F250 / Superduty Ground Clearance Question

[psychohawk]

Hey all, only posted once or twice though I'm here just about every day reading the various forums. Love the site, thanks!

The truck: 2004 Ford F250, 4x4, 6.0 diesel, extended cab, short bed, 6" suspension lift, 16" factory rims wrapped with 315/75 (35") BFG's.

The problem: I was in the snow last weekend and got stuck! Don't have lockers yet, that's on my list, but the problem was the snow was deep enough to impede forward movement ... the snow surrounded both diffs and the axle. After digging the snow out and with the use of a yank strap I was fine, as long as momentum was maintained.

The question: What tire/wheel combination can I put on to elevate the axle and differentials? Obviously, there's always going to be deeper snow but at this point, the bottom of my diff is 10" from the ground and the bottom of my axle is 14.5" from the ground--I'd like to get a little more clearance--a couple more inches (??), without spending crazy money.

Thanks!! Please, no, "buy a new truck answers"! I had a '97 H1, went to a '06 F150 and now the '04 F250 in my personal search for the perfect rig that meets my needs. Not looking for a different truck, just a way to eke out a little more ground clearance.

Thanks all,
Carl

 

[boblynch]

What was your tire pressure when you got stuck? Alot of guys air down to increase their float when in deep snow or sand.

 

[theMec]

10" of diff clearance and you're complaining? You don't need more clearance - you need chains ..

 

[viter]

maybe you already know this, but basically the only way to increase clearance between axel/diff and ground is to get bigger tires. however, you already have 35", which are pretty big and might be the limit for the truck (although I don't know for sure if 35" are max you can get away with on a truck that's been lifted 6in and you'll have to search for this info to be sure). Usually a larger tire will require more clearance in th wheelwells - which can be done either by cutting away fenders/body until tires fit or lifting the truck even higher (and thus further raising the center of gravity), and also depending on your engine/tranny/diff gears combination you might have to regear the diff's so that engine isn't struggling to turn bigger tires. hope this helps

 

[Bella PSD]

...I only have 9 1/2" under the front Dana 60!! I have 14.5", same as you, from the axle tube to the ground. My mud tires must be getting old and short

I have also high centered my Ford once before in snow. Mostly high centered on the frame but some of the snow was under the axle. I would say go for some Bushwacker cut out flares and some bigger, taller tires. This keeps the center of gravity low when you add the taller tires because you don't need any more lift. I think a 6" lift with 35's is maxed out. My 5" lift is not really tall enough for my 35's.

Think about this, if you go up to 37" tires, that will only get you 1 more inch under the diff! You might need to re-gear with 37" tires but maybe OK with the diesel.

Louie

 

[4Rescue]

...I think a 6" lift with 35's is maxed out. My 5" lift is not really tall enough for my 35's.

Think about this, if you go up to 37" tires, that will only get you 1 more inch under the diff! You might need to re-gear with 37" tires but maybe OK with the diesel.

Louie

First part is confusing... The 05 f350 I used to drive for work had I belive JUST a front leveling spacer and he ran 35x12.50 BFG MT's with no issues what so ever (I may be wrong though, he might have had a lift on it...). Are the suspensions from 250-350 that different in height??

Second bit about tire height is spot on and a good point to be made. From 35 to 37 isn't that big a deal in terms of diff clearence.

I say cut the fenders, and throw on some XML's... that will give you diff clearence

Cheers

Dave

 

[Dave]

Ditch the stock axles and upgrade to portals?

 

[psychohawk]

Hey all, thanks for the great replies ... I think we're all thinking the same.

1) Tire pressure ... duh, I just read that and had a duh moment ... don't know what it was but in the heat of the moment and while stuck, it didn't dawn on me to lower pressure ... even though I often do when off road! I should have slowed down and thought about what I was doing, thanks!

2) Chains ... yes, $80 on a set of chains will probably get me further than any lift/tire/rim combination ... I should have had a set of chains and will pick up some before my next snow outting. Thanks!

3) Truck was already re-geared for current tire/wheel combination, both front and rear ... don't remember the sizes I went to but know it was professionaly done.

