Engineer9860 wrote:
The F-450 I drive has a Dana 110, 4.88/posi. It currently has 198,000 miles with no issues (the axle, that is). Clearly, if the truck in the vid has a Dana 80, it needs an upgrade.
Yeah Ford really puss'd out the F450 pickups in 2010 model years, to present. They are nothing more than an F350 dually with a lower axle ratio, anymore. Sad.
I hear they may be resurrecting some of the old '08-'09 F450 pickup features, in the '15 model year? If so, that would be good.
Like to see the wide-track front axle and better turning radius, heavier S110 rear axle, 19.5" wheels/tires and much bigger brakes again, like the F450 cab/chassis models have. Also the much higher GVW, RGAW and GCW ratings that the cab/chassis trucks have. A V10 engine option would be great as well.
They need to put a REAL set of rear springs in it too, not the same saggy F350 springs they've been using. Use F450 cab/chassis springs instead.
Also be nice to see them built on the stouter F450 cab/chassis frame, instead of the F350 pickup frame, with industry standard 34" wide straight rear frame rails and 60" cab to axle length. Then build the 8' pickup bed to fit the 4" longer wheelbase length, by moving the wheel wells 4" closer to the tailgate. :)
The more rearward position of the axle would be better for hauling long/heavy campers (like the old long wheelbase F350 Super Camper Special trucks of the 70's), as well as give better rough terrain turning clearance for 5th wheel and gooseneck trailers. The straight, standard width frame rails and cab to axle length would make it easier to build hauler beds for them too, which Ford could offer as a factory option, instead of a sheetmetal pickup bed.
Basically, just offer the actual F450 cab/chassis truck, with a factory pickup bed option, as well as a hauler bed option! That would solve the whole problem right there! :B
Offer a true air ride rear suspension and air ride cab option too, for those who like to cruise it around unloaded. ;)
