1999 powerstroke 7.3 6900$

[Highbeam]

Both the 250 and 350 have spacer blocks between the rear axle and the spring pack (I guess lift block may not be the correct term). The one on the 250 is supposed to be about 2" and the 350 about 4". I assume this just allows the springs a bit more full travel and so it doesn't sag as low under load.
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This is true on my 2000 F350 SRW. The spacer block also includes the bump stop for when you really load the truck up. The ONLY reason that the F350 has a taller block is so that it sits closer to level when loaded heavy. The bump stop location is such that travel is the same on F250 or F350.

I removed the F350 lift blocks and installed F250 lift blocks to lower the rear end of my truck to a more reasonable height. Only 2.5" lower at the ball but that makes a lot of difference when loading things like motorcycles into the bed or when working on chainsaws on the tailgate. It looks better too being less arse high in the rear.

 

[Combustix]

If your interested my 99 350 srw at 125k will be for sale in 18 more years or another 225k. :laughing:

 

[Soundguy]

The steering axle "scare" from a blowout may originate with truckers. Since we seldom worry about a rear tire blowing, other than the time and money inconvience, and only have the single tires in the front to support the weight of the truck, when it goes, truck drivers worry a lot about steer axle tires going out. A rear axle tire blowing on a srw vehicle is no fun at all.
David from jax

i can sure tell you that when the rear went on my 04 f250 6.0psd a few months ago as I was accelerating into traffic at an onramp on a highway, that it fishtailed me bad and almost put me into another traffic lane.. other option was a steep part of a ditch.. neither good.

and after the blowout it delaminated too and beat on a sheet metal hanger onthe rear cupping in a rear panel..

soundguy

 

[Turbys_1700]

The first time I pulled my 5th wheel with my dually I blew a tire on the camper...
The dually was so stable I didn't even know it...
A car passing us on the interstate pointed back to the camper to get our attention...
With that said, it is a bear to park, maneuver, and use as a daily runner...
I still like my dually very much and doubt very seriously that I will ever sell it...
I really like the 7.3...

 

[Soundguy]

right now I'm in the search to replace my beater 4x4 half ton dodge ram. i like my 2wd f450 dually alot.. but it's the long crew cab and long custom fiberglass 5thwhl/gn hitch bed and stiff bagged suspension.. low 4.88 rear, and 3 loaded tool boxes with a 70g transfer fuel tank.. so not a daily driver candidate., however I am looking to replace the dodge with a f350 dually with perhaps a standard or extended cab and plain bed.. perhaps with 5th wheel rails so I have the option to pull 5th wheel or gooseneck, if needed.. OR haul a round bale of hay.. etc.. and preferably 4wd, and a higher geared rear end. parking is no problem.. nor is backing a trailer as long as it's longer than 6' and I can see the end of it in my mirror's

soundguy

 

[Wolfy]

4.10s are a real good ratio for a F350.

 

[sandman2234]

Soundguy,
I am assuming that your fishtail experience with a blown rear tire was done on a vehicle with SRW (single rear wheel) and not a DRW. If so, what you described was exactly what I was saying, dual rear wheels add to the comfort level of when a rear tire goes out, it doesn't make the vehicle dance while a single one does when it blows. Since a front wheel is almost always a single wheel, that is what makes truckers fear it. I have blown MANY tires in my career, but only one steer tire, and it wasn't a catastrophic failure. I heard it blow and had a couple of seconds to react before the vehicle danced.
David from jax

 

[Skyco]

i can sure tell you that when the rear went on my 04 f250 6.0psd a few months ago as I was accelerating into traffic at an onramp on a highway, that it fishtailed me bad and almost put me into another traffic lane.. other option was a steep part of a ditch.. neither good.

and after the blowout it delaminated too and beat on a sheet metal hanger onthe rear cupping in a rear panel..

soundguy

I lost a rear tire this spring on my F350 pulling about 6k of trailer. Handling was no problem. Bent my fender up and smashed the fuel filler neck about flat. I almost cried, had that truck since new in 95 and it did not have a mark on it prior to that..the truck is now jinxed, almost 16 years without a mark, the blowout damage then two weeks later I put a dent in the drivers door when I turned into a tree while watching the trailer I was backing up into a tight spot...:mur:

 

[Soundguy]

Soundguy,
I am assuming that your fishtail experience with a blown rear tire was done on a vehicle with SRW (single rear wheel) and not a DRW. If so, what you described was exactly what I was saying, dual rear wheels add to the comfort level of when a rear tire goes out, it doesn't make the vehicle dance while a single one does when it blows. Since a front wheel is almost always a single wheel, that is what makes truckers fear it. I have blown MANY tires in my career, but only one steer tire, and it wasn't a catastrophic failure. I heard it blow and had a couple of seconds to react before the vehicle danced.
David from jax

yep.. f250.. 3/4 ton.. srw only..

 

[trailbuilder]

Wow, Can't believe a single rear tire can handle like a dual rear tire. No I did not check specs but I owned a SRW and traded it in after a year for a dually and it pulled much better. I am at GVW in most cases and I like to relax when towing. Towing with a 2002 F350 11,500 GVW.