No overload spring
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,093
Likes: 147
From: San Diego, CA
Not to beat a dead horse, but I was looking at the technical specs from Ford (I don't know how to post the file here), but it looks like the springs are the 6830lbs springs for both 250 and 350, but the GAWR (gross axle weight rating) for the 250 is 6084lbs, while the 350 is 6830lbs. Thus the GVWR of 8800lbs for the 250 and 9900lbs for the 350.
There is no explanation why the GAWR is different since they are both the same Sterling 10.50 (comparison is based using 7.3L diesel single rear wheel 4x4), except the following note:
Gross Axle Weight Rating is determined by the rated capacity of the minimum component of the axle system (axle, computer selected springs, wheels, tires) of a specific vehicle. Front and rear GAWR’s will, in all cases, sum to a number equal to or
greater than the GVWR for the particular vehicle. Maximum loaded vehicle (including passengers, equipment and payload)
cannot exceed the GVW rating or GAWR (front or rear).
I don't what is weaker component in the 250, but with everything being the same, maybe it is the extra 2" squat from the taller block.
I also came across this note too:
Auxiliary rear spring will be removed as standard with 5.4L engine applications and will be included with certain option packages
(Effective Nov. 2002).
The file I have is only an excerpt from the tech specs. I don't remember which Ford document I got this from.
I know we've taken this farther than it should have ever gotten, but thought I would share some actual Ford info...
There is no explanation why the GAWR is different since they are both the same Sterling 10.50 (comparison is based using 7.3L diesel single rear wheel 4x4), except the following note:
Gross Axle Weight Rating is determined by the rated capacity of the minimum component of the axle system (axle, computer selected springs, wheels, tires) of a specific vehicle. Front and rear GAWR’s will, in all cases, sum to a number equal to or
greater than the GVWR for the particular vehicle. Maximum loaded vehicle (including passengers, equipment and payload)
cannot exceed the GVW rating or GAWR (front or rear).
I don't what is weaker component in the 250, but with everything being the same, maybe it is the extra 2" squat from the taller block.
I also came across this note too:
Auxiliary rear spring will be removed as standard with 5.4L engine applications and will be included with certain option packages
(Effective Nov. 2002).
The file I have is only an excerpt from the tech specs. I don't remember which Ford document I got this from.
I know we've taken this farther than it should have ever gotten, but thought I would share some actual Ford info...
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,881
Likes: 84
From: Wake Forest, NC
So we are supposed to believe that by allowing the spring to arch around a taller block, so that effectively the suspension can squat 2 more inches without looking lower than the front, adds capacity.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,751
Likes: 3
From: So Oregon
The difference is between diesel or gas, not F250 or F350.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,881
Likes: 84
From: Wake Forest, NC
Really?!
I'm showing the same part numbers for the hardware at the wheels. The booster is different though but I don't really think that add's any capacity.
I'm showing the same part numbers for the hardware at the wheels. The booster is different though but I don't really think that add's any capacity.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,881
Likes: 84
From: Wake Forest, NC
I would say you have the camper package then. ALthough the camper pkg is supposed to give you an upgrade over the standard computer selected spring. But now I can't remember where the V rates in the spring chart. be back later with an answer, maybe.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,521
Likes: 11
From: Greenwood, SC
This has been fun.
All I can say is, my 250 handles more weight and is more stable than any Chev or GMC 3500 I ever drove. I was nervous going to SRW but this truck is just unreal. I had to add airbags because of the sag when towing heavy, now it's just a monster. If a 350 is better, I hope I don't ever drive one 'cause I'll have to buy it.
All I can say is, my 250 handles more weight and is more stable than any Chev or GMC 3500 I ever drove. I was nervous going to SRW but this truck is just unreal. I had to add airbags because of the sag when towing heavy, now it's just a monster. If a 350 is better, I hope I don't ever drive one 'cause I'll have to buy it.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,751
Likes: 3
From: So Oregon
Yeah, it's just the booster as far as I know. The different booster is gas/diesel, but doesn't have anything to do with F250/F350, they are otherwise the same.
