2008 FORD F350 transmission

Reasons given... Consider...
“I have an airbag” Airbags offer greater protection when
used with safety belts. Frontal airbags
are not designed to inflate in rear and
side crashes or rollovers.
“I’d rather be thrown clear” Not a good idea.Peoplewho are
ejected are 40 times more likely
to DIE.Safety belts help prevent
ejection, WE CAN’T “PICK OUR
CRASH”.
Do not sit on tope of a buckled safety belt or insert a latchplate
into the buckle to avoid the Belt-Minder
chime. To do so may
adversely affect the performance of the vehicle’s air bag system
One-time disable
Any time the safety belt is buckled and then unbuckled during an
ignition ON cycle, the Belt-Minder
will be disabled for that ignition
cycle only.
Deactivating/activating the Belt-Minderfeature (Driver only)
Read Steps1-5thoroughly before proceeding with the
deactivation/activation programming procedure.
The Belt-Minder
feature can be deactivated/activated by performing the
following procedure:
Before following the procedure, make sure that the following conditions
are met:
•the parking brake is set
•the gearshift is in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or the neutral
position (manual transmission)
•the ignition switch is in the OFF position
•all vehicle doors are closed
•the driver’s safety belt is unbuckled
•the parklamps/headlamps are in the OFF position (If the vehicle is
equipped with Autolamps, this will not affect the procedure)
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
181
ProCarManuals.com

Cargo Weight– includes all weight added to the Base Curb Weight,
including cargo and optional equipment. When towing, trailer tongue load
or king pin weight is also part of cargo weight.
GAW (Gross Axle Weight)– is the total weight placed on each axle
(front and rear) – including vehicle curb weight and all payload.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)– is the maximum allowable
weight that can be carried by a single axle (front or rear).These
numbers are shown on the Safety Compliance Certification Label
located on the B-Pillar or the edge of the driver’s door. The total
load on each axle must never exceed its GAWR.
Exceeding the Safety Compliance Certification Label axle weight
rating limits could result in substandard vehicle handling or
performance, engine, transmission and/or structural damage, serious
damage to the vehicle, loss of control and personal injury.
Note:For trailer towing information refer toTrailer towingfound in
this chapter or theRV and Trailer Towing Guideprovided by your
authorized dealer.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
238
ProCarManuals.com

The above calculations also assume that the loads are positioned in your
vehicle in a manner that does not overload the Front or the Rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating specified for your vehicle on the Tire Label or Safety
Compliance Certification Label found on the edge of the driver’s door.
Special loading instructions for owners of pickup trucks and
utility-type vehicles
For important information regarding safe operation of this type
of vehicle, see thePreparing to drive your vehiclesection in
theDrivingchapter of this owner guide.
Loaded vehicles may handle differently than unloaded vehicles.
Extra precautions, such as slower speeds and increased stopping
distance, should be taken when driving a heavily loaded vehicle.
Your vehicle can haul more cargo and people than most passenger cars.
Depending upon the type and placement of the load, hauling cargo and
people may raise the center of gravity of the vehicle.
TRAILER TOWING
Note:The trailer towing charts in this section apply to vehicles equipped
with gasoline engines; for vehicles equipped with diesel engines, refer to
your6.0 and 6.4 Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection Turbo Diesel
Owner’s Guide Supplement.
Your vehicle may tow a Conventional/Class IV trailer or fifth wheel trailer
provided the maximum trailer weight is less than or equal to the
maximum trailer weight listed for your engine and rear axle ratio on the
following charts.
To calculate your maximum trailer weight:
For pickup trucks:Take curb weight, hitch hardware and the driver’s
weight, then subtract them from the GCWR listed for your vehicle series,
engine, transmission and drive axle ratio(refer to the chart/table in the
following text). This calculation will give you the maximum trailer
weight possible for your vehicle.
For chassis cabs and pickup trucks with aftermarket equipment:
Weigh your vehicle at a certified scale and subtract this actual curb
weight, hitch hardware, and the driver’s weight from the GCWR listed for
your vehicle series, engine, transmission and drive axle ratio(refer to
the chart/table in the following text). This calculation will give you the
maximum trailer weight possible for your vehicle.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
242
ProCarManuals.com

The weight of all additional cargo and passengers must be subtracted
from the maximum trailer weight calculated above.
Further trailer/hitch restrictions and limitations exist depending on the
type of trailer and hitch used. These additional maximum trailer weight
and tongue load limitations are listed in the chart/table that follows the
listing of GCWRs.
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these
components carefully prior to and after any towing operation. Refer to
Transmission fluid temperature gaugein theInstrument Cluster
chapter for the transmission fluid temperature information.
Note:Do not exceed the GCWR listed for your vehicle on the following
chart/table, or the GVWR, GAWR or tire ratings specified on the Tire
Label or Safety Compliance Certification Label.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended trailer
weight which exceeds the limit of the vehicle’s GCWR, GVWR,
GAWR or tire ratings could result in engine damage, transmission
damage, structural damage, loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover and
personal injury.
Maximum GCWR - lb. (kg.)
Engine Rear axle
ratioManual
transmissionAutomatic
transmission
F–250 Pick-up
5.4L 3.73 15000 (6804) 16000 (7257)
4.10 17000 (7711) 18000 (8165)
6.8L 4.10 20000 (9072) 21000 (9525)
4.30 22000 (9979) 22500 (10206)
F–350 Single Rear Wheel (SRW) Pick-up
5.4L 3.73 15000 (6804) 16000 (7257)
4.10 17000 (7711) 18000 (8165)
6.8L 4.10 20000 (9072) 21000 (9525)
4.30 22000 (9979) 23000 (10433)
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
243
ProCarManuals.com