4) Bella, 9-1/2" on the front? I measured the rear because it was easy ... didn't drive the truck today and am at work so couldn't tell you if my front is the same as yours.

I'm agreed with all, don't want to raise the COG anymore, so no more lift, I'm okay with Bushwackers and cut fenders if needed, but not XMLs because they'll be a challenge to get.

Will look around and maybe into 37's if all fits without major surgery, though it looks like chains and lockers should instead be my focus.

Thanks all, if you have any other ideas, let me know.
Carl

PS Bella, I gotta order some of those badges from you ... look great!

 

[alaskantinbender]

A lot depends on the density of the snow you are going thru or over.
I ran my truck thru 2 feet of new powder last week with no problems.
Yesterday in the same area after the snow has settled and become denser it was a struggle to keep momentum up so I didn’t have to resort to the strap of shame......It’s a 2005 F350 (see my sig line) The tires fit great with no lift, its factory equiped for a snow plow and extra GVW so sits higher than a stock 2005 truck.
In snow like you have already discovered your axel becomes a snow plow.
I can think of only 2 options. Taller tires to increase the axel clearance or big fat tires like the Icelandic trucks to try and float on top.
Both options pose there unique problems and costs to achieve.
Let us know what direction you decide to go....and don’t forget the pics....:wings:

Then there is option 3........buy a mog.........:jumping:


Regards,

Jim

 

[Bella PSD]

First part is confusing... The 05 f350 I used to drive for work had I belive JUST a front leveling spacer and he ran 35x12.50 BFG MT's with no issues what so ever (I may be wrong though, he might have had a lift on it...). Are the suspensions from 250-350 that different in height??

Second bit about tire height is spot on and a good point to be made. From 35 to 37 isn't that big a deal in terms of diff clearence.

I say cut the fenders, and throw on some XML's... that will give you diff clearence

Cheers

Dave

Dave,

I will try to help out with why you are confused...The 05 you drove was a 2005 Ford SD with a Coil spring set up. The Coil spring set up on the 05 and up Ford SD are more lift friendly. Just a coil spacer and you can run 35's on the street. And even on stock rim and off set because there is no leaf spring to get into the way when turned all the way to the right. Off road, still not so good but doable.

The 1st post is about a 2004. All 99-04 Ford SD have solid axe leaf springs. The front axle is Dana 50 from 99-late 01 and Dana 60 from 2002 to 04. Although some 2002's from the Mexico plant were Dana 50's. The 99-04 Ford SD F 250 AND F 350 have the same suspensions!! The only thing Ford did was add a 1 7/8" block to the rear of a F 350 to make it look like you got your extra $800 you paid for the 350 over the 250. They are the same truck, just badges on the fender and 1 7/8" rear block. This makes the 250 a very good deal. Fords dirty little secret!!

Louie

 

[boblynch]

Ditch the stock axles and upgrade to portals?

Dave, do you know of anyone with portals on a Ford Super Duty? Would like to get more info and see pics if possible.

Bob

 

[psychohawk]

Dave, do you know of anyone with portals on a Ford Super Duty? Would like to get more info and see pics if possible.

Bob

I don't think such a thing exists ... did a little surfing today and this is the closest I could find: http://portal-tek.com/index.php?go=gallery2

Even do do such a thing would be fraught with difficulties and highly customized. I'd venture to guess you'll end up spending $10k - $15k.

Carl

 

[haven]

go big or...

Here's one answer to the "how do I get more clearance" question:

Rickson helped a customer put 22.5 inch rims on this F550. No reason why they won't fit on your F250. Rickson's web site is here
http://www.ricksontruck.com

Chip Haven

 

[Carlyle]

Ricksons are awesome, but I don't think they will let you float through the snow or anything for that matter. I've been able to cruise through deeper snow with 4x4 and chains on all four w/o any difficulty. Try driving carefully, air down your tires and carrying more weight in the rear and you should have less trouble.

 

[tamangel]

a couple more pics of that truck above..looks great.. maybe more tire choices due to a larger market for this size?

Mike