350 to 450 suspension up fit?

[soundman7]

Gentlemen
I was recently in a accident with my 2011 F350 DRW KR. Lady ran a red light and wiped out my front end and we thought the truck would be totaled. I thought I would used this misfortune to move up to a 450 but there insurance co. thinks it's worth to much to total and want to fix the truck(vey disappointed).
Since this will require a complete new frame and front end I'm researching replacing the suspension with 450 components and up fit to larger 450 brakes. I know it won't be a 450 but will be a heavy'ed up 350.
If there has ever been a time to do something like this, now is the time.

I would like to hear from anyone who has changed or heavy'ed up there 350 suspension.

Thanks
Soundman

[Skip426]

How long are the repairs going to take ?
Is the insurance company providing a suitable tow vehicle while yours is tied up ?
I've seen big repairs take months , and maybe if the insurance company is pushed to provide you a suitable rental , that cost could push the claim to the write off stage.

JMHO: But maybe worth a try.

[lynnmor]

I think that the 450 upgrade would be too big of a job. You also have the legal things to get it registered and insured at a higher capacity. I would let them repair it and insist that they pay the reduced value caused by the wreck. Then trade it in for the truck you want.

[09 harley]

Have it repaired and then trade it on a 2017. The new models raised the bar for the class.

[powerboatr]

weird as the 350 and 450 dually are the same narrow frame,
springs, brakes and axles are the only differences. f350 tow boss has the wide track front end to allow for a tighter turn. They should able to source a frame easy as pie, labor is going to eat up the budget, lots to change over to a naked frame.
the F350 and F450 chassis cab is vastly different from those with the box or box delete. At least until this last 2107 new frame and body style
books are available yet to compare. Dealer should be able to help in this regard.
IMO, replacing a frame on a 2011 truck, wouldn't add up to more than its worth, but i bet it is very very close
might need a face to face with adjuster based on real world numbers.
and what about the engine, a hit that hard had to potentially break some very pricey parts. a 2011 kr drw, cant be worth much over 27K.
GOOD Luck on either case
That had to be one heck of a crunch.

[wingnut60]

What does the ins co think the repair is going to cost?
How long/what are they supplying you for a vehicle during repairs?
I don't think the effort is worthwhile, the major difference is only the wide-track front end.

If you were me, I would get the truck fixed--assuming the ins co takes care of you during the repair period--and find a '15-'16 350 with the wide track front end and trade up. Big difference in power from the '11s in the 6.7L.