350 vs 450

[BlueSkyRanch]

I did lots of research on the differences between the 350 and 450, talked to friends and met new friends who own a 350 or 450 and we are so glad we bought our 350 King Ranch. We love the ride the most. Yes, I get teased alot too when I get into my friends 450 and they can turn on a dime but the ride is very rough and the tires wear out much faster then in a 350.

[wingnut60]

BSR,
You are correct in most of your post, but tire wear is where I disagree with you. On my '09, I am at 49000 and will be surprised if I don't reach 90000 before I get nervous--and its a 4x4.
Its a moot point for '11 as there are no more 19.5 tires on the 450--now you get the 350 ride in a 450, AND the shorter turn radius.
Joe

[cptxguys]

Joe,
I would concur. I have 52K on my 2010 F-450 and still on the original tires. The fronts are showing some wear but I'll bet the rears go at least another 30K!

But like you say, it's a moot point for 2011, since both the 350 and 450 both now have 17.5" tires/wheels.

[wingnut60]

I made the mistake of using the Ford recommended inflation pressure on the fronts--had a lot of edge wear in the first 30k. I swapped the fronts to the inside rears, began running 100psi in the fronts, and now no wear. Had the alignment checked, nothing out of spec, so I believe the air pressure caused the wear on the fronts.
Now at 62K and all it well, expect to still hit 90k before I change.
Joe