Part
1: [1] [2]
[3] [4]
[5] [6]
[7] [8]
[Intro]
[Truck Specs] [Dodge]
[General Motors] [Ford]
[Squat Test]
2008 Ford F-250 Super Duty FX4 Crew Cab 4x4
The F-250
we drove had the largest, most powerful gas engine we tested. It also
had the lowest rear axle gearing, 4.30. This made for an exceptional
towing rig but compromised performance when the truck was unloaded.
It had around 80 ft-lbs more torque than either of the V8s in the Sierra
or Ram – another towing advantage.
Even though
its engine had two more cylinders than the GMC or Dodge 2500s, the
item we found most interesting about the F-250 was that it weighed
in over 1,000-pounds heavier than its cross-town competitors. We actually
had the truck weighed twice to make sure it wasn’t
a mistake. Ford attributes the weight difference to stronger construction
and heavier parts for improved longevity.
Another interesting point, the Triton F-250 uses the same 5-speed TorqShift
transmission as the Power Stroke equipped F-350.
All the Ford trucks had high-end trim packages, so the interior on this
truck was a few notches above the Sierra and Ram. Seating surfaces were
leather with power driver and passenger captains chairs.
Kudos to
Ford for protectively covering the beds side tops on all Super Dutys
with plastic lining, so they don’t get gouged or dinged loading
and unloading the cargo box. We didn’t feel guilty balancing heavy
items on these surfaces.
Ford made
major revisions to the Super Duty for the 2008 model year. It’s
got new looks on the outside and underneath the front boxed portion
of the frame has been widened and strengthened to improve safety and
to accommodate the extra emissions and cooling equipment.
The frame’s
back end has also been modified to handle 8-inch longer leaf springs,
which made for better ride and handling towing trailers than earlier
Super Dutys. This truck, and the F-350, drove better when loaded.
2008 Ford F-350 King Ranch Super Duty Crew Cab 4x4
After the
warranty and reliability challenges caused by the old 6.0-liter Power
Stroke diesel, Ford’s got a lot riding on the success of
the new 6.4-liter PSD.
At the core
of this diesel V8, it’s a heavily updated version
of the 6.0-liter, with more power and designed around meeting the new
emissions regulations. The larger displacement is one approach used to
help knock down NOX levels through cooler engine temperatures. There
are other heat management upgrades to keep temps down, like a 33% larger
radiator, 50% larger water pump, and a diesel fuel cooler. The engine
uses dual sequential turbos to help get the truck moving during takeoff.
Ford offers
what it calls ‘traction control’ for the F-350.
We’re not sure we agree with the terminology here, because the
F-350’s traction control only reduces throttle when it senses wheel
slip. There’s no assistance from the ABS or steering systems, like
other traction control systems use.
Our F-350
had the King Ranch interior and exterior treatment. Heavy duty pickup
interiors don’t get any nicer than the King Ranch leather.
The combination of materials, colors, and textures used throughout the
cabin are first class.
Ford has also given the F-350 the largest and most capable mirrors in
its class. Built by Schefenacker, in Australia, the double-armed tow
and spotter mirrors could be extended outward up to 2-3/4-inches or folded
inward electronically with the touch of a button.
The F-350
also came with Ford’s optional built in Tailgate Assist
setup – which neatly integrates a pullout step and handle into
the truck’s liftgate to make hopping up into the bed very easy.
Part 1:
[1]
[2] [3]
[4] [5]
[6] [7]
[8]
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