2017 Ford Rear Bed Height

I think that's how they get more payload. Giving the springs more room to store the extra weight.

My 2011 sit's about 3+" above level.

It is due to the fully boxed frame in the rear. The older Ford SD's had a C-channel frame from the bed back which one of its benefits over a fully boxed is a lower bed height along with easier upfitting. The downside to a C-channel frame is that it flexes more. This however should not be confused for being weaker as many believe when they see those GM and Ram propaganda video's of the frame flexing in the SD trucks. A fully boxed frame is more rigid than a C-channel frame, but that doesn't necessarily mean it is stronger when comparing two frames. I personally would rather have a C-channel frame with a lower bed height than a fully boxed frame with a higher bed height.

^So that's why some of the old style super dutys sat level compared to the others?
What about the ones that don't?
It doesn't have jack to do with having a C channel or tube frame. It's the suspension configuration.
I've had 250s with heavy front springs that sit like a leveled truck, older 250s with camper package and more/stiffer springs in the stack that sat raked and 350s as well.
Not saying ford didn't change up ride ht with the new style, but it's not a unilateral effect of a boxed frame.

Yeah, I don't get the whole "it's the boxed frame" thing either...

The only difference is in essence, there's a plate welded over the open C-channel. Why would that force the truck to be taller? If anything, the truck could be SHORTER because the frame rails could be made shorter due to the extra material of the boxing.

The manufacturers have been "jacking up" trucks ever since the mid 1990's. That look is in, or the manufacturers think it is. It's a cheap way to make the trucks look and feel "bigger" too.

Grit dog wrote:
^So that's why some of the old style super dutys sat level compared to the others?
What about the ones that don't?
It doesn't have jack to do with having a C channel or tube frame. It's the suspension configuration.
I've had 250s with heavy front springs that sit like a leveled truck, older 250s with camper package and more/stiffer springs in the stack that sat raked and 350s as well.
Not saying ford didn't change up ride ht with the new style, but it's not a unilateral effect of a boxed frame.

Nope.....

The fully boxed frame is composed of 95 percent high-strength steel, making the frame 24 times stiffer than the previous generation. The truck sits about 1.5 inches taller, due in large part to the taller and heavier-duty frame and corresponding suspension points

2017 Ford Super Duty: Powertrain and Chassis

Fully boxed frames are generally taller than C-channel due to how they get their strength. You also have to mount the suspension points much differently than a C-channel. C-channels get their strength from their wall thickness so you bolt things to the walls and it will hold. Fully boxed frames have much thinner walls(to save weight) since they get their strength from being fully boxed and section height so putting holes in it will dramatically weaken it. This is why with a C channel, you can mount the suspension points in the frame wall where a fully boxed has to be on the bottom thus making the truck and bed taller.

I drove a 2017 F-350 4x4 today. The sales person said the high body was due to the flat floor in the back seat. They have eliminated the transmission hump.

If you go to the Ford web site and look under brochures the trailer towing guide provides the bed height. It is about 60".

Fxfymn wrote:
I drove a 2017 F-350 4x4 today. The sales person said the high body was due to the flat floor in the back seat. They have eliminated the transmission hump.

If you go to the Ford web site and look under brochures the trailer towing guide provides the bed height. It is about 60".

News to me. I have the 2012 F350 and I have a flat floor on mine. Another stupid salesperson.

Some reported that the height of the bed floor is relatively the same, but the bed rails and cab is actually higher.

ShinerBock wrote:

Grit dog wrote:
^So that's why some of the old style super dutys sat level compared to the others?
What about the ones that don't?
It doesn't have jack to do with having a C channel or tube frame. It's the suspension configuration.
I've had 250s with heavy front springs that sit like a leveled truck, older 250s with camper package and more/stiffer springs in the stack that sat raked and 350s as well.
Not saying ford didn't change up ride ht with the new style, but it's not a unilateral effect of a boxed frame.

Nope.....

The fully boxed frame is composed of 95 percent high-strength steel, making the frame 24 times stiffer than the previous generation. The truck sits about 1.5 inches taller, due in large part to the taller and heavier-duty frame and corresponding suspension points

2017 Ford Super Duty: Powertrain and Chassis

Fully boxed frames are generally taller than C-channel due to how they get their strength. You also have to mount the suspension points much differently than a C-channel. C-channels get their strength from their wall thickness so you bolt things to the walls and it will hold. Fully boxed frames have much thinner walls(to save weight) since they get their strength from being fully boxed and section height so putting holes in it will dramatically weaken it. This is why with a C channel, you can mount the suspension points in the frame wall where a fully boxed has to be on the bottom thus making the truck and bed taller.

Interesting. Well I stand corrected. Thanks for the explanation.