2016 Ford F 350 Specs – The Ultimate Guide To Power, Payload
The 2016 Ford F-350 remains a gold standard for heavy-duty performance, offering a massive 440 horsepower and 860 lb-ft of torque in its diesel configuration. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of towing capacities, engine options, and maintenance essentials to help you maximize your truck’s potential.
Whether you are hauling a massive fifth-wheel trailer across state lines or navigating a muddy job site, you know that performance starts with the numbers. Choosing a heavy-duty truck often feels like a balancing act between raw power and daily usability.
This guide will break down every critical measurement and performance metric you need to know about this legendary Super Duty. We will explore engine options, towing capacities, and the common maintenance points that keep these trucks on the road for decades. Understanding the 2016 ford f 350 specs is the first step toward mastering your machine.
As an enthusiast or a DIY mechanic, having the right data allows you to make informed decisions about upgrades and repairs. From axle ratios to fluid capacities, we have gathered the professional-grade information you need to keep your F-350 in peak condition.
Engine Options: The Heart of the Super Duty
The 2016 model year offered two primary powerplants, each designed for specific duty cycles and owner preferences. The choice between gas and diesel defines the character of the truck and its long-term maintenance requirements.
The standard engine is the 6.2L 2-valve Flex Fuel V8, which is a robust choice for those who prefer the simplicity of a gasoline engine. It produces a respectable 385 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque, making it ideal for fleet work or moderate hauling.
For those who need maximum grunt, the 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel is the undisputed king of the lineup. This engine underwent significant updates just a year prior, resulting in a staggering 440 horsepower and 860 lb-ft of torque.
The 6.7L Power Stroke Advantage
The diesel engine features a “compacted graphite iron” (CGI) engine block, which provides incredible strength while reducing overall weight. This material helps the engine handle the high cylinder pressures required to generate such massive torque levels.
One unique feature of this engine is the exhaust manifold design, which sits inside the “V” of the engine. This “inboard exhaust” setup allows for shorter turbo plumbing, which significantly reduces turbo lag and improves throttle response when pulling heavy loads.
Maintenance on the diesel is more intensive, requiring Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) to meet emissions standards. However, the trade-off is a truck that can pull heavy grades without breaking a sweat, even at high altitudes.
The 6.2L Gas V8 Reliability
The 6.2L gas engine is often praised for its “bulletproof” nature and lower initial purchase price. It utilizes a single overhead cam (SOHC) design with two spark plugs per cylinder to ensure efficient combustion and smoother idling.
While it lacks the sheer torque of the Power Stroke, it is much easier for the average DIY mechanic to service in a home garage. You won’t have to deal with complex after-treatment systems like the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) or the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system.
If your primary use involves short trips around town or light-duty plowing, the gas engine might actually be the better financial move. It warms up faster in cold weather and avoids the “clogging” issues that can plague diesels that aren’t driven on the highway regularly.
Understanding the 2016 ford f 350 specs for Towing and Hauling
Towing is the primary reason most people look into the 2016 ford f 350 specs, as this truck is built to move mountains. The capacities vary wildly depending on whether you choose a Single Rear Wheel (SRW) or Dual Rear Wheel (DRW) configuration.
The maximum conventional towing capacity for a properly equipped F-350 is 19,000 pounds. However, when you step up to fifth-wheel or gooseneck towing, that number jumps to a class-leading 26,500 pounds for the dually models.
Payload capacity is equally impressive, with some configurations capable of carrying over 7,000 pounds in the bed. This makes the F-350 a favorite for heavy slide-in campers and commercial service bodies that require a high Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
SRW vs. DRW: Which Do You Need?
A Single Rear Wheel (SRW) truck is easier to park and offers better fuel economy for daily driving. It is perfectly capable of towing most modern travel trailers and mid-sized fifth wheels without any stability issues.
The Dual Rear Wheel (DRW) setup, often called a “dually,” provides a much wider footprint at the rear of the truck. This extra width offers superior lateral stability, which is crucial when hauling tall trailers in high-wind conditions.
