in your situation, I would invest in a good set of load range E rated tires, and a set of firestone airbags, that way you could get the support of the 350 when loaded but with the ride of your 250 unloaded,
Just some things I thought I'd throw out there man.
 
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Old Feb 25, 2009 | 11:12 PM
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From: Everly Ia
Thanks I wasnt were what the different was but you guy cleared that up for me. Is there a place to get bigger and better backs for the truck? And yes i was think of trying to put a drw rear end on the truck. A lot of work but i love the truck the only way i would get think a getting a different one if i could get a 1997 crew cab with low mile and DRW. ok maybe a knew one but have to have the 7.3
 
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