Segment:
Heavy-duty pickup trucks, designed for commercial and towing applications.
Competitors:
Chevrolet Silverado HD series, GMC Sierra HD series, Ram Heavy Duty trucks.
Vehicle Strengths:
Robust construction, high towing and payload capacities, powerful engine options, durable chassis.
Benefits To Buyer:
Enables DIY repairs, troubleshooting, and maintenance, saving on labor costs. Provides in-depth technical knowledge for accurate diagnostics and repairs.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, lubrication, cooling, exhaust, emissions, engine performance diagnostics, turbocharger systems.
Transmission Systems:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission (e.g., 4R100, 5R110W), transfer case, driveshafts, differentials, axles.
Brake Systems:
Hydraulic brake system, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), parking brake, brake fluid specifications.
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, power windows, locks, mirrors, wiper system, horn, trailer wiring.
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension (twin I-beam, independent), rear suspension (leaf springs), steering system (power steering, steering gear), wheel alignment specifications.
Body Chassis:
Body construction, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, frame, chassis components, corrosion protection.
HVAC System:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair, refrigerant handling.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, wiring diagrams, component testing.
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine inspections, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, lubrication points.
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhauls, transmission rebuilds, brake component replacement, suspension and steering repair, electrical component replacement, body panel repair.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, symptom analysis.
Installation Procedures:
Component installation and replacement guidelines, including torque specifications.
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Options 1999-2003:
7.3L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel (IDI and DI variants), 5.4L Triton V8, 6.8L Triton V10.
Engine Options 2003-2007:
6.0L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel, 5.4L Triton V8, 6.8L Triton V10.
Engine Options 2008-2010:
6.4L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel, 5.4L Triton V8, 6.8L Triton V10.
Torque Spec Diesel 7.3L:
Up to 525 lb-ft (depending on year and configuration)
Horsepower Spec Diesel 7.3L:
Up to 275 hp (depending on year and configuration)
Torque Spec Gas 6.8L V10:
Up to 457 lb-ft
Horsepower Spec Gas 6.8L V10:
Up to 362 hp
Diesel Fuel Injection:
Direct Injection (DI) with HEUI (Hydraulically Actuated Electronically Controlled Unit Injector) for Power Stroke engines.
Standard Transmission Early Models:
5-speed manual transmission (e.g., ZF S5-47)
Automatic Transmission Early Models:
4-speed automatic (e.g., 4R100)
Automatic Transmission Later Models:
5-speed automatic (e.g., 5R110W 'TorqShift')
Transfer Case Options:
Manual shift or electronic shift-on-the-fly 4WD systems.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
MERCON V (for 4R100 and early 5R110W), MERCON SP (for later 5R110W).
Cab Configurations:
Regular Cab, SuperCab (extended cab), Crew Cab.
Bed Lengths:
8-foot (standard), 6.75-foot (short bed on some models).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Ranges from approx. 8,800 lbs (F-250) to over 11,500 lbs (F-350 DRW), varies by configuration.
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings:
Varies by model year and configuration. Generally good for its class during its production span, but specific ratings should be checked for individual years.
Anti Lock Braking System ABS:
Standard on all models.
Airbags:
Front airbags standard. Side airbags and curtain airbags may be optional or standard on later models/higher trims.
Seat Belts:
Three-point safety belts with pretensioners.
Infotainment Options:
Base AM/FM radio, optional CD player, single-disc or in-dash 6-disc CD changers. Higher trims may feature premium audio systems.
Trailer Brake Controller:
Factory integrated trailer brake controller available as an option on many models, especially from 2005 onwards.
Parking Assistance:
Rear parking sensors became available on later models and higher trims.
Trailer Wiring Harness:
Standard 7-pin trailer wiring connector on most models for lights, brakes, and auxiliary power.
Engine Oil Change Gas:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (synthetic blend or full synthetic recommended).
Engine Oil Change Diesel:
Every 5,000-10,000 miles or 6-12 months, depending on usage (heavy towing may require more frequent changes). Consult specific diesel engine manual for exact intervals.
Engine Coolant Flush:
Initial change at 50,000 miles or 5 years for Power Stroke diesels (using Ford Gold Coolant or equivalent), then every 30,000 miles or 2 years. Gas engines typically every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles, or more frequently under heavy use (towing, stop-and-go).
Engine Oil Gas V8 V10:
API SN or SP, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity).
Engine Oil Diesel 7.3L:
API CH-4 or CI-4, SAE 15W-40 (with API CF-4 additives).
Engine Oil Diesel 6.0L:
API CJ-4, SAE 15W-40 (specific CJ-4 rated oil is critical for DPF longevity on later models).
Engine Oil Diesel 6.4L:
API CJ-4, SAE 15W-40 (specific CJ-4 rated oil is critical for DPF longevity).
Diesel 6.0L Common Problems:
EGR cooler failure, oil cooler failure, head gasket issues, injector problems, FICM (Fuel Injection Control Module) failure. Many of these were addressed with updated parts or modifications.
Diesel 6.4L Common Problems:
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) regeneration issues, EGR issues, turbocharger problems, fuel injector issues. Emissions system complexities are a factor.
Gas Engines Common Problems:
Spark plug blow-out (early 5.4L 2-valve Triton), intake manifold runner control issues, occasional cooling system leaks.
Ford Truck Legacy:
Ford has a long and storied history with its F-Series trucks, dating back to the 1940s, consistently being a dominant force in the pickup truck market.
Super Duty Introduction:
The 'Super Duty' designation was introduced for the 1999 model year, creating a distinct lineup of heavy-duty trucks separate from the F-150.
Generation Changes 1999-2007:
First generation Super Duty. Known for the robust 7.3L Power Stroke diesel and introduction of the 6.0L Power Stroke. Significant chassis and body updates occurred mid-generation.
Generation Changes 2008-2010:
Second generation Super Duty. Featured a redesigned exterior and interior, improved aerodynamics, and the introduction of the 6.4L Power Stroke diesel. Major chassis and suspension enhancements.
Manufacturing Plants:
Kentucky Truck Plant (USA), Ontario Truck Plant (Canada).