F250 vs. F350 to haul GW

[FSJ-Earl]

I am getting ready to purchase a used F250 or F350 to haul my 89 GW. The Wag weighs in at 5500 lbs and the trailer at about 1750 for a total of 7250. I am looking at getting a 1998 - 2002 Ford F250 or F350 with the 7.3 liter Powerstroke. What is the F350 going to do better for me than the F250? I am looking to haul my rig 75 miles once or twice a month to go wheeling. I used an 2001 F250 7.3 Powerstroke to go to Kentucky this summer and it did great on the 1000+ mile round trip. I am thinking bigger is better but would like some opionions and thoughts. I am looking at the crew cab, short bed, SRW. THANKS!

Yes, I must get a Ford. My daughter got hit by a Dodge Ram when she was 5 so a Dodge is out and I do not like GMs at all, so a Ford is my only option.

[Elliott]

Prolly better brakes on the F350, and the diesel should have hydroboost.

[HeavyIron]

Which one is cheaper?
In my opinion the only difference is in the heavier rear springs that bump up the GVW a little bit, the drive train is otherwise the same.
Here in CA the higher GVW = higher registration fees.
I'd go with the F250 unless your hauling a fifth wheel trailer or plan on loading the bed with tons of weight. I have an F350 7.3 and an F250 6.0, the 350 rides rougher and the 250 towed everything every bit as well as the 350.

Edit: Brakes are the same for both models, 4 wheel disk and hydroboosted

[FSJ-Earl]

I saw two, an F250 and F350 both the same year for the same price. The F350 has a few more miles on it, but not many more.

[turtlejoe]

Shoot, I'd let your personal experience with the F250 be your biggest guide. If you're only going to tow a couple hundred miles a month, maybe the only real difference between the two is fuel mileage. I don't know squat about the trucks you're looking at, but is there a curb weight difference between the two? Is one interior nicer than the other and maybe have more options? Does one have a more complete maintenance log/history than the other? Do you foresee towing bigger things in the future?

That's all I've got - good luck!!:fsj:

[Dmntxn77]

Is one interior nicer than the other and maybe have more options? Does one have a more complete maintenance log/history than the other? Do you foresee towing bigger things in the future?



Yep, these are the things that I would be looking at too...


They are going to tow the same, so thats a wash. However, the 350 will ride much stiffer...

[Chris Langdon]

I have owned both. You wont notice a difference, and neither will the truck. I will tell you this though about used trucks of this caliber. the 350 will likely have seen a harder life because folks who bought them did so with the intentions of hauling heavy loads in excess of 5 grand trust me. The F250 is the way to go unless you can verify what action the 350 saw in it's life span. I own 2 7.3's both with 200k on them. Trouble Free. Stay way clear of the 6.0.
Also a 2x will be a great deal. the 4x4 are going to cost a bit more.

last piece of advice. Don't lift it if you plan to tow. Keep it low with good tires, stay away from mud tires. they tow very sloppy. slap on some highway tires and you will love the ride. Michelins are the best for long life and pleasurable ride. Worth the mula for sure.

Good luck
CCL

[Mikel]

Either vehicle will tow your FSJ with ease. I would run some cost/MPG numbers based on your projected usage and make a decision based on that.

[bushwood44]

I say go with the F250

[95KY sahara]

In the Dodge world the only diffrence is the tounge weight rating. A ton truck's is slightly higher, obviously. In my 99 owner's manual, a 2500 actually has a higher gross payload than a 3500 by like 250 lbs... go figure. I guess it's the diffrence in the weight of the parts to make a 3/4 into a ton, since in 99 3500's were only offered with duals.

Either Ford will do the job. Pick the one you like. Just keep with the 7.3. Those 6.0s should have put Ford out of business.

[trellis8]

Only difference between 250 and 350 Superduties is heavier springs. My brother has a 2002 SD with the 7.3 and the 6 speed stick and pulls with ease. He goes offroading quite a bit and pulls 2 early Broncos on a 28' gooseneck with no problem. My father in law has an '02 F350 SD with the 5.4 gas motor which pulls my Jeeps with no problem, but eats a lot of gas. I have a '95 F250 with the 7.3 which also pulls the Jeeps with no problem. I get almost 21 MPG with the 5 speed without towing. The only issue with the earlier F250's is they use the crappy TTB IFS up front . The 350's use straight axles up front. I would go Superduty F250 with the 7.3 diesel. Stay away from the 6.0 Powerstroke in newer Superduties. Many problems. I'd also consider a manual trans rather than the auto. The auto's don't seem to hold up as well. Good luck!

