F250 Front Ends

Hi all,
I searched around but didn't really see what I was looking for, prolly just don't know what term to use. Anyway, I had heard that the front ends on F250s were problematic, like they were some sort of weak d50s or something. I doubted it, but wanted to check with some experts.

ScorpionBoy said:

Hi all,
I searched around but didn't really see what I was looking for, prolly just don't know what term to use. Anyway, I had heard that the front ends on F250s were problematic, like they were some sort of weak d50s or something. I doubted it, but wanted to check with some experts.

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It depends on what year truck you are talking about. The '94-'97 Models of the F-250 had a Dana front end tied to an independent I-beam-type suspension. I am not at all impressed with this suspension system.

The '98-on Superduty pickups had solid front axles which I have heard nothing but good things about. They are Dana units, also, but the number eludes me. IIRC the 50 was what they called the IFS in teh older models, and the newer models are a 55. (Someone please help me, I cannot remember and am probably wrong).

Long story short, the actual AXLE AND DIFFERENTIAL units on any model year with the Powerstroke Diesel in it were very good units that were not particularly weak. The IFS front suspension in the older models, while not ideal in a lot of ways, was certainly not weak by anybody's standards.

I can only guess that the person you heard this from was a Dodge or Chevy guy spreading misinformation...

my 92 f250 HD had a dana twin traction beam. it was very stout, i beleive it was also a 50, but 44 comes to mind but 50 is the right one. it had auto locking hubs, rode rough as all heck, see ost below i did have some brake rotor stuff done under warranty
only had one set of brakes seize up on em for over 118k

Some trucks had issues with steering components wearing out fairly early didn't they?

I replaced my front leaf spring bushings around 80k.
it also had teh one piece hub and rotor assembly. they got replced a few times under warranty for warping of the rotor all under the three year 36k mile thingy
my above post I meant major things like bearing seizing or dependablity was great. brakes are just a wear item, so i dont usaullly rember them

The ball joints are the only "weak" link to the front end from what I've seen. Once you switch those over to a greasable Moog they should last a considerable amount of time though under normal driving conditions.

welcome ScorpionBoy, glad to see you made it over

Thanks all! I think my source was confusing the ttb with solid axles or something, even though we were talking about (or at least I was talking about) 98+ with solid axle. So, now I can shop happily for my 250. Are there some favorite stalking grounds for finding trucks around here?

speaking of ball joints and tierods.
my 2002 had greaseable tie rods, my 2006 does not. geuss they are good forever

your2slow said:

The ball joints are the only "weak" link to the front end from what I've seen. Once you switch those over to a greasable Moog they should last a considerable amount of time though under normal driving conditions.

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99 and on have had lots of trouble with ball joints and those #@$!% unit-hubs! If you own a 99 or on SD and you have not put unit-hubs or b-joints on your truck your lucky.

I forgot, hello all ! New to this board and I love it!

The CPS thread saved my A$$ last night!!!

Thanks , Jeff