F250 Build - Questions
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 19
Likes: 7
I just bought a 2021 F250 6.7L Diesel (First time diesel as well). From what I have read you will most likely want to get the 3.55 rear end (to get your max tow up, even if you don't need it).
I am coming from a 2014 F150 ECO so hear me out:
Q: Will I notice much of a difference in ride quality versus the F150?
A: Yes, my experience so far is the ride is much more like driving a heavy truck than a light 1/2 ton. Big noticeable difference. The right is also "bumpier" which should be expected because the truck is built to be a hauler and its primary focus is not comfort (although they do a GREAT job at making it comfortable)
Q:What kind of MPG should I expect from a daily driver Diesel versus the gas engine options (6.2 and 7.3)?
A: I am averaging about 15 MPG and I am trying to go easy on her (having 1000 ft/lbs of torque available is fun to mess with)
Q:I don’t really need a Diesel and it’s a $10K upgrade, but that’s where I will get the most MPG bang for my buck right?
A: Dont know, but you want the diesel, trust me
Q: Will I see much of a MPG swing when towing with the F250? I’m used to the huge swing with my current F150.
A: I am sure you will see a proportional increase in MPG based off weight and capacity of the two trucks (as a % used)
Q
o I really need the 3.55 Axle Ratio? What’s the MPG sacrifice here? I never use the Locking Axle Ratio in my F150. The cost of upgrading the axle ratio is insignificant.
A: Yes you do, and you will need that to get to the max tow capacity of 30k lbs. You will not really notice a difference enough to weigh this decision (in my opinion)
Q: Is Adaptive Steering worth the 1000K upgrade? I really don’t fully understand what it is exactly.
A: Absolutely not. But Adaptive cruise control 100% is
Q: Will the F250’s have the interior upgrades of the current F150, such as the 12 inch screen and Sync 4?
A: My 2021 came with the sync 3; I hear rumors the 2022 are getting the bigger screens. Don't know, doesn't bother me (I am coming from 6 years on Sync 1 lol)
I am coming from a 2014 F150 ECO so hear me out:
Q: Will I notice much of a difference in ride quality versus the F150?
A: Yes, my experience so far is the ride is much more like driving a heavy truck than a light 1/2 ton. Big noticeable difference. The right is also "bumpier" which should be expected because the truck is built to be a hauler and its primary focus is not comfort (although they do a GREAT job at making it comfortable)
Q:What kind of MPG should I expect from a daily driver Diesel versus the gas engine options (6.2 and 7.3)?
A: I am averaging about 15 MPG and I am trying to go easy on her (having 1000 ft/lbs of torque available is fun to mess with)
Q:I don’t really need a Diesel and it’s a $10K upgrade, but that’s where I will get the most MPG bang for my buck right?
A: Dont know, but you want the diesel, trust me
Q: Will I see much of a MPG swing when towing with the F250? I’m used to the huge swing with my current F150.
A: I am sure you will see a proportional increase in MPG based off weight and capacity of the two trucks (as a % used)
Q
o I really need the 3.55 Axle Ratio? What’s the MPG sacrifice here? I never use the Locking Axle Ratio in my F150. The cost of upgrading the axle ratio is insignificant.A: Yes you do, and you will need that to get to the max tow capacity of 30k lbs. You will not really notice a difference enough to weigh this decision (in my opinion)
Q: Is Adaptive Steering worth the 1000K upgrade? I really don’t fully understand what it is exactly.
A: Absolutely not. But Adaptive cruise control 100% is
Q: Will the F250’s have the interior upgrades of the current F150, such as the 12 inch screen and Sync 4?
A: My 2021 came with the sync 3; I hear rumors the 2022 are getting the bigger screens. Don't know, doesn't bother me (I am coming from 6 years on Sync 1 lol)
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 385
Likes: 58
From: St. Louis
Anyone know how much the moonroof takes away from payload? I’m thinking it has to weigh a few hundred pounds. I’m considering scrapping it from my build. My past 2 F150’s have had it. I use and enjoy it, but I know it cost valuable payload, especially in a F150. I looked at a pretty well optioned out Lariat Super Duty without the moonroof and the payload was 2868.
5 Year Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,406
Likes: 242
Not that poster but…. I have a 2021 F350 SuperCrew 4x4 Lariat Ultimate. Payload is 3350. Minus the 1500 lbs increase for the F350, that would be 1850 payload on an F250.
I have 20 inch wheels, no moon roof.
Adaptive Cruise control.
Spray in bed liner and wheel to wheel steps.
I have the bed step which weighs a lot.
FX4 off road package.
Front and Rear wheel liners and mud flaps.
I’m sure I am missing some, just ask.
