1999–00: (Crew Cab, Long Bed)2002–04: 2005–07: }} Beginning production in January 1998 for the 1999 model year (after a 1998 hiatus), the Ford F-Series Super Duty consisted of the F-250 pickup truck, F-350 pickup truck and chassis cab, and introduced the F-450 and F-550 chassis-cabs
(see below). The Super Duty trucks were produced with three cab configurations—a two-door regular cab, 2+2 door SuperCab, and four-door crew cab. The SuperCab configuration of the Super Duty marked the introduction of two standard rear-hinged doors on the extended cab, a feature also adopted by the
F-150 and Ranger/
Mazda B-Series for 1999. The standard-cab pickup was produced with an 8-foot bed; SuperCab and crew cabs were produced with a 6 3/4-foot bed, with an 8-foot bed optional. Chassis cab models came with more and different bed length and wheelbase options, but with the same cabs. Two-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive as an option; on F-350 pickup trucks, DRW models with four-wheel-drive became available for the first time. Unlike the F-150, while the SuperCab name was carried over, the Super Duty trucks did not even adopt SuperCrew at all (even after 2016; third generation). Styled by Andrew Jacobson (designer of the 1997 F-150) and
Moray Callum, aside from taillamp lenses and the tailgate, the Super Duty shared no visible parts with the F-150, even the interior itself. But on the powertrain side, only the base-equipment 5.4-liter V8 and 4R100 transmission were shared. Also sharing the similar aerodynamic cab design of its smaller counterpart, the exteriors of the Super Duty trucks are much different forward of the windshield. While the front-end styling is an influence often compared to the
second-generation Dodge Ram, the Super Duty also derives elements of styling from much larger Ford trucks, including the
Ford LTL-9000 and Aeromax, with a raised hood line, large grille, and low fenders. A feature drawn from 1996 redesign of the Louisville/Aeromax was in the design of the side window openings; the front portion is lowered, allowing for increased side visibility (as well as larger side-view mirrors). To improve aerodynamics over metal-framed mirrors, manual-telescoping trailer-tow mirrors were available as an option. As an industry first, two large, complete, ring-style front tow hooks were included. A minor update occurred in the 2002 model year, which received a new instrument cluster with a digital odometer more similar to that of the updated 1999 F-150, in addition to a new headlight design. For 2004, Crew Cab models gained headrests on the rear outboard seating positions.
2005 update For the 2005 model year, the Ford Super Duty trucks were given more minor exterior and interior updates. For the exterior, a new grille (inspired by the
Ford Mighty F-350 Tonka concept), front bumper, and headlights were introduced alongside the introduction of a locking
tailgate for all pickup trucks. Under the skin (with thicker frame rails), updated Triton gasoline engines were introduced with higher engine output and larger
alternators; in response to the increased power, all trucks were given four-wheel
disc brakes (with two-piston calipers). To accommodate the larger brakes, 17-inch wheels became standard, with 18-inch wheels optional (on single rear-wheel trucks); forged Alcoa wheels were an option. The long-running Twin I-Beam front suspension continued on two-wheel drive trucks. The 5R110 five speed automatic transmission, once exclusive to the 6.0 Powerstroke turbo diesel powertrain, became available with the 5.4 and 6.8 Triton Gasoline engines, replacing the four speed 4R100. To the interior, several changes were made to improve functionality for end users. Along with the addition of a driver-side glove compartment, the truck added the option of dashboard-mounted auxiliary switches (for owners who fit equipment such as snowplows, winches, and auxiliary lights); these are switches that were typically user designed. For users who tow, a new option was
Ford TowCommand, a
trailer brake controller built into the dashboard, allowing it to integrate with the ABS system and engine computer from the factory.
Mechanical details During its production, the first-generation Ford F-Series Super Duty was sold with two gasoline and two diesel engine options.
Gasoline engines Replacing the overhead-valve engines used in previous F-Series models, for the Super Duty, Ford transitioned to the Triton overhead-cam engine family (truck versions of the
Ford Modular engines). At its launch, the standard engine in the Super Duty was the
5.4L Triton V8. Producing and of torque, the SOHC 16-valve V8 was shared with the F-150 and
Ford E-Series. During 1999, the engine was retuned to . For 2005, the cylinder heads were redesigned with three valves per cylinder, converting it to a 24-valve V8 with variable camshaft timing (VCT); output was increased to and of torque. The 5.4L V8 was only offered on the F-250, F-350 SRW, F-350 DRW pickup (except crew cab), and F-350 DRW chassis-cab (regular cab only). As a replacement for the long-running
7.5L/460 V8, for the Super Duty, Ford introduced an all-new
Triton V10 (to rival
Dodge's
8.0L Magnum V10). A SOHC 20-valve engine, the V10 produced and of torque. In 2005, the V10 also received three-valve-per-cylinder non-VCT heads, increasing its output to and of torque. Both the V8 and V10 Triton engines are designed with a fail-safe cooling system to protect the engine in case of major coolant loss. If the engine overheats, the engine will continue to operate on half of its cylinders. Alternating back and forth between each set of four (or five) pistons, the set that is not receiving fuel and ignition is operating to pump air through the engine to lower its temperature. Although engine output is limited, dependent on upon vehicle load, outside temperature, and current road conditions, the system is designed to allow the vehicle to travel a short distance to receive service or to reach a repair facility.
