[kiddeasy]

Probably a silly question, but I'm curios all the same. The badge on my truck says it's an F250 but the build specs say it's an F350. Any ideas?

 

[madpogue]

Fender replaced by a PO?

What do you mean by "build specs"? Ultimately, the VIN determines the model.

 

[kiddeasy]

The truck is an all original farm truck, VIN# 1FTHX25F3VEA75860. No known body work. The VIN indicates it's an F350. The badges say F250.

 

[madpogue]

It's an F250. All SRW supercabs of that era were F250s. Free VIN Decoder - Check VIN Number - VIN Lookup For Decoding Your Ford Truck Car History - Auto - Vehicle Identification Number

 

[kiddeasy]

Yeah, figured that. This is Ford's specs though.
Vehicle Specific Information 1FTHX25F3VEA75860 VEHICLE INFORMATION VEHICLEVERSION/SERIES : 350DESCRIPTION : 1997 F-SERIES SERIES BODY STYLE : SUPER SINGLE DRIVE TYPE : 2 WHL L/H PAINT CODE : FN CAB (SUPER CAB)REAR DRIVE ENGINE : 7.3L Diesel V8 Turbo AXLE RATIO : 4.10 Ratio GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT : 8800 LB. GVW ENGINE CALIBRATIONAXLE CODE : C5 RADIO : Elect AM/FM/Stereo/Cassette /Clock TRANSMISSION : E4OD(4R100) WHEEL SIZE : 7.0 X 16" Forged Aluminum Wheel TIRE : LT235/85R-16E BSW A-S Tires GENERAL WARRANTY INFORMATION WARRANTY STARTBUILDRELEASE DATE: 11-DECEMBER-1996DATE: 22-NOVEMBER-1996DATE: 23-NOVEMBER-1996 SALE MILEAGE OUTSTANDING FIELD SERVICE ACTIONS 07S57 CAMSHAFT POSITION (CMP) SENSOR INSPECTION / REPLACEMENT 09S09 SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM MODIFICATION EXTENDED COVERAGES NO ESP INFORMATION AVAILABLE
SSSC
USA: EN-US
| End of Report for: 1FTHX25F3VEA75860 © Copyright 2002-2016 Ford Motor Company. All rights reserved.

 

[RonKZ650]

The 2 in the 6th position of the VIN means it's a F250, F350 have a 3 there.

 

[MichaelPatrick]

I've been told the only difference between the 250 and 350 besides the VIN code and badges is an extra overload leaf in the rear springs, which increases the rated load-carring spec.

 

[Snowtow]

I have no idea where those "Ford specs" are from, but they are mistaken. In addition to what's already been mentioned, the 8800 GVWR is F250 only.

I've been told the only difference between the 250 and 350 besides the VIN code and badges is an extra overload leaf in the rear springs, which increases the rated load-carring spec.

That's not completely correct. The same rear springs found on the F350 were optional on the F250. The only consistent difference at the rear axle is the 4WD F350s had a 2" taller block between the spring and axle to compensate for the higher arched front springs.


The differences are in the front end. Springs on the 2WD versions were different and springs and front axle in the 4WD versions.

 

[MichaelPatrick]

Yeah, I wasn't referring to the difference between 2WD and 4WD, but just between the 250 and 350. All the variations can get complicated.

 

[Snowtow]

I wasn't referring to differences between 2wd and 4wd either with the mention of the overloads. The overloads were optional on any F250 regardless if 2wd or 4wd.

 

[MichaelPatrick]

I wasn't referring to differences between 2wd and 4wd either with the mention of the overloads. The overloads were optional on any F250 regardless if 2wd or 4wd.

True it is. I've got overloads on my '96 F250 2WD with the camper package. So with the overloads, is there any difference between my F250 and the F350 except the badge and corresponding ratings?

 

[kiddeasy]

F250 F350

Still curios, if you type my vin into any decoder it will come up as a F350. So what exactly is the difference between the two?

 

[madpogue]

I tried the first few decoders that came up on a search, along with the one at FTE, and they all come up as an F250. Primary difference is the suspension, and as a result, the GVWR.

 

[kiddeasy]

OK, your right. I had previously used the Ford Motorcraft and Napa Prolink to decode, and got different results. You would expect those to be accurate.

 

[Snowtow]

So with the overloads, is there any difference between my F250 and the F350 except the badge and corresponding ratings?

The front springs are different. GVWR is higher on the F350 because of this.

 

[RonKZ650]

I believe the heavy duty rear suspension package available on the F250 made the F250 rear the same as a F350, but height varied from different blocks.