F550
Thread Starter
|
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 7,649
Likes: 2
From: Wallingford, CT
F550
A NEW ENGLAND AUTO & TRUCK SUPERSTORE - www.anewenglandauto.com
We're looking at possibly purchasing another PSD for use as a mulch/sand/stone/topsoil delivery truck. That truck caught dad's eye. It's his company and ultimately his decision but he knows I know a lot more about PSDs than he does and I will have a lot of pull in the decision.
When he showed me that truck he also showed me a very sharp 97 F350 mason dump XLT for the same price that already had a plow mount. My issue was that we would be overloading a 350 all the time and a 550 is just about enough truck.
So what are the big differences between a 350 and a 550? I know a 550 would have a Dana super 60 front axle instead of just a Dana 60 like my truck has and I know the suspension is probably heavier but what else is different? Anything different I ought to check for on this truck as opposed to a smaller Superduty?
If we got that truck I posted the link to we'd end up taking off the flatbed and putting on a dumping bed of some sort and then put a plow mount on it.
We're looking at possibly purchasing another PSD for use as a mulch/sand/stone/topsoil delivery truck. That truck caught dad's eye. It's his company and ultimately his decision but he knows I know a lot more about PSDs than he does and I will have a lot of pull in the decision.
When he showed me that truck he also showed me a very sharp 97 F350 mason dump XLT for the same price that already had a plow mount. My issue was that we would be overloading a 350 all the time and a 550 is just about enough truck.
So what are the big differences between a 350 and a 550? I know a 550 would have a Dana super 60 front axle instead of just a Dana 60 like my truck has and I know the suspension is probably heavier but what else is different? Anything different I ought to check for on this truck as opposed to a smaller Superduty?
If we got that truck I posted the link to we'd end up taking off the flatbed and putting on a dumping bed of some sort and then put a plow mount on it.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,274
Likes: 1
From: Milroy, PA
550 should have a straight frame, once it goes up from the under the cab. You also get IIRC a dana 110 or 135 rear axle. I cant remember which it is, but I think its the 135 (which has a 13.5" ring gear IIRC). Either way, its beefy. The front axle is actually the same as our 60s, but with larger brakes, and a different unit bearing, due to the different lug pattern. I think the 8 lug in the 550s was 8 on 225mm vs everything else was a 8 on 170mm. Unless it was a 10 lug jobber (which started later). Then there is the springs. The super 60s actually started in 05.
Thread Starter
|
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 7,649
Likes: 2
From: Wallingford, CT
I've yet to go look at it in person. Just trying to get an idea of the differences and find out what I should check special on a 550 as opposed to just a 350.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,372
Likes: 108
From: Northern Indiana
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,005
Likes: 3
From: Mcafee, NJ
our family business has a 97 f350 and a 2000 f550 and that f550 is more truck then its legally allowed to be
ive personally hauled 12 ton of oversize rock in our and it just pulled every hill i came to with out thinking twice
ive personally hauled 12 ton of oversize rock in our and it just pulled every hill i came to with out thinking twice
Trending Topics
still plays with trucks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,743
Likes: 3
From: Twin Falls Idaho
Pete, the engine and tranny are the same. from the cab back is where the difference is. Dana 135 rear axle, probably 4:88 gears. bigger brakes on all 4 corners. thicker frame. 19.5 wheels and tires. don't let the tire size scare Dad. they last longer and carry the load much better than 16's ever will. Its the biggest "little" truck you can buy.
I love mine and wouldn't want to drive anything else.
Barney
I love mine and wouldn't want to drive anything else.
Barney
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 864
Likes: 0
From: Fort Campbell, KY
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,104
Likes: 5
From: West Tx
I was almost positive the F550 up to 2005 used the same unit bearing as the f250+. I could be wrong though. The powerstroke 7.3 water pump has a dynamic seal that leaks to a small reservoir during cranking which may be why the coolant disappears. The small reservoir is below the pump. I can fill my tank up and it will level out below the fill line.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,333
Likes: 1
From: St. Louis, Mo.
I was almost positive the F550 up to 2005 used the same unit bearing as the f250+. I could be wrong though. The powerstroke 7.3 water pump has a dynamic seal that leaks to a small reservoir during cranking which may be why the coolant disappears. The small reservoir is below the pump. I can fill my tank up and it will level out below the fill line.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 3
From: Windsor, Colorado
Pete, that looks like a pretty good deal if it checks out on inspection.
still plays with trucks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,743
Likes: 3
From: Twin Falls Idaho
The powertrain is the same 250-550
some difference in electronics. Dana 60 front axle. Dana 135 rear
some difference in electronics. Dana 60 front axle. Dana 135 rear