Diesel engines Available in all models, the F-Series was sold with optional
Power Stroke V8 diesel engines produced under its joint venture with
Navistar International. At its launch, the F-Series Super Duty was sold with the
7.3L Power Stroke V8. Initially producing up to 235 hp/500 lb-ft of torque, the engine was retuned in 2001. Versions equipped with an automatic transmission produced 250 hp, while manual-transmission examples produced 275 hp; with either transmission, the engine produced 525 lb-ft of torque. As the 7.3L V8 was no longer able to comply with noise regulations for diesel engines, it was discontinued midway through the 2003 model year. As a running change during the 2003 model year, the
6.0L Power Stroke V8 was introduced as the replacement for the previous 7.3L V8 in left-hand drive markets supplied with the American-assembled trucks, while RHD ones supplied from Brazil kept the 7.3L until 2005. As before, the engine continued to be produced by Navistar. A 32-valve pushrod engine, the 6.0L V8 featured a
variable-geometry turbocharger. While a smaller-displacement engine than its predecessor, its output is higher than the 7.3L, providing and of torque (in 2005, the torque increased to ). Due to problems with the head bolts, Navistar redesigned the engine with reinforced heads, more torque and power, releasing the new design in 2005–2006. The 6.0L was replaced by the 6.4L as part of the Super Duty redesign for the 2008 model year. The 6.0L Power Stroke was the target of a class-action lawsuit, alleging the engines were defective. Ford settled the lawsuit with owners and former owners of 6.0L diesel-equipped Super Duty trucks and E-Series vans in 2013, by reimbursing them for the cost of repairs to the
exhaust gas recirculation system, fuel injectors, and
turbocharger, which were common failure points.
Transmissions Four
transmissions were available. Several configurations of the ZF5 five-speed manual transmission were offered: small-block pattern, big-block pattern, and diesel. Close-ratio and wide-ratio gearings were available, as well as 4WD and 2WD configurations, with the exception of integrated-driveshaft-brake 2WD versions using the 4×4-style transmission. Earlier S5-42 versions were rated to of torque, while later S5-47 versions were rated to .
ZF six-speed manual for diesel engines. An optional
4R100 four-speed automatic was available for either the gasoline or diesel engines, later being replaced with the TorqShift five-speed automatic. The five-speed automatics are rated at exactly , enabling higher towing capacity than trucks with the standard five- or six-speed manual transmission. The six-speed manual transmission used an integrated
PTO.
Torqshift 5R110 The Torqshift five-speed 5R110 automatic transmission replaced the four-speed in the 2003 model year diesel trucks to compete with the Allison 1000 series from General Motors; it was paired with the new 6.0L diesel engine. The TorqShift design, in fact, has six forward ratios, but only five are advertised, with the "hidden" gear only used in extreme cold weather. The TorqShift first to fifth gear ratios are 3.11, 2.22, 1.55, 1.00, and 0.71:1. It also uses an alternate fourth gear, overdrive on second gear of the three-speed automatic component (0.72 × 1.55) (i.e., 1.10:1 that is used under cold start conditions) to assist in engine and transmission warm-up. On the TorqShift, once the Tow/Haul mode is activated, it can help increase a driver's control when towing large loads up and down steep grades and automatically minimizes shifts and maximizes available torque. Upon descent, the Tow/Haul mode uses engine braking to help extend brake life and improve driver control. An adaptive shift function monitors the TorqShift's performance over its lifetime and adjusts shift pressures in real time to assure consistent shift feel and compensate for wear. For ease of maintenance, the TorqShift's oil filter is a cartridge design that is usually mounted on the passenger side behind the front bumper. Also, the TorqShift's larger fluid lines and a larger transmission oil cooler help to assure cooler operating temperatures, even under the most demanding conditions. This was Ford's first automatic transmission to feature a
power take-off (PTO). The transmission can be equipped with an integrated PTO provision (which automatically locks the
torque converter providing power to the PTO gear when the operator turns on the PTO switch).
Transfer case and four-wheel drive On four-wheel-drive (4×4) models, a choice was available of either a manual, chain-driven
transfer case floor shifter with manual front
locking hubs, or an electronic shift-on-the-fly (a $185 option over the manual) dash knob with vacuum-activated automatic and failsafe manual override front hubs. The optional FX4 models are basically a standard 4WD with an Off-Road package that includes upgraded heavy-duty Rancho shocks, added skid plates for the fuel tank and transfer case, and two "FX4" decals on both back bedsides instead of the standard "4×4". For all 4WD models, the two-speed transfer case 4×4-LOW range has a gear reduction of 2.72:1. Brazilian and Venezuelan versions had only the ESOF transfer case.