Bottom line…if you want or need a diesel, just get the F350. F-250’s are fine for gas powered trucked. But I know they are hard to find. Rarely hear of someone that is upset they got an F350 vs an F250z
I have 20 inch wheels, no moon roof.
Adaptive Cruise control.
Spray in bed liner and wheel to wheel steps.
I have the bed step which weighs a lot.
FX4 off road package.
Front and Rear wheel liners and mud flaps.
I’m sure I am missing some, just ask.
Bottom line…if you want or need a diesel, just get the F350. F-250’s are fine for gas powered trucked. But I know they are hard to find. Rarely hear of someone that is upset they got an F350 vs an F250z
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 385
Likes: 58
From: St. Louis
Something seems off. I just looked at a F250 SRW Crew Cab Lariat with the following features and it had 2868 pounds of payload:
6.7 Diesel 4x4 w/ 3.55 locking axle
Chrome Package
Engine block heater
Snow plow prep package
High capacity tow package
5th wheel package
Upfitter switches
Universal garage door opener
Lariat Ultimate package
20” wheels, adaptive cruise, spray in liner, bed step, and wheel liners can’t account for that kind of difference. I’m not sure how much the FX4 adds though.
6.7 Diesel 4x4 w/ 3.55 locking axle
Chrome Package
Engine block heater
Snow plow prep package
High capacity tow package
5th wheel package
Upfitter switches
Universal garage door opener
Lariat Ultimate package
20” wheels, adaptive cruise, spray in liner, bed step, and wheel liners can’t account for that kind of difference. I’m not sure how much the FX4 adds though.
5 Year Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,406
Likes: 242
Something seems off. I just looked at a F250 SRW Crew Cab Lariat with the following features and it had 2868 pounds of payload:
6.7 Diesel 4x4 w/ 3.55 locking axle
Chrome Package
Engine block heater
Snow plow prep package
High capacity tow package
5th wheel package
Upfitter switches
Universal garage door opener
Lariat Ultimate package
20” wheels, adaptive cruise, spray in liner, bed step, and wheel liners can’t account for that kind of difference. I’m not sure how much the FX4 adds though.
6.7 Diesel 4x4 w/ 3.55 locking axle
Chrome Package
Engine block heater
Snow plow prep package
High capacity tow package
5th wheel package
Upfitter switches
Universal garage door opener
Lariat Ultimate package
20” wheels, adaptive cruise, spray in liner, bed step, and wheel liners can’t account for that kind of difference. I’m not sure how much the FX4 adds though.
My GVWR is 11500, which is 700 more. My payload is roughly 500 lbs more than you. So the 200 lb difference are the options you mentioned.
I needed 2500 lbs so I am in the clear. My decision came down to a 2650 payload 7.3 gas F250 and a 3350 payload diesel F350. Due to ONLY finding 7.3 gas trucks with Tremor and/or Black appearance packages that cost $4k each, the diesel cost me $7k more. Happy with the difference and better fuel mileage than my Ecoboost with Premium Gas.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 28
Likes: 14
I'll try to give some input based on my experiences:
Will I notice much of a difference in ride quality versus the F150?
Very different. It's comparable to having a lifted F150 with LT tires. It's definitely not as smooth, but not bad at the same time.
What kind of MPG should I expect from a daily driver Diesel versus the gas engine options (6.2 and 7.3)?
I get about 18 mpg with 50/50 mixed city highway on the diesel. I love the torque on this beast.
I don’t really need a Diesel and it’s a $10K upgrade, but that’s where I will get the most MPG bang for my buck right?
I believe you will also see better resale value too as well as better mpg...
Is Adaptive Steering worth the 1000K upgrade? I really don’t fully understand what it is exactly.
It adjusts the steering ratio, too my understanding. I find it to "wander" (ie: require too much correction) a little too much on the highway compared to a truck that didn't have it. I ended up getting it because the truck I wanted came with it. I don't feel that it's worth the money, imho.
Will the F250’s have the interior upgrades of the current F150, such as the 12 inch screen and Sync 4?
2022. If you get a 2021, look at the phoenix vertical screen retrofit, if you want the large screen size.
Will I notice much of a difference in ride quality versus the F150?
Very different. It's comparable to having a lifted F150 with LT tires. It's definitely not as smooth, but not bad at the same time.
What kind of MPG should I expect from a daily driver Diesel versus the gas engine options (6.2 and 7.3)?
I get about 18 mpg with 50/50 mixed city highway on the diesel. I love the torque on this beast.
I don’t really need a Diesel and it’s a $10K upgrade, but that’s where I will get the most MPG bang for my buck right?
I believe you will also see better resale value too as well as better mpg...
Is Adaptive Steering worth the 1000K upgrade? I really don’t fully understand what it is exactly.
