A F-250 and a SRW F-350 Are Nearly Identical Trucks

[minnow101]

Pretty much anytime you opt for a gas motor instead of the diesel, you can assume approx 500 more pounds of available payload on whichever truck. And if you want more, ditch the 4 wheel drive and opt for two wheel drive. And even more payload for reg. Cab vs. CrewCab. More payload with an XL trim than a Lariat/King Ranch. I've just described the truck that Ford uses to brag about their maximum payload...."when properly equipped". But in 99 times out of 100, no one wants a two wheel drive, regular cab, XL work truck with a gas motor....except businesses that want a basic work truck.

I would suggest that Ford change that “when properly equipped” slogan to “when properly stripped”.

[xrated]

I would suggest that Ford change that “when properly equipped” slogan to “when properly stripped”.

That's funny, I was thinking the same exact thing when I made my post!

[camper1013]

I will throw in when comparing my 2019 Chevy 3500 to my FIL 2500 the only visual difference is that I have the overload springs (and a diesel). Other than that the trucks look the same. And the interiors are all the same, even in the 1500 series. In fact I saved my Weather techs from the 2016 1500 to put in my 3500 when I traded it in. As for the mechanical internals, I am not sure what the difference is, but seems like those are the same on paper.

For me, I never even looked at 2500 simply due to what I save in registration in MN. I pay $125 a year compared to what would have been in the $750 range.

[jim1521]

Geez, guys. After reading this thread my head hurts!

[Canyonlight]

@JeffD68 - nicely done on presenting detailed and factual information. The 2500/3500 series trucks payload ratings, minor differences, and capacities has been a lively topic on the forum over the years. However, I do not recall anyone sharing this level of information. The more informed we all become, the better we all can be at sharing accurate information here and elsewhere.

Dan

[pjmjunior]

...The 1 ton gives you the same ride when empty but 1,000+ pounds more payload when loaded.

The quality of the ride in my F-250 is much closer to that of my father-in-laws F-150 than the handful of F-350s I test drove prior to purchasing said F-250. Having one less leaf in the rear really helps with ride quality. This is, of course, when not towing.

[bertschb]

Having one less leaf in the rear really helps with ride quality. This is, of course, when not towing.

Hi Peter

If you look at the extra leaf spring in the rear of an F-350, you'll see it's not "engaged" until there is a heavy load in the back of the truck. The "regular" spring pack is shared between the F250 and F350. This is why both trucks ride the same when empty. This picture shows the springs:

[TheLexx]

I think this clip just about says it all when it comes to which F*50 truck is best for our needs:

[pjmjunior]

Hi Peter

If you look at the extra leaf spring in the rear of an F-350, you'll see it's not "engaged" until there is a heavy load in the back of the truck. The "regular" spring pack is shared between the F250 and F350. This is why both trucks ride the same when empty. This picture shows the springs:

The "regular" spring pack on my 250 has 3 leaves (leafs??), whereas the image you show has 4. While I'm not home to take a pic, you can clearly see it in this airbag installation video. The 250 is "missing" the second leaf from the bottom.



I know this for a fact since ride quality was my deciding factor (that was a lie, it was my wife's deciding factor) in getting a 250 over a 350.

[JeffD68]

The "regular" spring pack on my 250 has 3 leaves (leafs??), whereas the image you show has 4. While I'm not home to take a pic, you can clearly see it in this airbag installation video. The 250 is "missing" the second leaf from the bottom.




I know this for a fact since ride quality was my deciding factor (that was a lie, it was my wife's deciding factor) in getting a 250 over a 350.

Correct. All 2017 and up F-250s have 3 leafs in the main pack. The Camper Package and High Capacity Trailer Tow Package add the top overload for a total of four. I don't think the number of leafs is necessarily meaningful. You could potentially have a single leaf that would be stouter than a multi leaf setup. That being said, I believe the first stage on the F250 is somewhere around 7% softer than the F-350. I seriously doubt anyone could tell the difference. If you test drive them back to back and notice a significant difference in the ride, I'd be willing to wager it's because the 350 tires are inflated to 80 psi and the 250 is inflated to 65 psi.