Ford F450

[Joey D]

I have a new to me 2000f450 2wd truck. It's a reg cab long wheelbase flat bed with a liftgate. I have a few questions. First is tires, being 2wd I need a good set of tires so any favorites out there? 2nd is what size sander should I be running with it?

[Pelican]

You'll need to get the tare weight for the truck so you know what kind of weight you have left for the load. That will determine what size sander you have room for. The most efficient sander would be a tailgate unit, it would be lightest, but will require central hydraulics.

As for tires, anything with all ribs open will work well. Stay away from tires with closed ribs on the outer edges, they do that to quiet the tire but you lose a lot of traction in snow as a result. I run Michelin retreads on my 550 with very good results and they are half the cost of new. I actually got better mileage from them than the original new tires.

[cat320]

Joey so what do ya have a 7.3 or the V10? is it a dumping flatbed?

[Mark Oomkes]

Actually, Truckcraft has an electric under the tailgate spreader. Might even be looking at one eventually for a 450 that's new to me too. First off will be the liquid sprayer mounted, and then we'll go from there.

Here's the link: http://www.truckcraft.com/productDetail.asp?id=17&cID=

Goodyear isn't making the G124's anymore, they changed the design, I have a set on one of my 550's, so far so good. Really haven't had good luck with anything else.

Steve, I must need a new retread shop, the ones I tried on my F800 were crap, got about half the life for half the price and the tread pattern was a close second to Conticraps. My 750 has the retreads (22.5's) and those are wearing like iron. I really haven't had much luck at all with 19.5's, seems like they just wear faster than 22.5's or 'normal' light duty pickup size tires. Maybe it's just me? :beatsme

[Pelican]

My original tires were General A/Ts and were slicks by 25,000 miles. I've got 30,000 on these Michelin caps and they are still legal, but will have to be replaced for the snow season.

[JD PLOWER]

Sounds like a nice find Joe. You seem to have two basic options as far as sanders go, gas and electric Vboxes. How long is the body 10'? 11'? If the lift gate is under the body than I don't see a problem with this set up.

BTW I gained a job today, so I might have work for it when you get it setup ;)

[cat320]

So JD things looking a little better Must be a pretty good one for the need of Joey's 450. :D

[Joey D]

I was not even looking for it but the deal showed up.
It' s a 10' bed with the lift gate under it so it's not in the way of anything. It needs tires for sure only because of plowing. It's a 7.3 diesel auto.
I will weigh it so I can be sure for the sander size.

[JD PLOWER]

Those are usually the best kind of deals, they find you. The tailgate will probably weigh in at 3-600lbs depending on model and lift capacity. I know that when I installed the Anthony lift gate on my '97 the need for ballast was greatly reduced.

Rick yeah I did have the big one get away but I took on something that will at least partially pick up some of the slack. Still not what I was hoping for, but I still got under bid after cutting the prices so not much I can do now..