[Serious Johnson]

Not sure about '98-'02, but I think the only difference between the newer ones is dual wheels and blocks on the rear springs. Either could be had with any of the available springs.

S.J.

PS/Edit: If you're up for a trip to Colorado, My Dear Wife has her '06 F250 4x4 SD for sale. 19,000 miles, $25,000 I think, which is several thousand less than she owes on it.

[1983 j10]

the f250 will be more than enough to haul the gw. the f350 your probly looking at duals on the rear axle which help in hauling a lot of weight but your also looking at a higher cost for tires. as well as using more fuel.

[FSJ-Earl]

Where do they actually get the 1/2 , 3/4. or 1 ton ratings? What are they measuring? The bed capacity, tongue weight capacity, it is certainly NOT the towing capacity by a long shot.

I like the straight front axle of the F350, I did not think about that previously.

[bushwood44]

The F250 had straight axle also.

[Elliott]

Where do they actually get the 1/2 , 3/4. or 1 ton ratings? What are they measuring?

I believe it's the rear axle and spring rate.

[DerekTJeep]

If your current truck can do the job, why do you want a new truck? Just wondering. F250 should do fine. We all want to try to not spend too much on gas.

[Geeeep]

Get the F350.


You know you want it :p.
You drive what, 1 mile to work when you have to drive :rolleyes:.
You haul/tow stuff (Jeep Parts) all the time:drivin:.
You'll probably get a bigger trailer show you can take your pop-up along with your trail rig :thumbsup:.
I need to know where I can borrow one ;)
How many more miles?

[Dmntxn77]

Where do they actually get the 1/2 , 3/4. or 1 ton ratings? What are they measuring? The bed capacity, tongue weight capacity, it is certainly NOT the towing capacity by a long shot.



That designation was originally the payload rating. Now, of course, they can carry WAY more, but the designation has remained the same.

[FSJ-Earl]

If your current truck can do the job, why do you want a new truck? Just wondering. F250 should do fine. We all want to try to not spend too much on gas.
I do not currently have a rig that can tow my GW. I borrowed an F250 this summer. I have a tired J20 but that needs to go soon as I can't haul the wife and kids in comfort - no AC.

[FSJ-Earl]

Looks like I am down to these two rigs to choice from.

2002 F250 - http://autos.yahoo.com/used-cars/ford-f250-cars275874820?sortcol=price&sortdir=up&modelyearub=2003&modelyearlb=2002&askpriceub=any&askpricelb=any&deliverymileageub=any&deliverymileagelb=any&location=Middletown%2C+PA+17057&listingtype=used&model=f250&make=ford&distance=50 (http://autos.yahoo.com/used-cars/ford-f250-cars275874820?sortcol=price&sortdir=up&modelyearub=2003&modelyearlb=2002&askpriceub=any&askpricelb=any&deliverymileageub=any&deliverymileagelb=any&location=Middletown%2C+PA+17057&listingtype=used&model=f250&make=ford&distance=50)

2000 F350 - http://auto-locator.com/detail.epc?bcn=78338_4164 (http://auto-locator.com/detail.epc?bcn=78338_4164)

Will be making a decsion on Sat.!

[Geeeep]

F250, I don't know how the Eagles nest stays in business.

Looks like I am down to these two rigs to choice from.

2002 F250 - http://autos.yahoo.com/used-cars/ford-f250-cars275874820?sortcol=price&sortdir=up&modelyearub=2003&modelyearlb=2002&askpriceub=any&askpricelb=any&deliverymileageub=any&deliverymileagelb=any&location=Middletown%2C+PA+17057&listingtype=used&model=f250&make=ford&distance=50 (http://autos.yahoo.com/used-cars/ford-f250-cars275874820?sortcol=price&sortdir=up&modelyearub=2003&modelyearlb=2002&askpriceub=any&askpricelb=any&deliverymileageub=any&deliverymileagelb=any&location=Middletown%2C+PA+17057&listingtype=used&model=f250&make=ford&distance=50)

2000 F350 - http://auto-locator.com/detail.epc?bcn=78338_4164 (http://auto-locator.com/detail.epc?bcn=78338_4164)

Will be making a decsion on Sat.!