It adjusts the steering ratio, too my understanding. I find it to "wander" (ie: require too much correction) a little too much on the highway compared to a truck that didn't have it. I ended up getting it because the truck I wanted came with it. I don't feel that it's worth the money, imho.
Will the F250’s have the interior upgrades of the current F150, such as the 12 inch screen and Sync 4?
2022. If you get a 2021, look at the phoenix vertical screen retrofit, if you want the large screen size.
Sold, bought a 22 F250
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 30
Likes: 4
From: Kaysville, Utah, US
The Lariat models and above come standard with the 12" Sync 4 Productivity screen. That alone is one reason I went with the Lariat, besides the leather interior.
I also went with the 7.3 liter Godzilla engine instead of the diesel, and didn't want all the heavy duty suspension stuff as I only occasionally haul or tow anything very heavy. This truck is replacing my 2013 F150, which replaced my 2006 F250..... which my wife said I had to get rid of because it was too rough a ride for the grand kids.... she said "I don't want shaken-baby syndrome!" Yes, she panicked a bit on that. 2022 'normal' suspension rides pretty smooth, comparatively, and much better than my old 2006.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 385
Likes: 58
From: St. Louis
***Update***
I ordered it on September 30th. I ended up going with the 7.3 gas instead of the Diesel. Went to 4 dealerships before finding one that sold it to me for $500 below invoice. Plus, I had a $2500 private offer. So, it ended up being $7000 under MSRP. I feel pretty good about that, considering the other dealerships I visited wouldn’t budge at all from MSRP. In fact, some dealerships in my area are asking above MSRP. It’s a weird time for sure. Here’s a summary:
F250 Lariat 4x4 Crew Cab/160
Carbonized Gray
7.3 Gas
3.55 Electronic Locking Axle
Black Appearance Package
Engine Block Heater
Moonroof
Adaptive Cruise
Ultimate Trailer Tow/Backup Assist
Adaptive Steering
Splash Guards
Trailer TPMS
Universal Garage Door Opener
Heated Rear Seat
Lariat Ultimate Package
MSRP - $71,960
$500 Below Invoice - $67,410
Minus Private Offer - $64,910
I ordered it on September 30th. I ended up going with the 7.3 gas instead of the Diesel. Went to 4 dealerships before finding one that sold it to me for $500 below invoice. Plus, I had a $2500 private offer. So, it ended up being $7000 under MSRP. I feel pretty good about that, considering the other dealerships I visited wouldn’t budge at all from MSRP. In fact, some dealerships in my area are asking above MSRP. It’s a weird time for sure. Here’s a summary:
F250 Lariat 4x4 Crew Cab/160
Carbonized Gray
7.3 Gas
3.55 Electronic Locking Axle
Black Appearance Package
Engine Block Heater
Moonroof
Adaptive Cruise
Ultimate Trailer Tow/Backup Assist
Adaptive Steering
Splash Guards
Trailer TPMS
Universal Garage Door Opener
Heated Rear Seat
Lariat Ultimate Package
MSRP - $71,960
$500 Below Invoice - $67,410
Minus Private Offer - $64,910
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 154
Likes: 36
From: East Tenn.
Looks like a great truck! Any word on when it will come in? I'm a little afraid of the newness of the Godzilla engine vs the proven history of the 6.2L. I'm not sure I will order mine with adaptive cruise control. Had that on a 2006 Avalon and it was annoying as hell. Cruising along the hwy and IT decides when to decelerate or accelerate - and not gently. Not rough but like taking your foot off the gas suddenly.
I'm not sure what gear ratio I will go with, still thinking about it. Mine will mostly be a grocery getter, but I will be using it to drive across country a couple times (once towing a 4000lb box trailer with the above mentioned Avalon and some loaded tool chests), and a couple times up and down the east coast. Other than that mostly an "around town" truck for me. I can take or leave heated seats, I've had them in a few cars and rarely use it. However, the one feature I would not buy a vehicle without is a heated steering wheel. Had that on a rental car once in winter, and it was like heaven!
I'm not sure what you meant above about "private offer," but my local dealer is asking "Added Market Adjustment" of 4000-10,000 on every vehicle on the lot, so I would try to go with a custom build just to get around that.
I'm not sure what gear ratio I will go with, still thinking about it. Mine will mostly be a grocery getter, but I will be using it to drive across country a couple times (once towing a 4000lb box trailer with the above mentioned Avalon and some loaded tool chests), and a couple times up and down the east coast. Other than that mostly an "around town" truck for me. I can take or leave heated seats, I've had them in a few cars and rarely use it. However, the one feature I would not buy a vehicle without is a heated steering wheel. Had that on a rental car once in winter, and it was like heaven!
I'm not sure what you meant above about "private offer," but my local dealer is asking "Added Market Adjustment" of 4000-10,000 on every vehicle on the lot, so I would try to go with a custom build just to get around that.