Market Position:
The 2008 Ford F-350 Super Duty is a flagship heavy-duty pickup truck, positioned for demanding commercial applications, towing, and heavy hauling. It competes with other Class 2b and Class 3 trucks from Ram (2500/3500) and Chevrolet/GMC (2500HD/3500HD).
Competitive Analysis:
The 2008 F-350 Super Duty distinguished itself with its robust chassis, powerful engine options (especially the 6.4L Power Stroke diesel), and a refined interior for its class. Key competitors focused on similar capabilities, with differentiators often lying in engine refinement, payload/towing capacities, and interior amenities.
Key Features:
Heavy-duty construction, versatile powertrain options, advanced towing technologies (integrated trailer brake controller, Tow/Haul mode), substantial payload and towing capacities, available four-wheel drive, spacious cabin options (Regular Cab, SuperCab, Crew Cab).
Coverage Areas:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical Systems, HVAC, Body & Frame, Diagnostics, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Wiring Schematics, Computer Diagnostic Codes, Airbags, Interior, Exterior, Emissions.
Estimated Page Count:
Thousands (typical for full workshop manual)
Manual Type:
Workshop Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals (V8 5.4L Triton, V10 6.8L Triton, V8 6.4L Power Stroke Diesel), fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, turbocharger system (for diesel).
Drivetrain:
Manual transmissions (5-speed, 6-speed), Automatic transmissions (5R110W, 6R140), Transfer case (4WD models), Driveshafts, Axles (Dana 50, Dana 60, Sterling 10.50), Differentials.
Chassis:
Suspension (front Twin-I-Beam independent, rear solid axle leaf springs), Steering (power recirculating ball), Brakes (front vented discs, rear vented discs, ABS, integrated trailer brake controller).
Electrical Electronics:
Wiring diagrams, electrical schematics, lighting, charging system (alternator, battery), starting system, instrument cluster, power accessories, body control module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Comfort Convenience:
Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, heating, ventilation, power windows, power locks, seats, mirrors, interior trim, infotainment system (if equipped).
Safety Security:
Airbag system (SRS), seatbelts, anti-theft system, body integrity.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, fuel, air), fluid level checks and top-offs, lubrication, tire rotation, brake pad replacement, battery testing and replacement, coolant flushes.
Repair Procedures:
Engine component replacement (spark plugs, injectors, belts, hoses, water pump, alternator), transmission overhaul and repair, clutch replacement, driveshaft and U-joint repair, differential rebuild, brake caliper and rotor replacement, suspension component replacement (shocks, struts, ball joints, tie rods), steering component replacement, HVAC component service and repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair and replacement.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides for various systems, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and resolution, scan tool usage, electrical circuit testing, fuel pressure testing, compression testing.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive DIY level, covering everything from basic fluid services to major component rebuilds. Includes detailed torque specifications, component tolerances, and diagnostic strategies suitable for experienced DIYers and professional technicians.
Engine Options:
5.4L Triton V8 (SOHC, 3-valve), 6.8L Triton V10 (SOHC, 3-valve), 6.4L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel (OHV, 4-valve).
5.4L Triton V8 Horsepower:
300 hp @ 5,000 rpm
5.4L Triton V8 Torque:
365 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm
6.8L Triton V10 Horsepower:
362 hp @ 4,750 rpm
6.8L Triton V10 Torque:
457 lb-ft @ 3,250 rpm
6.4L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel Horsepower:
350 hp @ 3,000 rpm
6.4L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel Torque:
650 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm
Fuel System Gasoline:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential port injection.
Fuel System Diesel:
High-pressure common rail (HPCR) direct injection with variable geometry turbocharger (VGT).
Wheelbase Options:
137" (Regular Cab), 141" (SuperCab), 158" (Crew Cab), plus long box variants.
Bed Length Options:
8' (Standard Bed), 8' 6" (Long Bed).
Gvwr Range:
9,200 - 11,500 lbs (depending on configuration)
Curb Weight Range:
6,000 - 8,000 lbs (depending on configuration)
Towing Capacity Max:
Up to 24,500 lbs (with proper equipment and configuration)
Payload Capacity Max:
Up to 6,000 lbs (with proper configuration)
Infotainment Options:
Available AM/FM stereo with CD player, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, auxiliary input. Higher trims could feature Ford's Sync infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity and voice commands.
Driver Assistance Features:
Integrated Trailer Brake Controller, Trailer Sway Control (part of AdvanceTrac), rearview camera (optional).
Connectivity Features:
Available Bluetooth connectivity via Ford Sync. USB and auxiliary audio inputs.
Engine Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months for gasoline engines; 10,000 miles or 12 months for diesel engines (under normal conditions, consult manual for severe conditions).
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Fuel Filter Replacement Interval Diesel:
Every 15,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000 to 50,000 miles for automatic transmissions, depending on usage; manual transmissions typically require checks rather than regular changes unless issues arise.
Engine Oil Gasoline:
SAE 5W-20 (e.g., Ford Genuine Motorcraft® Synthetic Blend or equivalent).
Engine Oil Diesel:
API CJ-4 SAE 15W-40 or SAE 10W-30 (e.g., Ford Genuine Motorcraft® Power Stroke Diesel or equivalent).
Coolant:
Ford PremiumAll Season Engine Coolant (Yellow) or equivalent meeting specification WSS-M97B38-C.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mercon® V (for 5R110W), Mercon® LV (for 6R140).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Specific manual transmission fluid as per manual, often SAE 75W-90 or 75W-140 synthetic gear oil.
Known Issues:
6.4L Power Stroke Diesel: EGR cooler failures, DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) regeneration issues, potential for injector problems. 5.4L/6.8L Triton Gasoline: Cam Phaser and Timing Chain issues (though less prevalent than earlier generations), spark plug blow-out (on earlier 3-valve Triton engines, potentially affecting early 2008s). Transmission issues: Some instances of TorqShift transmission solenoid issues or torque converter shudder.
Brand Heritage:
Ford's F-Series trucks have a long and storied history, dating back to 1948. The 'Super Duty' designation, introduced in 1999, specifically denotes Ford's line of heavy-duty pickups, designed for greater capability than the F-150.
Model Evolution:
The 2008 model year marked the introduction of the fourth generation of the Super Duty line, featuring significant updates to styling, powertrains (especially the new 6.4L Power Stroke diesel), and chassis components. This generation represented a substantial leap in performance and technology over its predecessor.
Production Location:
Kentucky Truck Plant, Louisville, Kentucky, USA.
