2500 or 3500 what's the major difference?

[lmarcrum]

I am looking at new trucks. It seems most new trucks on the lots are 2500. If you want to tow or have a HD truck wouldn't you want a 3500. Most of the trucks are equipped with a diesel and a 2500 chaise. Why is that? I am looking looking for a Ford F350 with a gas 6.2L engine. Hard to find. I live in Illinois and will not use the truck that much in the winter. That is why I did not choose the Diesel engine. I have heard the cold is not good for a Diesel engine if not used or started much in the winter.
What is the major difference between the 250 & 350 chaise. Are the brakes the same? Thank you

[tim_and_amy]

I think it is funny when people ask what the difference is between the 250-350 or ram 2500-3500, not to be mean or anything, but I used to do it too.
I was recently at a ram truck dealer just roaming the lot when I overheard this exact question and the answer was priceless.

"So what's the difference between the ram 2500 and 3500?"
"ok, see that badge there on the fender?"
" Uh yea,"
" Well that and the springs, that's it. Everything else is the same unless you buy a dually"

I laughed because it was very true. the guy who asked the question didn't believe him. But I know my uncles 250 rides nice, my 350 is like a battle wagon if the road is bumpy at all.
What I mean by this is payload. All other stuff, axles brakes everything is the same and interchangeable between the f250, f350, and excursions.

[sidney]

[Me_Again]

Highbeam wrote:
The door sticker is the most important thing. Big difference in "legal" payload between 3/4 and one ton models. I guess I don't really care about the physical differences that allow the sticker to change. The sticker is very important. Imagine being in a wreck and the attorney for the lady you injured can say that you exceeded the ratings. Every jury will call you a bad guy for breaking this "law" whether you deserved a ticket or not your negligence is incriminating.

The state of Washington could care less about GVWR. They licensed my 8800 GVWR truck for 12k. Weight police exist here that do not exist in the real world. Chris

[Highbeam]

The door sticker is the most important thing. Big difference in "legal" payload between 3/4 and one ton models. I guess I don't really care about the physical differences that allow the sticker to change. The sticker is very important. Imagine being in a wreck and the attorney for the lady you injured can say that you exceeded the ratings. Every jury will call you a bad guy for breaking this "law" whether you deserved a ticket or not your negligence is incriminating.

[ricatic]

mich800 wrote:
Interesting conversation on the differences between the F250 and F350 SRW. I think the facts have been represented. I would add, how much engineering and development went into the regular F350 SRW compared to the 10k gvwr model. Did they take something out of the 10k model or is the regular one beefed up. 🙂

I know the Gypsy will likely disagree but the "only" difference between the 11,500# GVW F350 CC SB 4wd and the same truck with the 10000# GVW rating is the "door sticker". This is done for licensing purposes. Some states have a huge increase in wheel tax when the vehicle is rated for more than 10000 GVW...

...and Gypsy, you have totally misrepresented my posting...like Jimlin asked of you, read the OP's question and then look at the answers you are questioning. My answers regarding Ford Sterling axles are absolute fact and backed up by Ford's own specifications. This is also supported by part number comparison. The part numbers for all the Sterling Axle components are the same regardless of whether the assembly is mounted in a 250 or 350 SRW truck...the F350 SRW has additional part numbers but they are limited to the overload leaf spring and the taller block...

I believe you have taken my mere statement of fact about these axle assemblies being identical as an endorsement to exceed manufacturer's ratings...please reread my posts...you will not find that endorsement anywhere...

Regards

[rhagfo]

mich800 wrote:
Interesting conversation on the differences between the F250 and F350 SRW. I think the facts have been represented. I would add, how much engineering and development went into the regular F350 SRW compared to the 10k gvwr model. Did they take something out of the 10k model or is the regular one beefed up. 🙂

Then the 10,000# GVWR, might just a sticker to make the truck a better cost option in certain states that jack up the license fee over 10,000# :@

[mich800]

Interesting conversation on the differences between the F250 and F350 SRW. I think the facts have been represented. I would add, how much engineering and development went into the regular F350 SRW compared to the 10k gvwr model. Did they take something out of the 10k model or is the regular one beefed up. 🙂

[JIMNLIN]

fla-gypsy wrote:
Look who's being ignorant? The maker says this is what the product is designed to do and you and a couple of other AE's say otherwise because your smarter than the engineering team that designed it. Based on your approach the American worker and their employers could do anything they THINK is OK. That wouldn't end well for either. Believe what you want but some of us know better because we have seen the consequences of ignoring ratings and warnings.

