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.

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.

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.

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