2004 Ford F-Series Super Duty is the biggest,
toughest truck
By Vince Bodiford
DENVER, COLO -- Ford’s mighty Super Duty is the
pickup that more serious truck owners drive than any other big pickup
truck – for everyday use around town – to putting the pickup through
grueling punishment in their work, and even off-road pursuits.
Massive in scale when compared to any other pickup
truck on the market, the Super Duty delivers abundant brawn and
raw power when it counts most – from hauling heavier trailer loads,
campers and boats – to filling the cavernous box with lumber, tools,
ATV’s and more – to loading its roomy and comfortable cabin with
up to six adults. It’s not uncommon for a Super Duty owner to haul
all that stuff – all at one time – with room and power to spare.
A neat feature is the locking tailgate, that when equipped with
an aftermarket locking box topper, completely secures the contents
of Super Duty’s box.
Super Duty is the proven leader in the over-8500-pound
weight class with a reputation as America's get-the-job-done, rugged,
practical and capable truck. For 2004, Super Duty builds on its
"Built Ford Tough" tradition with new interior and exterior
equipment.
The F-250 and F-350 Super Duty pickups are available
in Regular Cab, SuperCab and Crew Cab body styles in XL, XLT, Lariat
and Harley-Davidson trims. For even higher payload capacity, F-350
Super Duty is available in a dual-rear-wheel (DRW) "dually"
configuration.
Super Duty has a confident stance, drop-down beltline,
round wheel openings and oversize grille with side nostrils. Clean,
sheer surfaces with distinctive geometric forms and strong lines
introduce a modernized, highly structured look, emphasizing the
overall sense of power.
Both SuperCab and Crew Cab configurations are
best-in-class for interior roominess. We filled our Super Duty for
this test with of some rather bulky gear, and could have easily
packed even more in. Best of all, four adults were not cramped for
room.
Driving the Super Duty is an experience like no
other among any pickup truck. This truck is big – it feels big,
long, wide, and heavy because it is big, long, wide and heavy. It
rides way up high, giving it amazing visibility. Its proportions
are ever present when rolling down the highway. But, Ford has tuned
the suspension just right to eliminate what could be horrific body
roll on turning and pitching on braking. Its massive wheels, brakes,
suspension pieces – though heavy – do not diminish the ride quality
and there is not excessive unsprung weight. Considering its size
and weight, it’s an excellent combination that makes for a rather
effortless drive. It does however tend to require some sawing on
the steering to keep it tracking straight, but reported to me only
in its four-door variant.
From basic, utility trim all the way up to the
King Ranch and Harley-Davidson special editions, Super Duty is comfortable
but not too soft. King Ranch edition is trimmed in yards of rich,
brown Castańo leather with unique badging inside and out. Harley-Davidson
edition, available late in 2004, features two-tone paint, bigger
wheels and special interior. The XLT Sport package includes a monochromatic
paint scheme with Ebony interior. The FX4 package makes the Super
Duty ready for off-road with skid plates, Rancho® shock absorbers
and a steering damper.
On the road, Super Duty is a standout presence.
Telescoping towing mirrors with power-adjustable heated glass and
integrated turn signal repeaters are a popular Super Duty “signature”
features, as are the optional power-adjustable pedals and optional
power-sliding moonroof. Aero jewel-effect headlamps are standard
on XLT and Lariat models, and sealed-beam halogen lamps are standard
on the XL models.
Three engines are available on the Ford F-250/F-350.
The standard 5.4-liter SOHC TritonTM V-8 is rated at 260 horsepower
and 350 foot-pounds of torque. The TritonTM V-10, is rated at 310
horsepower, 425 foot-pounds of torque and up to 14,200 pound of
towing capability.
Super Duty’s famous 6.0-liter Power Stroke® V-8
is a direct-injection, 32-valve turbodiesel that boasts the highest
torque and horsepower in its class. Built specially for this engine,
Ford's optional TorqShiftTM automatic transmission maximizes low-speed
torque. The chassis is a tough, ladder-type frame that can haul
big payloads. When properly equipped, the truck can tow up to 14,200
pounds.
F-Series Super Duty trucks don’t overlook safety,
are equipped with air bag supplemental restraint systems, adjustable
seat belts, standard anti-lock brakes and more.
HIGHS: Commercial truck carrying capacities. Cavernous
interior. Comfortable seats. Large cargo box. Good engine choices.
LOWS: Dismal fuel economy. Diesel engine got a
rough beginning, is improving. A tight squeeznever-ending, residential
streets, garages, and parking spaces. Its size is a never-ending
struggle – it’s a handful.
VEHICLE PRICING: F-250 Super Duty Lariat SuperCab
4X4 w/8’ box as tested, $33,315 base MSRP. $40,780 as tested. Vehicle
pricing varies, not including destination charges, government fees
or taxes, or credits for incentives. See dealer for details.
THE VERDICT: For the biggest, toughest and most
capable pickup truck on the market, there is no better choice than
Ford’s 2004 F-Series Super Duty pickup.
For more information, visit Ford
online or see your local Ford Dealer.
LIFE'S A TRIP -- Enjoy the Drive. Be a safe and
courteous driver, obey all highway laws, never drive impaired buckle
everyone up. Copyright © 2004, The Weekend Drive, All Rights Reserved.
