1982 F250 Dually?

[1985 Bronco]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but DRW models were only F350s? Was this truck converted by an aftermarket company?

https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ank/cto/d/1982-ford-f250-dually/6738833915.html

[Gary Lewis]

Yes, I do believe the DRW package was only on the F350.  And I see hints of that in the dealer facts book, but haven't found it spelled out explicitly.  But, that truck really looks like an F350, so if it is a 250 someone converted it.  However, I cannot imagine an aftermarket company doing it as it would seem to be less expensive to just order one that way.  So, the owner swapped out everything onto his 250?  Or, a 350 owner put 250 badges or fenders on his truck?

[kramttocs]

When I was searching for a truck all over the US on Craigslist I saw at least 3 F250 dually trucks. I also thought it was odd but wasn't looking for a dually so never inquired about their specs.

They all were nice trucks though. All two tone and pretty well optioned. Like the horse bumper sticker on that one, they all struck me as rodeo circuit type trucks.

I agree - does seem odd for a Centurion like company to do something like this.

[Ford F834]

I would say this is a conversion. And for whatever reason, there seem to be quite a few out there. Sometimes it is obvious, like the desire to have a 4x4 DRW. Ford also didn’t make very many F350 Supercab’s so I’ve seen a few of those converted to DRW. I don’t know exactly what Ford used as the division point between the F250 and F350, but having dual rear wheels seems definitely in the F350 weight carrying territory. If I were a car company I wouldn’t have a so-called 3/4 ton that could out-carry a 1 ton model.

As for this particular truck, the thing that makes me think this is a “fancy” conversion is the lower body molding with the black rubber insert. I’ve never seen this stuff on DRW fenders before, and it looks like the aluminum has been relief-cut at the bend to make it wrap around the flare. It has F250 fender badges. It also has XLT/Lariat cab plaques and the nice aluminum tailgate insert, and most F350’s were optioned plainly as “work trucks”. I think this was Centurion’s niche, as they converted and embellished heavy haulers with luxury options.

[Gary Lewis]

Jonathan - You are right, it has to be a conversion.  First, there's a note in the 1982 dealer's fact book that says "XLT Lariat trim not available with Dual Rear Wheel Models".  Second, the DRW option wasn't available on an F250.  And, it shouldn't have that trim on the bed of a DRW.  Well spotted!

[Rembrant]

I come across these things myself from time to time. This one looks like a parts truck, or a project...

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/red-deer/86-f250-dually/1404840095?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

It is a dually, but looks like F250 front end.