If you plan on towing more than 15,000 pounds on a regular basis, the dually is the safer and more comfortable choice. The Dana 80 rear axle found in many dually configurations is a massive piece of hardware designed for extreme longevity.
Axle Ratios and Their Impact
When reviewing the 2016 ford f 350 specs, you will see various axle ratio options, such as 3.73, 4.10, or 4.30. These numbers represent how many times the driveshaft turns for every one revolution of the tires.
A 3.73 ratio is the standard “all-around” choice, providing a good balance between highway fuel economy and pulling power. It is the most common ratio found on SRW trucks used for mixed-duty driving.
The 4.30 ratio is typically reserved for dually trucks intended for maximum towing. While this ratio will lower your top-end fuel economy, it provides the mechanical advantage needed to get a 26,000-pound load moving from a dead stop.
Transmission and Drivetrain: Handling the Torque
Every 2016 F-350 comes equipped with the TorqShift 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. This gearbox was specifically engineered to handle the 860 lb-ft of torque produced by the diesel engine without overheating.
The transmission features a “Tow/Haul” mode, which alters shift points to keep the engine in its power band. It also provides automatic engine braking on descents, which reduces the wear and tear on your service brakes.
For those navigating steep grades, the SelectShift feature allows for full manual control over gear selection. This is a vital tool for preventing “gear hunting” when you are at the limit of the truck’s capacity.
Transfer Case and 4WD Systems
Most F-350s are equipped with an electronic shift-on-the-fly (ESOF) 4WD system. This allows you to engage four-wheel drive at speeds up to 55 mph by simply turning a dial on the dashboard.
The truck also features manual locking hubs on the front wheels, which is a favorite feature among off-roaders and DIYers. If the vacuum-operated electronic system fails, you can still get out and manually lock the hubs to ensure you have traction.
Inside the transfer case, a heavy-duty chain drive transfers power to the front wheels. Regular fluid changes using Mercon LV or the specified Ford fluid are essential to prevent internal wear in these high-torque environments.
Interior Comfort and Technology
While the specs focus on power, the 2016 F-350 was also designed to be a mobile office. Trim levels range from the work-ready XL to the ultra-luxurious Platinum, which features premium leather and wood accents.
The SYNC with MyFord Touch system was the tech centerpiece for this year, offering navigation, hands-free calling, and climate control. While it may feel slightly dated compared to modern tablets, it remains functional and relatively easy to repair.
Storage is abundant, with a massive center console capable of holding a laptop or several hanging file folders. For the DIYer, the Upfitter Switches located on the dash are a godsend, allowing you to easily wire in light bars, winches, or air compressors.
Cab Configurations and Dimensions
The F-350 was available in three main cab styles: Regular Cab, SuperCab (extended), and Crew Cab. The Crew Cab is by far the most popular, offering enough rear-seat legroom to comfortably seat three large adults.
Bed lengths were available in 6.75-foot or 8-foot versions. If you plan on installing a fifth-wheel hitch, the 8-foot bed is highly recommended to avoid the need for a sliding hitch and to provide better clearance during tight turns.
The overall height of the truck is something to watch out for, especially if you plan on adding a leveling kit. Standard 4WD models often exceed 80 inches in height, which can make parking garages a significant challenge.
Maintenance and Common DIY Troubleshooting
Keeping a Super Duty on the road requires a proactive approach to maintenance. Because these trucks are often pushed to their limits, ignoring small issues can quickly lead to expensive repairs.
For diesel owners, the fuel filters are a critical maintenance item. There are two filters—one on the engine and one on the frame rail—and they should be changed every 15,000 miles or every other oil change to protect the high-pressure fuel pump.
The cooling system on the 6.7L diesel is also unique, featuring two separate cooling loops with two different radiators. This ensures that the charge air cooler and transmission stay cool even when the engine is working at maximum capacity.
Common Issues to Watch For
One common complaint on the 2016 diesel models is the EGT (Exhaust Gas Temperature) sensors. If one of these sensors fails, the truck may enter “limp mode,” significantly reducing power to protect the engine.
