Forum Discussion

rowekmr's avatar
rowekmr
Explorer
Aug 27, 2014

Difference btw F250/350 and F450/550

I think I got a handle on the differences between a 2005-2007 F250/350 being springs (which can be the same depending on order), rear spring block and helper springs. What is the difference between the bigger brothers 450/550 compared to the smaller ones? Are the frames the same? I see some with pick up beds and some with seemingly longer frames with stake or flat beds on them. Looking at the Ford charts they are available with higher (numerically) available gear ratios are the rear ends (and front) the same?

2007 F250/350 Towing Guide

http://www.fleet.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/towingguides/07RVTTguideApr08.pdf

2007 Owners Manual show a 3k difference between the F350 and F450/550 GCVWR

http://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/catalog/owner_guides/07f23og2e.pdf

Looking at the 2014 Ford Towing Guide shows values off the F250-550. The F450/550 pick ups have a margin over the F250/350 but the F550 chassis cab have a much bigger capacity to tow (pg 16-17).

http://www.fleet.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/towingguides/14FLRVTTgde_Sep9.pdf

Thanks
Tow Vehicles
  • carringb's avatar
    carringb
    Explorer
    Aug 27, 2014
    Different frames, axles, and brake, tires, drivelines, cooling stacks etc. Really only the gas motors, transmission, and the cabs are shared. Even the diesels are not exactly the same between the light and medium duty Fords.
  • kevden's avatar
    kevden
    Explorer
    Aug 28, 2014
    The F250/350 are Ford, so they are no good.
    The F450/550 are also Ford, so they are no good either.
    So, no difference between them.:B
  • stickdog's avatar
    stickdog
    Explorer
    Aug 28, 2014
    I don't keep up with all the different possible combos but the 450 and 550's had different frames and had I believe at least 430 or 488 rear ends The 350's had 373 and the Tow Boss model 411 or 430 all which would allow for higher payloads but lower MPG's.
  • rowekmr's avatar
    rowekmr
    Explorer
    Aug 28, 2014
    Thanks for the responses. I did some more research and saw that there were line changes through the years so similarities or differences varied depending on year.
    I read that the insurance companies can charge much higher for the 450/550 and the higher rear gears (4.88) really hurt fuel economy.
    And Travisej I hope you enjoyed the popcorn lol
  • Ric_Flair's avatar
    Ric_Flair
    Explorer
    Aug 28, 2014
    kevden wrote:
    The F250/350 are Ford, so they are no good.
    The F450/550 are also Ford, so they are no good either.
    So, no difference between them.:B


    I'd go even further and say there's no difference between Ford and Dodge either
  • rowekmr's avatar
    rowekmr
    Explorer
    Aug 28, 2014
    I'm sure the manufacturers appreciate such brand loyalty!
    Ric Flair wrote:
    kevden wrote:
    The F250/350 are Ford, so they are no good.
    The F450/550 are also Ford, so they are no good either.
    So, no difference between them.:B


    I'd go even further and say there's no difference between Ford and Dodge either
  • wintersun's avatar
    wintersun
    Explorer II
    Aug 28, 2014
    The F-450 is a F-350 but for a few modifications to increase its practical towing capacity, including lower rear end gears than are available with the F-250/350 models, and a different front end suspension.

    The F-550 is where you go for greater payload capacity with its standard rims, tires, DRW, etc. and is a commercial base (chassis cab) for adding various commercial platforms.

    In terms of payload the F-350 GAWR is 9750 lbs., for the F-450 it is 12,000 lbs. and for the F-550 it is up to 14,706 lbs.

    For towing purposes the F-450 is a step above the F-250/350 trucks and then one should consider going to something like the Freightliner MR2.

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