2008 Ford Super Duty First Drive

Ford Super Duty – First Drive: Remember when gas prices were at $3 per gallon? Contractors and others who need big trucks to earn a living sure haven’t forgotten the pain at the pump. And while many buyers can choose to drive smaller vehicles, up to 40 percent of the full-size truck market has to go big – proving that big trucks sure aren’t going away. In fact, they’re getting bigger, if Ford’s new lineup of Super Dutys is any indication. With an all-new F-450, a new 6.4-liter diesel engine, more towing power (24,000 lbs.), greater payload (6,000 lbs.), and more configurations, Ford is hoping their big trucks do what working men and women need, and do so conveniently, with an integrated tailgate step and stowable bed extender.

The Basics: Origins

Introduced in 1998 as a ’99 model, the Ford Super Duty pickup series has led the heavy-duty segment, utilizing a dedicated HD platform that has achieved best-in-class trailer tow ratings and payload. Whereas competitors to date have modified existing light-duty platforms, Ford has gone the dual architecture route, dominating this division in sales and contributing to the F-Series’ status as the best-selling pickup in America for 30 years straight. For the 2008 model year, Ford has added the F-450 Super Duty to the lineup.

The Basics: Model Mix – Configurations

Four trim levels, three cabs, four weight divisions and two bed lengths are available on the 2008 Ford Super Dutys. Regular Cabs have an 8-foot long bed; SuperCab models add a rear seat, seating up to five or six, and are available with a choice of a 6.75- or 8-foot beds. The full-size five- to six-passenger Crew Cabs also employ both bed lengths and offer single or dual-rear wheel (DRW) 2008 Ford Super Dutys. Virtually all available combinations are offered, except for these: the FX4 trim only comes as 4WD and is not offered in the F-450 line, and King Ranch comes only as a Crew Cab. Engine choices run from a 5.4-liter V8 gasoline engine to a 6.8-liter V10 and the new 6.4-liter diesel.

The Basics: Model Mix – XL Standard Features

The base 2008 Ford F-450 in the XL model is your standard issue work truck. It includes Tow Command with integrated trailer towing, and exterior features such as sealed-beam halogen headlights, front tow hooks, black painted bumpers and grille, manually telescoping exterior mirrors, 19.5-inch wheels wrapped in 225/70-series all-season tires and roof clearance lights. The interior is basic work truck, with an AM/FM/digital clock stereo with two speakers, heavy-duty vinyl upholstery, black vinyl floor coverings, a front bench seat and a folding rear bench seat. Luxury touches are limited to an auxiliary power point and passenger sun visor mirror. Four dash-mounted switches are fitted allowing the addition of accessories, and an air filter sensor and reminder is standard on diesel models.

The Basics: Model Mix – XLT Standard Features

The XLT is the mid-level model of the 2008 Ford F-450 XLT, and it’s trimmed nicely enough to not be a penalty box. In addition to the XL (or in some cases, instead of), the truck gets dual beam headlights, an engine compartment lamp, chrome bumpers and a chrome grille with Medium Platinum insert, and heated power and telescoping exterior mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators, and clearance lights. Inside is air conditioning, tilt steering, an upgraded CD/MP3 stereo with four speakers and auxiliary input, cruise control, power windows and door locks, cloth 40/20/40-split front bench seat with cupholders and storage, rear 60/40-split rear seat, and color-coordinated floor carpeting and floor mats.

The Basics: Model Mix – FX4 Standard Features

As the Super Duty off road trim, the FX4 brings with it 18-inch wheels shod with LT275/70R18 all-terrain tires, limited slip, skid plates, fog lamps, an overhead console and a security system.

The Basics: Model Mix – Lariat Standard Features

Now we’re talking luxury. Lariat Super Duty trucks get front fog lights, cab steps, and heated/foldable tow mirrors that offer a dual element view of the outside. Inside, there’s dual-zone climate control, a trip computer, six-way power driver and front passenger seats wrapped in leather, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio and climate controls, a metallic instrument cluster with cream-colored gauges, and an overhead console. There also are faux wood grain instrument panel accents, tinted privacy glass, anti-theft ignition system, illuminated entry, a rear sliding window, remote keyless entry and a keypad for easy entry.

The Basics: Model Mix – King Ranch Standard Features

The uplevel Super Duty King Ranch package includes two-tone exterior paint with gold accents on the bumpers, wheel moldings and grille insert, body-color exterior mirror caps and 19.5-inch forged aluminum wheels. Inside are quad King Ranch-stamped leather captains chairs with front seat heaters, a navigation system and DVD entertainment system with MP3-audio capability, universal garage door opener, driver’s adjustment memory that includes pedals and exterior mirror settings, and a power-sliding moonroof. There are also supple leather seating surfaces, front and rear center console lids, and unique trim with King Ranch badges on the wheel center caps, fenders and floor mats.

The Basics: Model Mix – Options

With a million trim combinations (or so Ford claims), you can imagine a long options list. Many are oriented to the Super Duty’s working lifestyle, such as the Snow Plow Prep Package, TowBoss Package, Camper Package and 4x4 Off-Road Package. Others, like the XL Décor Package, are there to dress up the lower-level models. The PowerScope Trailer TowMirrors are available as a stand alone option, as are the navigation system, rear-seat DVD system, adjustable pedals and a host of other comfort and convenience items. Pretty much anything that is available in a trim level is available as a separate option; for a full list, we recommend reading the brochure. The FX4 can be updgraded with 20-inch wheels, navigation/Audio system, satellite radio and power telescoping, folding and heated dual towing mirrors.

What’s New: Outside

All 2008 Ford Super Duty trucks are recognizable by their massive high-mounted grilles, with a snout that has grown even larger on the newest edition and sits four inches higher. Signature “nostrils” define the grille’s outboard edges, giving a visual element of muscularity, but also engineered to improve airflow. Stacked headlights sit four inches lower, keeping the lower main beam light and glare out of other drivers’ eyes. Large front fender flares appear as solidly attached components, while side air vents – red for diesel, black for gasoline – emphasize the engines’ performance potentials. Of note are the industry-first, power telescoping/power fold side mirrors. Wheel sizes range from 17 to 20 inches; the 2008 Ford F-450 gets exclusive 19.5-inch rims and tires.

What’s New: Inside

The interior of the 2008 Ford Super Duty, themed “tough luxury,” combines utility, comfort, quietness and refinement. Designers focused on creating an “extension of the customer’s toolbox.” The center stack embodies the “powerdome” styling from the hood. Trailer Brake Controller (TBC) and other auxiliary switches are integrated into the center stack, improving ergonomics and appearance. Round air vents feature chrome ring accents on higher trim models, with shiny treatment that extends to cup holders, gauges, door bezels and console.