Ford’s Super Duty Pickup Trucks
Tuesday, August 26th, 2008Super Duty models are the hard-hauling brutes in full-size Ford’s pickup trucks line. The F-250 is the three-quarter-ton version, while the Ford F-350 is rated at one ton. For 2007, changes consist mainly of new colors and options for SuperCab and Crew Cab models. Freshened styling on the Ford F-250 Super Duty adopted elements of Ford’s Mighty F-350 Tonka concept truck for 2005. A new 6.8-liter V-10, with three valves per cylinder, produced 52 horsepower more than its predecessor. The Power Stroke diesel engine gained 10 pounds-feet of torque for a total of 570 pounds-feet, and a new three-valve version of the 5.4-liter V-8 delivered an additional 40 hp. Ford said the new TowCommand System, with its electric trailer-brake controller, was an industry first.
The F-250 Super Duty pickup comes in XL, XLT and Lariat trim levels. For 2006, equipment that was previously included just in the F-250 Lariat pickup Luxury Package is standard in all Lariat models. An Amarillo Package for Lariat Crew Cab models features Blazing Yellow paint, 18-inch forged aluminum wheels, black leather seating surfaces and other extras. A Chrome Package is available for XLT and Lariat SuperCab and Crew Cab trucks. Forged polished-aluminum 20-inch wheels are available on SRW Crew Cab 4×4 Lariat, King Ranch and Amarillo editions. The King Ranch version of the Lariat Crew Cab is offered in two new two-tone color treatments.
Styling differences between Ford’s light-duty F-150 and the Super Duty models are most evident up front, where a massive grille dominates the Super Duty’s nose. Super Duty pickups come in three forms: regular cab; four-door SuperCab with two conventional front doors and two smaller, rear-opening back doors; and four-door Crew Cab with four conventional front-hinged doors. Wheelbases range from 137 inches on regular cab models to 172.4 inches on the long-bed Crew Cab. Regular cab pickups have an 8-foot cargo bed and measure 226.4 inches long overall, while SuperCab models are equipped with either a 6.75- or 8-foot bed and have an overall length of 231.2 or 247.4 inches. Either bed can be installed on the 4×4 pickup truck, which measures 245.6 or 261.8 inches long.
Front tow hooks are standard. A chrome front bumper and bright grille go on XLT models, while the Lariat adds cab steps, fog lamps and a sliding rear window. Two appearance packages are available for 2007, a Highline Package for SuperCab models and a Outlaw Package for Crew Cab models. The Highline features extensive use of chrome on the grille, tow hooks, step bars and other trim bits, while the Outlaw is a primarily black theme that’s carried over into the interior. Regular cab models seat either two or three occupants. A folding three-place rear bench seat goes into SuperCab and Crew Cab models. Air conditioning, power windows and locks, cruise control, a tilt steering wheel and a CD player are standard in XLT models.
