Ford F-Series Super Duty

:"For the modern king-size Ford truck that's marketed as the F-250 and higher, see Ford Super Duty.

"See main article Ford F-Series for Ford pickup trucks"

In 1999, the Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks were introduced as an entirely different design from the F-150 series pickup trucks, although they are classifed as F-Series pickups by Ford.

1999-2004 Super Duty

For 1999, the all-new F-250 thru F-750 Super Duty trucks were introduced. The F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 were based on the same frame with various differences. The F-650 and F-750 were based on another frame. These were big in dimensions with available V-10 engines and 4x4 drive, comfortable interiors, and big capacity for towing and commercial applications. They were styled distinctly for the first time from the smaller Ford F-150 half-ton pickups. They did not share components with the F-150 platform, though it was still considered an F-series truck. Instead of the aero look, it was more boldly angular with a raised hood and lowered fenders, somewhat like fender / hood medium truck style pioneered by the 90s Dodge Ram pickup. The side windows went lower forward in the door like a commercial medium truck, and the grille was also narrower and tall as if from a larger truck. The crew cab came with a full-size bed, unlike the F-150 crew cab configuration which has a shorter bed. The Super Duty would also be the base platform for the short-lived Ford Excursion SUV. [ [http://www.autobytel.com/content/research/index.cfm/action/showarticle/AID/35/startrow/301/year/1998/articletype/0/id/22436/ovchn/INK/ovcpn/SiteMatch/ovcrn/SMX/ovtac/PI] 1999 Ford F-250 Super Duty 4x4 Pickup: Big Is Beautiful ]

For 2001, the crew cab long bed had a 172.4 in wheelbase, was 262 in long (a full size car is 205-215 inches long), 79.9 in wide, 80.6 in high, with a curb weight of 5741 lb, payload of 3590 lb, (F-350, 2wd) 38 gal fuel tank, and seating for 6. The extended cab short bed has a wheelbase of 141.8" long. While the long bed version added just over 17" to the wheelbase for a total of 158". The Dual Rear Wheel (DRW) models typically have the largest payload capacity with the regular cab, DRW, gas-powered trucks topping out at 5395lbs. (2WD, 5.4L engine) However, "actual" curb weights, payload & towing capacities vary based on trim level and powertrain options chosen. [ [http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/New/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/24674/Act/Specs?print=yes] Consumer Guide website]

2005-2007 Super Duty

For 2005 the "Super Duty" model was redesigned with increased payload and towing capacities. These included a new grille, new interior, and factory installed Trailer Brake Controller (Ford TowCommand) and upfitter switches. The engines were also upgraded, with the new 3 valve 5.4L V8 and 6.8L V10 producing 300 and 362 horsepower, respectively. The 6.0L Powerstroke Diesel was also modified, boosting torque from convert|560|ft.lbf|N.m|abbr=on to convert|570|ft.lbf|N.m|abbr=on, but power stayed at 325 hp.

The truck was going to be completely redesigned for the 2007 model year, but it was recently announced that quality issues will push it back to a 2008 model. [cite web|url=http://www.autoinsidernews.com/2006/05/26/ford-delays-launch-of-f-series-super-duty/|title= Ford delays launch of 2007 F-Series Super Duty|work=AutoInsiderNews.com|accessmonthday=May 26 |accessyear=2006]

2008-present Super Duty

The new 2008 model introduces a new 6.4 L twin-turbo Power Stroke Diesel V8 to the replace the 6.0 L Power Stroke Diesel V8. The engine is said to produce 350 hp (260 kW) and convert|650|ft.lbf|N.m|abbr=on of torque (880 N·m). [2] it also introduces the new F-450 that is capable of carrying over three tons in the bed alone, or towing 24,000 pounds when equipped with a 5th wheel and 4.88 rear axle. This is the first F-450 that will be sold with a regular truck bed (previous models were only sold as chassis cab fleet models for various job applications).

ee also

* Ford Super Duty
* Ford F-650
* Ford F-750

References