Ford F-250, Ford F-450 Superduty Frame - 2008

Ford F-250, Ford F-450 2008 Superduty Springs - 2008

Ford F-250, F-450 Superduty Fuel Tank - 2008

The 2008 Ford F-250 – A Review

For pickup truck buyers needing a similar boost, there's the Ford F-250 Super Duty.As with that double cap, the Ford F-250 Super Duty is quite a different beast from its standard brethren. The F-250 Super Duty, however, is a 3/4-ton pickup truck that's still often seen doing what it does best -- hauling and pulling big loads. Chief among them is the fact that Ford has typically offered a mind-boggling variety of body styles (regular cab, extended cab, crew cab), powertrain options and trim levels to choose from. This wealth of options allows everyone from small business owners to wealthy ranchers to find an F-250 Super Duty that suits their needs. Another reason that Ford's heavy-duty hauler is a fave is that it can handle massive payloads while also being easy to drive and comfortable to ride in.

Current Ford F-250 Super Duty

The current Ford F-250 Super Duty debuted for the 2008 model year. There's also available power telescoping/folding side mirrors and a unique drop-down tailgate step that provides easier access to the bed. Upgrades under the skin include a more robust chassis that's coated to further resist corrosion, an updated rear suspension design that improves ride and handling dynamics, and a bigger, stronger Power Stroke diesel V8 that pumps out an impressive 350 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. Inside the cab are higher-quality materials and a standard MP3 audio jack.

Three body styles (regular cab, extended cab, crew cab) and four trim levels (base XL, midlevel XLT, off-road-oriented 4WD-only FX4 and plush Lariat) are offered. Many options are available to further customize the F-250, including a fancy King Ranch package and a Tow Command system that integrates the control of the trailer brakes with those on the truck. A trio of engines sees duty in the Ford F-250 Super Duty: the standard 5.4-liter V8 (300 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque), an optional 6.8-liter V10 (362 hp and 457 lb-ft) and the aforementioned 6.4-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V8 (350 hp and 650 lb-ft). Transmission choices consist of a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic. Buyers can choose either two- or four-wheel drive across the board.

Older Ford F-250 Super Duty Models

The previous-generation Ford F-250 Super Duty ran from 1999-2007. The debut of this version marked the first time that Ford gave its heavy-duty pickups their own style. Initially, the typical trim levels of base XL, decently-equipped XLT and plush Lariat were offered in standard, extended and crew-cab body styles. Engine choices included the standard 5.4-liter V8 as well as the optional 6.8-liter V10 and 7.3-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V8. A five-speed manual was standard, with a four-speed automatic optional.
If you're looking for a used Ford F-250 Super Duty, there are a few year-by-year changes to be aware of. In 2001, updates were made that included standard four-wheel ABS for all trims, an available reverse parking sensor, heated seats for the Lariat and more power for the Power Stroke engine. A smaller, yet more powerful, 6.0-liter Power Stroke replacing the 7.3-liter version debuted that year as well. For 2005, the big news was a new five-speed automatic transmission, an upgraded front suspension, a new grille and headlight design and increased towing and hauling capacities. In our review of this generation Ford F-250 Super Duty, we found it to be a strong performer. The firm suspension provided a compliant ride along with relatively crisp handling. We also felt that the integrated trailer brake system is a great idea, as it links the trailer brakes to the truck's electronic ABS system for smooth emergency stops.

Overall, this F-250 Super Duty makes for a likable companion on a long haul.

The 2008 Ford F-450 – A Review

The all-new '08 Ford F-450 Lariat Super Duty with the 6.4-liter Power Stroke is more tool than toy, making it an irresistible choice for anyone looking for the ultimate tow vehicle. At 21.9 feet (262.4 inches) from bumper to bumper and 7.9 feet wide (95.5 inches), the F-450 SD Lariat 4x4 is a sizeable truck - more at home on a ranch than in the heart of the city.
 
The F-450 SD is a timely release now that the RV industry is seeing increased sales of bigger trailers with heavy granite kitchen countertops and large slide-out living spaces.