Maximum GCWR - lb. (kg.)
Engine Rear axle
ratioManual
transmissionAutomatic
transmission
F–350 Dual Rear Wheel (DRW) Pick-up
5.4L 4.10 17500 (7938) 18500 (8391)
6.8L 4.10 20500 (9299) 21500 (9752)
4.30 22500 (10206) 23000 (10433)
F–350 Single Rear Wheel (SRW) Chassis Cab
5.4L 3.73 15000 (6804) 16000 (7257)
4.10 17000 (7711) 18000 (8165)
6.8L 4.10 20000 (9072) 21000 (9525)
F–350 Dual Rear Wheel (DRW) Chassis Cab
5.4L 3.73 15000 (6804) 16500 (7484)
4.10 17500 (7938) 18500 (8391)
6.8L 4.10 20500 (9299) 21500 (9752)
4.30 22500 (10206) 23000 (10433)
F–450 Chassis Cab/F–550
6.8L 4.88/5.38 26000 (11793) 26000 (11793)
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your authorized dealer or a
reliable trailer dealer if you require assistance.
Hitches
ON PICK-UP TRUCKS, the trailer hitch provided on this vehicle
enhances collision protection for the fuel system. DO NOT
REMOVE!
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle’s bumper or attach to the
axle. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that 10%–15% for
conventional towing or 15%-25% fifth-wheel towing of the total weight of
the trailer is on the tongue.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
244
ProCarManuals.com

Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first 500 miles
(800 km) of trailer towing and don’t make full-throttle starts.
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•To eliminate excessive transmission shifting, activate the Tow/Haul
feature. This will also assist in transmission cooling. (For additional
information, refer to theUnderstanding the shift positions of the
5–speed automatic transmissionsection in theDrivingchapter.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
•Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.
•Your vehicle may be equipped with a temporary or conventional spare
tire. If the spare tire is different in size (diameter and/or width), tread
type (All-Season or All-Terrain) or is from a different manufacturer
other than the road tires on your vehicle, your spare tire is considered
“temporary”. Consult information on the spare Tire Label or Safety
Compliance Certification Label for limitations when using.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to yourscheduled maintenance
informationfor more information.
Trailer towing safety tips
General
•Ensure that the trailer, safety chains and 7–pin electrical connectors
are securely fastened.
•Make sure the truck receiver, draw bar, and coupler are properly
connected and adjusted.
•Check rear view and side mirrors for proper visibility especially when
towing trailer wider than the truck.
•When towing, operate the vehicle at lower speeds than you would
when not towing a trailer. The likelihood of trailer sway is greater at
higher speeds.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
251
ProCarManuals.com

Backing up
•Practice backing up, particularly if you are a novice. Turn the steering
wheel to the right to move the trailer’s rear end to the right.
•Sharp steering movements may cause the trailer to jackknife or go out
of control.
Tires
•All trailer tires should be of the same size, and construction.
•Select tires that meet the trailer loading requirements.
•Always check tow vehicle and trailer tire pressure before towing.
Launching or retrieving a boat
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval,
•Do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higher than 6 inches (15 cm) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
•Disconnect the trailer tow electrical connector to prevent blown fuses
caused by water entering into your trailer’s electrical wiring.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter critical vehicle
components, adversely affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
Replace front and rear axle lubricants any time the axles have been
submerged in water. Axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked
unless a leak is suspected.
RECREATIONAL TOWING
Follow these guidelines if you have a need for recreational (RV) towing.
An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind
a motorhome. These guidelines are designed to ensure that your
transmission is not damaged.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
253
ProCarManuals.com

Transmission Drivetrain
configurationRequirements for
neutral towing
Manual 4x2 Place transmission
into (N) Neutral
1
Manual 4x4 with manual-shift
transfer caseTransmission in (N)
Neutral; Transfer case
in (N) (Neutral);
Hublocks set to FREE
1Automatic
Manual 4x4 with
electronic-shift
transfer caseDo not tow your
vehicle with any
wheels on the ground,
as vehicle or
transmission damage
may occur. It is
recommended to tow
your vehicle with all
four (4) wheels off the
ground such as when
using a car-hauling
trailer. Otherwise, no
recreational towing is
permitted. Automatic
1Always make sure that both hub locks are set to the same position.
In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, seeWrecker
Towingin theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
254
ProCarManuals.com