Need help with finding a F-250/F-350 PSD, what to get?

[metroplex]

What options will net me the highest payload capacity with a 4x4, Crew Cab, PSD, and towing setup?

What options would you recommend just for good "extras" that are worth it.

Application will be normally on the road with some off-roading.

[scottbob99]

What are you towing?? Maybe you need a 450.

[metroplex]

Do the F-450s come in Crew Cab 4x4 configurations?

[scottbob99]

Yes, I hope to own one in '07 or '08.

[ThomasT]

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Do the F-450s come in Crew Cab 4x4 configurations?

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But you will have to buy a bed for it...

Thomas

[Roger45]

To answer your question the right way...we need to know what you plan on doing. You mention hauling, but not what. How much weight do you plan to carry/pull? What type (if any) trailer...bumper pull, 5er, goose neck? How many axles?

In my case I started with an 8 foot slide in camper and a three horse trailer. Wanted to upgrade to a 9 foot camper and bought my '97 PSD, stock. I came home one day to find the wifey's idea was a 26.5 fifth wheel sitting in the drive. I would never have got a F250 if I knew this is what she wanted. At a minimum it would have been a 350, probably a 450. That said, the 250 can be modified with great results.

When hauling, gauges are a must. At a minimum you need to know what your tranny temps are and your engine (EGTs). Improved air into the turbo and out are almost a must as well...open air intake and at least a 4" exhaust. If you go with an automatic, a larger pan, synthetic oil, and a larger cooler are also good/cheap insurance for long life.

Next, I would consider a tuner a good bet as well, but not before gauges and *air*...IMHO.

Tons more, but need to know what you have in mind to go deeper....

[metroplex]

Hauling about 4100 lb and towing a 5000 lb trailer.
I wonder about the front axle capacity...

[SmokeyWren]

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Hauling about 4100 lb and towing a 5000 lb trailer.

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F-250 is out, so let's start with the F-350 SRW. With CrewCab longbed 4x4 PSD, GVWR is 11,500 and GCWR is 23,000. The wet but empty truck is going to weigh around 7,300. Add another 1,000 pounds for toolbox fill of tools, cooler full of cool, driver and one passenger, and various "stuff". So 8,300 pounds for the wet and loaded truck. That leaves 3200 pounds for payload. Not enough for your needs.

Same truck but F-350 DRW. GVWR is now 13,000 pounds, and the wet and loaded truck weight went up about 400 pounds to 8,700. Additional payload capacity 4,300 pounds. Not quite enough for 4,100 pounds plus about 600 pounds of hitch weight.

So yes, we need an F-450.

GVWR 16,000 pounds and the truck weight went up another 500 pounds to 9,200 after we add a bed or tow body. So 6,800 pounds of additional payload. Plenty for 4,100 pounds on the truck plus 600 pounds of hitch weight. And have 1,100 pounds of payload capacity left over for graduating to a heavier trailer or other payload in the future.

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I wonder about the front axle capacity...

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No problem. 6,000 pounds GAWR on the F-350 DRW. 7,000 pounds on the F-450. That's plenty if you don't exceed the GVWR of the truck.

[j_apetersen]

dont forget the lap person.(dog)

[metroplex]

I forgot that the 4100 lb includes the passengers, tools, and other stuff in the truck.

[j_apetersen]

My post was for smokey just a joke im sorry it confused somebody.

[SmokeyWren]

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I forgot that the 4100 lb includes the passengers, tools, and other stuff in the truck.

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Then the F-350 DRW is right down your alley.