jmgratz
Original Owners Club Member
I had the opportunity today to talk to 7 Ford dealer mechanics all at the same time today away from their shop. They were headed into a restaurant and I was able to talk to them outside before they went in. I told them I wanted to clear up a couple of issues that have been discussed here. Here is the condensed version of our discussion.
- First I asked if there were an appreciable difference in the F250, F350 and F450. They answered the F250 and F350 are the same truck except the F350 has 1 more leaf on the springs. The F350 DUALLY has bigger brakes than the F250/350 single rear wheels. They advised the F450 is a totally different truck as it has a larger frame, heaver axles, brakes and much more. They all agreed the 450 is a much heavier built truck and no comparision to the 250/350.
- I asked if it would be worth putting an exhaust brake on my new 2010 F350. They all said the tow/haul transmission is designed to slow the truck while towing heavy loads down hill. They also advised to NOT make any modifications to the truck as everything is tied into the new emission system and even changing out the air cleaner to an after market high performance air cleaner can void the warranty or at least cause problems. The truck is designed to perform the very best in a stock condition and as such any modifications are tracked by the computer and could cause problems.
- I asked what their opinion was of this 2010 F350. They all agreed it was a very technologically advanced very well built vehicle. The also said that it is very powerful, and with the tow package set up to tow and do a very good job within the design limits. They all said the 6.4 twin turbo diesel is a very good and reliable engine.
There you have it. This is not my opinion but that of the 7 Ford (2 of which are diesel specialists) mechanics from the local Ford dealer (I won't name the dealer). Now I know the differences between the F250, F350, and F450. Hope this answers some of ya'lls questions too.
- First I asked if there were an appreciable difference in the F250, F350 and F450. They answered the F250 and F350 are the same truck except the F350 has 1 more leaf on the springs. The F350 DUALLY has bigger brakes than the F250/350 single rear wheels. They advised the F450 is a totally different truck as it has a larger frame, heaver axles, brakes and much more. They all agreed the 450 is a much heavier built truck and no comparision to the 250/350.
- I asked if it would be worth putting an exhaust brake on my new 2010 F350. They all said the tow/haul transmission is designed to slow the truck while towing heavy loads down hill. They also advised to NOT make any modifications to the truck as everything is tied into the new emission system and even changing out the air cleaner to an after market high performance air cleaner can void the warranty or at least cause problems. The truck is designed to perform the very best in a stock condition and as such any modifications are tracked by the computer and could cause problems.
- I asked what their opinion was of this 2010 F350. They all agreed it was a very technologically advanced very well built vehicle. The also said that it is very powerful, and with the tow package set up to tow and do a very good job within the design limits. They all said the 6.4 twin turbo diesel is a very good and reliable engine.
There you have it. This is not my opinion but that of the 7 Ford (2 of which are diesel specialists) mechanics from the local Ford dealer (I won't name the dealer). Now I know the differences between the F250, F350, and F450. Hope this answers some of ya'lls questions too.