Modding an F-350 up or an F-550 down for TC
Given that you can get the same engine in an F-350 and F-550, which do you think would be better - beefing up the suspension and brakes on an F-350 so you don't need a custom bed, or buying an F-550 a...
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Just Jeff wrote:
Thanks Mike - that's the kind of experience I was hoping to hear about.
Were there any issues with cab height for the cabover? Or does the pickup bed end up around the same place?
Jeff
No issues with fit. The body work is no different than a F350. Depending on how the bed was added you may have an 18" space between the cab and bed filled with a small panel. In my case they shortened the frame.
Some of the differences are the F350 frame is 37" wide while the F550 is 34". My supertruss hitch with 48" extension came off a F350 and had to be modified. F550 has 19.5 in wheels. Tires can be pricey but I went with Hercules steer tires at $155.00 each. Sons shop uses on their F550 tow trucks and get 75 to 100K Miles out of them. Michilens run $425.00 each. These are anything but offroad tires. I am in AZ but have been told they are not great in snow and mud. May be an issue for you in Co.
Rearend is a Dana 135. Huge! Brakes are 14 inch discs. Huge. My 99 has the 7.3 powerstroke and that is why a 1999 to 2003 was what I was looking for. Bulletproof 500K mile motor. I just don't know enough about the newer motors.
Empty over speedbumps it can be a rough ride. I am good with it but I knew what I was getting.
Another comment on the 4.88 gearing. At first I was concerned due to milage. My son has a F250 4x4 with 3.73 gears and gets 18 or 19 empty. What I found was I was happy with my milage and the low gearing made the truck very drivable around town. Amazing how quick a 8000 lb truck can leave a traffic light. Stays with traffic with no problem.