[Greenfire]

I like the blue one. Will look cool towin the wag around.

[1983 j10]

they both look good but just make sure you drive them both and listen to any strange noises. i know the 7.3s had a problem for a while of throwing rods through the block. im not to sure on what years they were having that problem but im sure someone will chime in on that.

[Oakknoll]

The only difference between a F-250 and F-350 is how much weight it can carry in the bed. The towing capacity is the same. I just went through the same thing and went with the F-250. It tows my 84 J-10 with no problem.

[trellis8]

Does the F350 really have 6000 miles? If so, I would buy that one.

[FSJ-Earl]

No it is actually 106,000

[bushwood44]

they both look good but just make sure you drive them both and listen to any strange noises. i know the 7.3s had a problem for a while of throwing rods through the block. im not to sure on what years they were having that problem but im sure someone will chime in on that.

Never heard of that problem with the 7.3,have always heard of trans. probs though and bad torque converters.Oh yea they both are good looking trucks.

[Serious Johnson]

Never heard of that problem with the 7.3,have always heard of trans. probs though and bad torque converters.Oh yea they both are good looking trucks.

Yeah, Ferd replaced quite a few ventilated 7.3s under warranty. Seems I heard that they eventually figured it out, but don't know when. It's still a better motor than the 6.0, in my opinion.

}}}}

[trellis8]

My company has 5 trucks with 7.3's with miles from 100k to 230k and all are very reliable, strong and get great fuel mileage. 106k miles is nothing, buy it!

[FSJ-Earl]

Well, I got a 2002 F350 Lariat CrewCab Diesel. 45K on the clock and it runs GREAT! Just picked it up this AM (Sat., 11/15) and I am pretty STOKED about it! Check out pics at: http://www.jeepsrus.org/megabbs/photos/photo-thumbnails.asp?albumid=65

[Geeeep]

'bout time :D

That's a nice rig and at those miles you'll be able to keep in for a while.

Don't let all those fancy creature comforts scare you. They're called heat, and air conditioning ;)

Well, I got a 2002 F350 Lariat CrewCab Diesel. 45K on the clock and it runs GREAT! Just picked it up this AM (Sat., 11/15) and I am pretty STOKED about it! Check out pics at: http://www.jeepsrus.org/megabbs/photos/photo-thumbnails.asp?albumid=65

By the way, you know it's screaming for bigger tires :thumbsup:

[bushwood44]

Thats a nice one, I know you'll be happy with the power and torque.

[FSJ-Earl]

'bout time :D

That's a nice rig and at those miles you'll be able to keep in for a while.

Don't let all those fancy creature comforts scare you. They're called heat, and air conditioning ;)



By the way, you know it's screaming for bigger tires :thumbsup:

It was nice to be able to keep cool today with the windows up. It has been a LONG time since that occured!

The guy had 35" ProComp X-Terrains on it but took them off and put the stock tires back on. He offered them to me for an extra grand. I passed. I want it to tow and that will decrease the towing capability.

[1983 j10]

thats a good looking truck you picked you good deal.

[chr1s]

Yeah Earl, congrats, thats a nice looking truck!

[cocco_78]

the last year for the 7.3 was the engine that liked to put the rods through the blocks, 02 or 03? Other than that the 7.3 is a great motor but they love to go through glow plug controlers, at least 1 a season on my old 2000. I guess there is a real heavy duty replacement from IH that is meant for their bigger trucks. There is no difference between F250 and F350 besides the springs, I believe there are 4 different springs that the F250 can have.

[Lindel]

All this and no one ever asked you the prime question: Do you need training wheels, or not!! ;) :D

Glad you got one you're happy with. :thumbsup:

[pineymike]

Congrats! nice truck, good luck have fun!

[FSJ-Earl]

All this and no one ever asked you the prime question: Do you need training wheels, or not!! ;) :D

Glad you got one you're happy with. :thumbsup:

Nope, no training wheels. But this thing is BIG!