So I have a 24 STX Super Crew 2wd 2.7 payload 1646 I have a friend with exact same truck exact year but has 4WD same exact features and has a payload of 1626 now I know a transfer case and axles has to weigh more than 20 lbs is there a mistake on the payload or is there something I am missing

 

Apples and oranges...
Likely the 4WD components INCREASED the payload number but the weight penalty was then calculated in to reduce it down some. Literally an inconsequential difference.

 

My guess, the extra weight of 4x4 is not actually on the suspension. It might technically affect towing capacity more than payload ??

 

What is the GVWR of each vehicle? His might have a higher GVWR which mostly offsets the 4x4 components?

 

So here is what I have noticed as a bit of a payload snob. Payload is incredibly important to me as I believe you should be with in spec to tow.

Ford has done an outstanding job apparently becoming the class leader in the F150s now having consistently high payload numbers. My observation after studying the previous generations before I settled on finally purchasing a new one this year, was that Ford in the past used to have four wheel drive trucks often pay the penalty for the extra drivetrain weight.

What I noticed in recent years is the consistency of payloads with each trim regardless of drivetrain two-wheel drive versus four-wheel drive. They adjust the GVWRs to apparently keep payload numbers on par. Example: an STX in a two-wheel-drive could have a payload of 1,900 lb to 2000. A four-wheel drive has a similar payload number. The latter also has a higher GVWR.

Many of the two wheel drive SuperCrew 3.5 and 5.0 engines seem to be 6,800 GVWR. A four-wheel drive version of that truck appears to be 7100 GVWR. This can vary as you move up to the upper trims and you will see reduced payload as you move into higher loaded XLTs and above. Ford does have a few other GVWRs that I've noticed so it can vary a little bit but the payload seems consistent.

So in your case, I would imagine that's what's going on because Ford appears to be very consistent with this. I've seen 5.0 & 3.5 two wheel drive super crew XLs have 1930lbs to over 2000 lb of payload for the 2024 model year. And I have seen four-wheel drive versions of that same truck have a payload of that same amount or very close to it.

And lastly my theory is the 2.7 V6 trucks have a lighter duty frame so they have a lower payload and lower towing numbers from what I have seen.

​​​​​The below site has been an incredible reference and I have checked dozens and dozens of trucks.

https://www.ford.com/support/towing-calculator

 

I'm under the impression that Ford actually weighs trucks as they come off the assembly line and subtracts that numbebr from GVWR. Ford's payload ratings are usually specific numbers such as 1624, 1971, etc. Other manufacturers seem to estimate and round off. You'll see all trucks of the same configuration with exactly the same payload and it's always something like 1600, 1800 etc,

The 4X4 components are probably well under 200 lbs. Maybe closer to 100. While I can't say for sure I'd bet there are some minor differences in your truck and his that means his truck is a bit lighter than yours.

 

Prior to 2024, STX was an option package rather than a trim level, but that's irrelevant for payload.

What is relevant for payload is that the 2.7 in 2023 had a payload package option, which increased the payload. So go look at your buddy's window sticker and see if he had that package. Ford killed off the 2.7 payload package for the 2024 model year.

2.7s were seen with 6400 GWR and 6600GWR. But add the Payload package and it bumps up payload by several hundred pounds.

 

OP indicated his friend's truck is a 2024, so the 2023's payload option should not be a factor. I think the most likely explanation is that the 4x4 version has a higher GVWR to offset the 4x4 hardware.

I personally don't think Ford would do this. I've seen a Ford document that gave payload amounts for base trim levels (e.g., Lariat SuperCrew, 5.5' Bed, 3.5L, 4x4) and also gave impacts for all the features/options/packages (e.g., Max Tow -83lbs). Using that information, one could calculate the payload. My guess is that Ford's system uses that information to calculate the payload based on options, and sticker is pre-printed and ready for the truck during assembly.

 

The front 4x4 axle and suspension may well be slightly more heavy duty than the 4x2 version, to accommodate the additional axle, transfer case weight and off road operating requirements.

 

A big difference in trucks is the frame weight & strength which affects payload and GVWR.
If you’re really curious, look under the driver door at the frame. There is a sticker there showing the frame used. You likely have the LD frame and he the HD.