I predict that the next F250 will be based on the 2004 F150 body / frame.

This is how they could introduce the 6.5' bed on the Supercrew.

The F250 is too much like the F350 to survive on it's own.

F250s were being bought by people that did not like the previous F150 design or wanted diesel.

I think payload rating and badging are the only differences with the current F250 / F350.

Not sure what I think will happen as far as diesel goes.

 

Sorry to disagree with you but take at look at your truck, you have it a bit backwards. It's loosely based on the Superduty design.
They are entirely two different markets. People who bought Superduties wanted more truck regardless of engine choice. The F-150's are nice but it's not a Superduty. I had a 97 F-150 and after owning my current beast I will never go back to the F-150. Simply no comparison.

 

I agree with Rugby. They finally realized that the F-150s just didnt look like a real truck. Dodge was catching up. So now, they are going to make it look like the F-250s. There were two reasons why I bought my 2002 F-250. It looks like a truck and the V-10 engine.

 

Do a search and you'll find I've made a similar prediction. I can see the new F150 getting a beefed up varient to pull in those that really don't need a F250 SD but have to go that route for the "beef".

However, the F250 and F350 are set to be redesigned for 2005 and even bigger changes for 2006-2007 timeframe. A lot can happen, but I now have to agree with those that say the SD will have a place still.

Also, your take in the F250 and F350 differences is close. Pretty much the only difference, besides the obvious badging, is spring's and blocks. Of course equipment and options are slightly different based on the intended use/buyer. In most cases, what springs a SD gets is generally computer generated based on equipment. I think the 350 only has 2-3 differnet springs where the 250 has about 5 including lighter springs.

 

From what I know the SuperDuty will get a face lift in 2005 - large tonka like grill and an interior upgrade. The next major redesign for the SD's will be for 07 model year.

Geo

 

I went from an F-150 to an F-250 SD so I could use my truck as a truck. The body design had little to do with it, but the drivetrain and suspension were the most important factors. The diesel wasn't even a consideration either. I see far more F-250s here than F-350s, so the F-250 is selling very well and will survive for years to come. As the others have said, the new F-150 has copied many features of the SD, not the other way around.