Market Position:
The 2008 Ford F-350 is a heavy-duty pickup truck designed for demanding work and towing applications, often used in commercial fleets, construction, and for serious recreational towing.
Target Audience:
Commercial users, fleet operators, RV owners, and individuals requiring significant towing or payload capacity.
Competitive Analysis:
Competes with other heavy-duty trucks like the Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD, Ram 2500/3500, and Toyota Tundra.
Key Features:
Robust chassis, powerful engine options, high towing and payload capacities, durable construction, available in various cab and bed configurations.
Systems Covered:
Engine, Control System, Mechanical, Fuel Service, Emission Control, Intake/Exhaust/Cooling, Lube, Ignition/Starting/Charging, Automatic Transmission, Manual Transmission, Transfer Case, Driveline, Axle, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Parking Brake, HVAC, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), Seat Belts, Immobilizer, Cruise Control, Wiper/Washer, Door Locks, Meter/Audio/Visual, Horn, Glass/Mirrors, Instrument Panel, Seats, Hood/Doors, Exterior/Interior, Electrical Systems, Multiplex/CAN Communication
Electrical Systems Detail:
Comprehensive wiring schematics for all major electrical systems, including engine control, lighting, power windows/locks, audio, HVAC, and diagnostic connectors.
HVAC System Detail:
Covers A/C system operation, charging, component testing (compressor, condenser, evaporator), heater core replacement, and blend door diagnostics.
Procedures Included:
Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Repair, Overhaul, Component Replacement, Wiring Schematics, Torque Specifications, Adjustments, Lubrication, Fluid Capacities, Special Tool Requirements
Diagnostic Procedures:
Detailed diagnostic flowcharts, OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) code interpretations and troubleshooting steps, specific system testing procedures.
Body And Interior Procedures:
Detailed instructions for panel removal/installation, upholstery repair, door handle/lock mechanisms, and trim component replacement.
Technical Depth:
Factory-level, detailed step-by-step instructions, diagnostic procedures, component-level repair, full rebuilds
Troubleshooting Coverage:
Extensive troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, including drivability issues, electrical faults, and powertrain malfunctions.
Torque Specifications:
Comprehensive torque values for all fasteners, critical for engine, chassis, and drivetrain components.
Primary Engine:
6.4L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel (OHV, 32-valve)
Horsepower:
Approx. 350-390 hp (depending on configuration)
Torque:
Approx. 650-700 lb-ft (depending on configuration)
Fuel System:
Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) with Turbocharging and Intercooling
Fuel System Diesel:
High-pressure common rail system with piezoelectric fuel injectors, requiring clean fuel and proper maintenance.
Optional Engine:
5.4L Triton V8 (SOHC, 24-valve) or 6.8L Triton V10 (SOHC, 30-valve) Gasoline engines
Engine Description:
The 6.4L Power Stroke diesel is a 32-valve V8 with a two-stage sequential turbocharging system for improved response and power delivery. The gasoline engines are Triton V8s and V10s, known for their robust construction.
Standard Transmission:
6-Speed Manual Transmission (e.g., ZF6)
Optional Transmission:
5-Speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., TorqShift)
Transmission Features:
Heavy-duty construction for towing, manual offers clutch service and gear checks, automatic includes tow/haul mode.
Transfer Case Type:
Manual shift or Electronic Shift-On-The-Fly (ESOF) transfer case options.
Manual Transmission Type:
ZF S6-650 6-speed manual transmission, known for its durability in heavy-duty applications.
Wheelbase:
Varies (e.g., 137.0" for 8' bed, 158.0" for 8' bed DRW, 172.4" for 8' bed Crew Cab)
Overall Length:
Varies by cab and bed configuration (e.g., approx. 237" for standard bed)
Bed Lengths:
Available in 8-foot (long) and 6.75-foot (short) bed configurations.
Axle Configurations:
Available in 4x2 (Rear Wheel Drive) and 4x4 (Four Wheel Drive) configurations.
Gvwr:
Exceeds 10,000 lbs (depending on configuration, typically 11,500 - 14,500 lbs)
Curb Weight:
Varies significantly based on configuration and drivetrain, typically 6,000-8,000 lbs
Towing Capacity:
Up to 20,000+ lbs (with proper hitch and configuration)
Payload Capacity:
Up to 5,000+ lbs (depending on configuration)
Gcwr:
Gross Combined Weight Rating, significantly higher than GVWR, reflecting towing capability.
Axle Weight Ratings:
Front and rear axle GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) specified in the manual, crucial for load distribution.
NHTSA Ratings:
Frontal crash test ratings are generally good, but specific data for heavy-duty trucks can vary from light-duty vehicles. Focus on structural integrity and occupant protection in a heavy-duty context.
Active Features:
Four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), available Integrated Trailer Brake Controller, Trailer Sway Control
Passive Features:
Front airbags, available side-curtain airbags (depending on cab), seat belts with pretensioners, high-strength steel frame
Brake System:
Four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes with ABS. Front rotors typically larger on diesel models for improved cooling.
Suspension Type:
Front: Twin I-beam independent front suspension (IFS) with coil springs. Rear: Solid rear axle with leaf springs.
Infotainment System:
Base systems typically include an AM/FM stereo with CD player. Higher trims may offer auxiliary input, satellite radio readiness, or even navigation on some models. Ford's Sync system was beginning to be introduced around this time but was not standard.
Driver Assistance:
Integrated Trailer Brake Controller, Trailer Sway Control, available rearview camera (on some configurations).
Connectivity Features:
Auxiliary audio input jack on most models.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months for gasoline engines, and 5,000-10,000 miles or 6 months for diesel engines (consult manual for specific type and grade).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles
Engine Oil Spec:
Ford specified SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 for gasoline engines, and SAE 15W-40 or 10W-30 for the 6.4L Power Stroke Diesel (API CJ-4 rated).
Coolant Spec:
Ford Premium Gold Coolant (or equivalent meeting specification WSS-M97B51-A1)
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
Mercon SP (or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (viscosity specified in manual)
Differential Fluid Spec:
API GL-5 gear lubricant (viscosity specified based on ambient temperature, typically 75W-90 or 75W-140).
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
Mercon V (or equivalent)
Known Issues:
Potential issues for the 6.4L Power Stroke Diesel can include EGR cooler failures, DPF regeneration issues (especially if not used for towing/hauling), and injector problems if fuel quality is poor. Gasoline engines may experience spark plug blow-out on older 5.4L Triton engines if not properly torqued.
Oil Filter Part Number:
Example for 6.4L Diesel: Motorcraft FD-4615 or equivalent.
Brand Heritage:
Ford F-Series has a long-standing reputation as America's best-selling truck line, known for durability and capability dating back to the 1940s.
Model Evolution:
The 2008 model represents the introduction of the Super Duty line's tenth generation, featuring significant updates to styling, powertrains, and chassis compared to previous generations.
Model Evolution Detail:
The 2008 model year saw the introduction of the new grille and headlight design, updated interior features, and importantly, the launch of the 6.4L Power Stroke diesel engine, replacing the outgoing 6.0L.
Production Location:
Kentucky Truck Plant, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