With a list of practical features for added power and performance, the '08 F-450 is poised to dominate other tow vehicles in the RV trailer market as toy haulers become more elaborately outfitted. Inside its leather-clad cabin, this 4-ton truck is as spacious, rugged, luxurious, and ergonomically built as any high-end automobile we've tested.
 
The new '08 Ford F-450 was built in house with final assembly at Ford's Kentucky Truck Plant. Ford uses a new wider and stronger monobeam framerail with riveted and welded crossmembers. With a gross combined vehicle weight (GCVW) of 33,000 pounds, the F-450 Lariat automatic (4.88 limited-slip rear axle ratio) has an incredible 24,000-pound tow capacity and 6,000-pound payload capacity. Add to that an impressive 16,000-pound tow rating on a conventional hitch, and you'll quickly see the benefits of owning such a powerful truck.

Ford F-450 Driving Impressions

The '08 F-450 Lariat SD automatic is a stylish work truck with a 24,000-pound tow capacity. Leaving California, we hitched up a dual-axle trailer loaded down with several Yamaha ATVs to the 8,687-pound truck for 1,200 miles. Total trailer weight was about 7,500 pounds - well below the trailer tongue-load weight threshold of the F-450. Keeping a mostly constant speed between 65 and 70 mph, the truck averaged 7.5 to 9.5 mpg with the trailer at the bumper. More importantly, the truck steadily maintained speed and performance without so much as an engine stumble or erratic transmission gear change.
With the much improved A/C system keeping the cab a cool 68 degrees, the F-450 didn't lack for power. With improved features like large engine cooling fans, a 33-percent-larger radiator, and a water pump that doubles the flow rate from 75 to 140 gallons per minute, engine temperatures remained normal.

On smoother roads, the ride naturally improved. Tow vehicles need to be firm, predictable, and stable. The new '08 Ford F-450 was built in house, with final assembly at Ford's Kentucky Truck Plant. Ford uses a new wider and stronger monobeam framerail with riveted and welded crossmembers. The wider front axle gives greater turning clearance between the wheels and the frame.
TowCommand includes a factory-installed and fully warranted electronic trailer-brake controller that automatically modulates the braking prowess of your trailer when it detects loss of traction at the truck's antilock brakes. TorqShift changes shift points under acceleration and deceleration in tow-haul mode. This convenience prevents the transmission from upshifting as the truck climbs a hill while assisting with downhill braking duties through downshifting and engine compression. Ford's system calculates wheel speed from the differential and reduces torque to match the best traction for the terrain. Everything about the Ford F-450 begins with the 6.4-liter dual-turbo diesel engine - a sophisticated and powerful addition to Ford's lineup. The engine features a high-pressure, common-rail fuel system and piezo-type injectors to increase long-term durability and to better control emissions.
In keeping with the availability of ultralow-sulfur diesel, Ford instituted Clean Diesel Technology with all '08 Super Duty trucks to meet the most "stringent emissions standards" in the world. One aspect of this is the advanced diesel particulate filter system at the exhaust, designed to retain performance while reducing particulate output by more than 90 percent.
Power for the 6.4-liter diesel is assisted by twin sequential turbochargers with 42 pounds of boost. As the rpm increase, the larger turbo boosts the power through the middle of the torque curve and beyond. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual with overdrive or a five-speed automatic.

Inside the cab, the 6.4-liter Power Stroke diesel is really quiet. The F-450's interior comfort is part of Ford's Quiet Steel technology that was introduced with the F-150. Thicker side glass, a revamped steering-column boot, and foam-filled A-pillars and C-pillars are designed to further reduce unwanted interior sounds in all Super Duty pickups. To make driver and passenger more comfortable, there's the dual-zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (EATC). Civilized Work Truck

The premium leather seating, ample head and legroom, and ergonomic console and dash all turned what could have been an unpleasant road trip into a satisfying time behind the wheel. Ford's innovative power-fold and power-telescoping mirrors took the fumbling out of mirror positioning to see around your trailer. A heated glass feature for the cold mornings, clearance lamps, and integrated turn signals are pluses.