Does the 99 and newer F250 use a better axle than the 2500 dodge? I dont really want the old school dodge cause I will be driving it everyday
Picking the right Ford in this situation can be tricky. I don't know for sure, but I was under the impression that Ford never offered a true D60 in any of the 99-00 trucks, but later they did in 01 and newer F350's... A 99-03 F250 with the 7.3 Power Stroke will likely have the solid beam D50 no matter what.
Between Dodge and Ford in the later years (94-present Dodge, and 99-03 Fords) they are both driver side drop pumkins. Both are a ball joint style which isn't terrible, but tire size/and abuse are definatly limited. They both use unit bearings which are expensive to replace, and again limit tire size/abuse. The Dodge does not have locking hubs where the Fords do. It's really splitting hairs.
Anyway if you want to wheel a diesel I would highly recomend at least avoiding the D50 if you get a Ford. It used a D44 center section, and combined with the weight of a 1000 lb. Diesel engine and big tires there is going to be problems locker or no locker. Hope this helps,
Andrew