Based on my approach ???
You still don't get it.
The OP asked and I quote "2500 or 3500 what's the major difference?".
Others have pointed out the differences and I supplied a link from Fleet Fords spec sheets that shows the differences.
Read Fords specs and then make informed comments on the differences.

[Slownsy]

I believe the F250 now has 4" blocks but I don't know it all.
Frank

[Me_Again]

therink wrote:

Me Again wrote:

therink wrote:
I am pretty sure that the sticker in the door frame is the deciding factor for what the truck is designed to tow and carry. Please correct me if I am wrong.

There is nothing on the Placard about what you can tow. GAWR is an indication of the weakest link in the separate axles. Rear is usually the tires. Front is usually the axle for 4x4's and 2x4's other suspension components. GVWR is more a warranty issue than anything else.

The federal and matching state weight laws are way above what a pickup truck can haul.

Pickup weight police only exist on forums like this one. Chris

Not true. My vehicle used for Towing my fiver is also my company truck with Dot #s on the door.

So then you know that it is very hard with a pickup to exceed Federal bridge weight laws. Chris

[fla-gypsy]

JIMNLIN wrote:

fla-gypsy wrote:
Having spent 30 years administering industrial safety compliance programs I will respectfully decline to accept your opinion of what the difference is and defer to what the manufacturer states in writing the established ratings for the product they sell are. We call that hazard recognition and risk avoidance and it is the ONLY proven and acceptable data available. Everything else is opinion and worth diddly squat.

Your way off the track here.
If you believe in mfg rating then why don't you read Fords spec sheets clicky I made above that backs up what ricatic, myself and others have all ready found out and have shown in our replies pertaining to the OP post of 250/350 major differences.

Or you can continue to stick your head in the sand and continue making ignorant remarks about other folks as arm chair engineers which doesn't help the OP find the differences he is asking for.

Simply read the OP question and give a informed answer. If you can't read Fords specs sheets then ask some one to read the for you.

Look who's being ignorant? The maker says this is what the product is designed to do and you and a couple of other AE's say otherwise because your smarter than the engineering team that designed it. Based on your approach the American worker and their employers could do anything they THINK is OK. That wouldn't end well for either. Believe what you want but some of us know better because we have seen the consequences of ignoring ratings and warnings.

[therink]

Me Again wrote:

therink wrote:
I am pretty sure that the sticker in the door frame is the deciding factor for what the truck is designed to tow and carry. Please correct me if I am wrong.

There is nothing on the Placard about what you can tow. GAWR is an indication of the weakest link in the separate axles. Rear is usually the tires. Front is usually the axle for 4x4's and 2x4's other suspension components. GVWR is more a warranty issue than anything else.

The federal and matching state weight laws are way above what a pickup truck can haul.

Pickup weight police only exist on forums like this one. Chris

Not true. My vehicle used for Towing my fiver is also my company truck with Dot #s on the door.

[Me_Again]

therink wrote:
I am pretty sure that the sticker in the door frame is the deciding factor for what the truck is designed to tow and carry. Please correct me if I am wrong.

There is nothing on the Placard about what you can tow. GAWR is an indication of the weakest link in the separate axles. Rear is usually the tires. Front is usually the axle for 4x4's and 2x4's other suspension components. GVWR is more a warranty issue than anything else.

The federal and matching state weight laws are way above what a pickup truck can haul.

Pickup weight police only exist on forums like this one. Chris

[therink]

I am pretty sure that the sticker in the door frame is the deciding factor for what the truck is designed to tow and carry. Please correct me if I am wrong.