On the 6.2L gas engines, watch for broken manifold bolts. Over time, the heat cycles can cause the bolts to snap, leading to an exhaust leak that sounds like a loud ticking noise when the engine is cold.
Always check your ball joints and track bar bushings if you experience a vibration in the steering wheel, often referred to as “death wobble.” High-quality aftermarket replacements are usually much more durable than the factory units.
Fluids and Capacities
When performing your own service, ensure you are using the correct quantities. The 6.7L diesel requires a massive 13 quarts of 10W-30 or 5W-40 CJ-4 rated oil, while the 6.2L gas engine takes 7 quarts of 5W-20.
Don’t forget the DEF tank, which holds approximately 5 gallons. Most drivers find they need to refill the DEF every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, depending on how much they are towing.
Pro tip: Always use a high-quality synthetic oil if you live in a cold climate or tow frequently. It provides better protection during cold starts and stays stable at the high temperatures generated during heavy hauling.
Off-Road Capability and the FX4 Package
Many owners look at the 2016 ford f 350 specs to see if it can handle weekend adventures. While the F-350 is a heavy truck, the FX4 Off-Road Package adds several features that make it surprisingly capable on the trail.
The FX4 package includes Rancho-branded shocks, skid plates for the transfer case and fuel tank, and a “Hill Descent Control” system. It also typically includes an electronic locking rear differential, which is a must-have for loose gravel or mud.
If you plan on doing serious off-roading, a 2-inch leveling kit is a popular mod. This allows for 35-inch tires without rubbing, giving you much better ground clearance and a more aggressive stance.
Tires and Traction
The factory tires are usually highway-terrain (HT) or mild all-terrain (AT) tires. For off-roaders, switching to a dedicated All-Terrain or Mud-Terrain tire with an “E” load rating is essential for maintaining the truck’s weight capacity.
Remember that increasing tire size will effectively change your gear ratio. If you go to 37-inch tires, you may find that your truck feels sluggish unless you also upgrade your axle gears to a 4.30 or 4.56 ratio.
Safety tip: When airing down tires for sand or mud, never go below 20 PSI on a truck this heavy unless you have beadlock wheels. The weight of the diesel engine can easily pop a bead on a standard rim if the pressure is too low.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2016 ford f 350 specs
What is the oil capacity for the 2016 F-350 diesel?
The 6.7L Power Stroke diesel engine requires 13 quarts of oil. It is recommended to use a high-quality synthetic oil that meets Ford’s WSS-M2C171-F1 specification, especially for trucks that tow frequently.
How much can a 2016 F-350 tow with a gooseneck hitch?
In its maximum configuration (Dual Rear Wheel with the 6.7L diesel and 4.30 gears), the 2016 F-350 can tow up to 26,500 pounds via a gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitch. Always check your specific door jamb sticker for your truck’s exact ratings.
Does the 2016 F-350 require DEF?
Yes, all 2016 F-350 trucks equipped with the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel engine require Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). The DEF tank holds roughly 5 gallons and needs to be replenished periodically based on driving conditions and load.
What is the difference between the XL and Lariat trims?
The XL is the base “work truck” trim with vinyl floors and manual windows in some configurations. The Lariat is a mid-to-high level luxury trim that includes leather seats, dual-zone climate control, and the SYNC infotainment system.
Summary and Final Thoughts
The 2016 ford f 350 specs reveal a vehicle that was engineered to dominate the heavy-duty segment. Whether you choose the reliable 6.2L gas engine or the monstrous 6.7L Power Stroke diesel, you are getting a platform that is built for the long haul.
For the DIY mechanic, these trucks offer a rewarding experience, provided you stay on top of the maintenance schedule. Regular fluid changes and keeping an eye on wear items like ball joints and fuel filters will ensure your Super Duty remains a dependable partner for years to come.
If you are in the market for one of these trucks, pay close attention to the axle ratio and the rear-wheel configuration to ensure it matches your specific towing needs. With the right setup, there is almost nothing this truck can’t handle. Stay safe, keep your tools ready, and enjoy the power of the Super Duty!
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