WE’RE AT A FORK IN THE TRAIL WITH DIESEL TRUCKS. Due to changes in fuel and
emissions standards, all three domestic manufacturers will be offering revised models in 2007
with bigger engines and more emissions equipment. This means the outgoing generation of
Ford’s Super Duty (the ’06 and ’07 models are essentially identical) is the last of a breed. In
the future these trucks might be looked back upon as representing a time when things were
simpler and less expensive.
Before we address which generation of pickup makes the most sense for various off-road
adventures, let’s go over the basic features of our review vehicle. Its a 2007 Super Duty Crew
Cab 4X4, a 4-door, full-size pickup with room for up to six passengers.
The standard engine is a 5.4-liter gasoline V8 rated at 300hp and 365 lb./ft of torque. An
optional 6.8-liter V10 generates 362 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque. The best choice for those who
do serious towing and hauling though, is the 6.0-liter Power Stroke diesel V8 rated at 325 hp
and a stump-pulling 570 lb-ft of torque.
In comparison, the new 6.4-liter Power Stroke coming later in 2008 reportedly delivers 350
horsepower at 3,000 rpm and 650 lb./ft. of torque starting at 2,000 rpm. In addition to a
dual-turbo setup, it also features Ford’s Clean Diesel Technology with a highpressure,
common rail fuel system, Piezo-electric Fuel Injectors and an advanced diesel particulate
filter system that reduces particulates by more than 90 percent and posts emissions numbers
on par with gasoline engines.
A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 5- speed automatic
transmission with overdrive is optional, which is how the diesel-powered Super Duty shown
here came equipped.
High payload and towing capacities and a wide variety of configurations and special-edition
models help make the Ford F-250 Super Duty a versatile choice for those who need a
hard-core pickup civilized enough for everyday use.
The Ford Super Duty trucks, introduced in 1999, are built on a separate platform from the
smaller F-150. Bigger, stronger and more robust, they are meant to perform feats of which the
F- 150 isn’t capable.
In an effort to stay competitive in the big-boy pickup marketplace, Ford increased the Super
Duty’s payload and towing capacities back in 2005 by adding a fully boxed front frame clip
and revised engine choices. That gave the F-250 the ability to haul an extra 500 pounds. Tow
ratings also jumped, with the F-250 diesel model now capable of dragging a hefty 15,000
pounds (and the F-350 as much as 19,200 pounds, when properly equipped).
Even though the base-level 5.4-liter Triton V8 received a slew of technology from the F-150
line (such as three-valve cylinder heads and variable valve timing), the 6.0 Power Stroke diesel
is by far the most popular engine choice in the Ford Super Duty lineup.
All Ford trucks equipped with an automatic transmission come with a tow-haul mode that
changes shift points to keep the engine at a higher rpm and further up in its powerband.
Tow-haul also prevents the transmission from upshifting when the vehicle crests a hill, and
provides downhill braking to maintain a safe, steady speed. For additional ease of towing, one
option is an in-dash trailer brake control system that electronically distributes braking loads.
The Ford F-250 Super Duty comes in Regular Cab, SuperCab and Crew Cab body styles.
SuperCab models have small rear-opening doors, while the Crew Cab has four full-size
swing-out doors. A broad selection of optional equipment is available, including electronic
shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive, a heavy-duty suspension package and telescoping
trailer-towing mirrors.
A reverse-sensing system is optional, but we’d recommend it for ease of berthing this
battleship. Other options available only for the diesel include a transmission PTO and dual
alternators. Also available are skid plates and the FX4 Off-Road package. Standard on the
4x4 are a manual transfer case and manual hubs.
To match your desired level of creature comforts, there are three trim levels available: XL, XLT
and Lariat. XL models are work trucks, and as such come with a vinyl bench seat in front;
manual windows, mirrors and locks; a basic AM/FM radio; and no air conditioner. The XLT
adds cloth upholstery, a 40/20/40 front bench, air conditioning, a CD player and a full set of
power controls. High-line Lariats come with features like leather upholstery, a power driver
seat and dual-zone automatic climate control. Our test vehicle had the “Outlaw Package,”
now available on Crew Cabs. (It’s an attractive black and red color treatment, but it didn’t
make us feel like Jesse James.)
The front suspension on four-wheel-drive models uses coil springs, and the result is a
significantly reduced turning radius (versus previous leaf-spring setups), which should come in
handy when trying to navigate tight trails or maneuvering with a trailer in tow.
On the highway, the Ford F-250 Super Duty is surprisingly smooth and civilized. It soaks up
heavy ruts and bumps with ease while providing a quiet ride. The coil spring suspension and
large-diameter wheels provide comparatively crisp handling on both the open road and on
winding country roads. The steering can still feel a little vague at times, so some extra
attention is required to keep the big truck headed in the right direction. Stomp your foot on the
go-pedal and the acceleration is sure and steady, thanks to a variable-geometry turbo that
adjusts vane angle (and thus boost level), depending on the rpm level.
This level of comfort and sophistication doesn’t come cheap with the price of a diesel-powered
Crew Cab pushing past the $50,000 mark (basic models start at $26,355). On the other hand,
expect to pay even more for the bigger, ecofriendly diesel in next year’s model.
This takes us back to our initial question about choosing between the upcoming, revised
model, and the older, proven one. Should you wait for the new version with its bigger
displacement and higher output, or get the less-complicated ’07 model?
The answer is straightforward: it all depends. If the latest and greatest is important to you,
then it’s worth paying a few extra dollars for a vehicle that is built for the long haul in both
miles and years (following that logic, keep in mind that Ford is rolling out a new F-450 as well,
the company’s biggest consumer pickup ever. It will have a 5000-pound increase in towing
capacity over the F-350). On the other hand, the current 6.0 Power Stroke is certainly no
slacker in the power and displacement departments, and we tend to favor its old-school
simplicity, especially on a long tow-trip or trail ride. This makes this current version a good
one to grab while you still can.