Suspension For the first-generation Super Duty range, Ford used several different suspension configurations, depending on the model of truck. All pickup models used heavy-duty
leaf springs and staggered
shock absorbers. A standard
stabilizer bar is included on dual-rear-wheel models and an option on single-rear-wheel versions. An optional slide-in camper certification package with heavier-duty springs was available on single-rear-wheel models. All versions of the Super Duty trucks came equipped with four-wheel disc brakes. On two-wheel-drive F-250 and F-350 models, the Twin-I-Beam independent front suspension with coil springs was used; their 4×4 counterparts were equipped with solid front axle (
Dana 50 and
Dana 60) with leaf springs. For 2005, the front suspension was updated as 4×4 trucks were converted to front coil springs; to reduce unsprung weight, the mounting of the front sway bar was changed to the frame instead of the front axle. The manual locking hubs on Super Duty trucks were made by Warn. The F-250 and F-350 single-rear-wheel versions were fitted with a
Sterling 10.5 35-spline axle with choices of conventional or limited-slip differentials; initially developed for previous-generation Ford trucks, it was strengthened for use in the Super Duty. In dual-rear-wheel F-350s, the rear axle was a
Dana 80. All F-450 and F-550 chassis-cab trucks used a solid front axle, and on 4×4 models, the Dana 60 front axle was replaced with a
Dana Super 60 for 2005. The leaf springs were also changed to coil springs for 2005. 2008–2010 and 2015–2018 F-450 pickups used
Dana S 110 rear axles, while 2011–2014 F-450 pickups used Dana 80 axles. All F-450 chassis cabs used a Dana S 110, while F-550s used a Dana 135 from 1999 to 2004 and an S 110 from 2005 on.
F-250 solid axle The Dana 50 axle featured on most F-250 Super Duty trucks differs greatly from the early models. The Dana 50 started out as a
Twin-Traction Beam axle (much like
independent suspension) in 1980 and lasted to 1997 models. The Super Duty models then used a solid-axle version of this axle. The ring, pinion, carrier, and
universal joints all remained the same, however. The Dana 50 was phased out of the trucks in 2004, in favor of the Dana 60, and was last used in the
Ford Excursion.
Trim levels Throughout its production run, the first-generation (1999–2007) Ford F-Series Super Duty was offered in three main trim levels: The base XL was the "work truck" trim level. Its standard features included a manual transmission, an AM/FM stereo with two front door-mounted speakers, a heater and blower, vinyl-trimmed seating surfaces with bench seats, steel wheels with black center hubs, black front and rear bumpers, a black "egg-crate" front grille, and manual windows and door locks. Optional features that were offered on this trim level included cloth-trimmed seating surfaces or vinyl- and cloth-trimmed seating surfaces, power windows and door locks, an AM/FM stereo with cassette player (later, a single-disc CD player instead of a cassette player) and four speakers, chrome front and rear bumpers as part of an XL Decor Group, an automatic transmission, and air conditioning. The mid-range XLT was the most popular trim level. It added these features to the base XL trim level: an AM/FM stereo with cassette player (later, a single-disc CD player instead of a cassette player) and four speakers, cloth-trimmed seating surfaces, bright center wheel hubs, chrome front and rear bumpers, a chrome "egg-crate" front grille with black inserts, power windows and door locks (optional for 1999), and air conditioning. Optional features that were offered on this trim level included aluminum wheels, keyless entry (later, this option became standard equipment on this trim level), an AM/FM stereo with both a cassette player and a single-disc CD player (later, a six-disc, in-dash CD changer), an automatic transmission, and a power-adjustable front driver's bench seat. The top-of-the-line Lariat was the most luxurious trim level. It added these features to the mid-range XLT trim level: an AM/FM stereo with both a cassette player and a single-disc CD player (later, a six-disc, in-dash CD changer), leather-trimmed seating surfaces, chrome-clad (later aluminum) wheels and center wheel hubs, keyless entry, a security system, electronic climate controls, a power front bench seat with fold-down center armrest, wood interior trim panels, and a chrome front grille with chrome inserts. Available options included two-tone exterior paint, color-keyed grille insert as well as front and rear bumpers, bucket seats replacing the bench seat, heated front seats, and an automatic transmission (which later became standard on this trim level).
Special editions There were multiple special edition Super Duty models that were offered. In 2001, to celebrate one million Super Duty trucks produced since their introduction in 1999, Ford released a "Platinum Edition" version of the F-250 Super Duty. Acting as an additional option package for the Lariat model, the Platinum Edition also included a unique two-tone silver paint job, special leather seats, color matched trim pieces and unique "Platinum Edition" badging. Only offered in Crew Cab configuration with a six-foot bed, the Platinum Edition had a limited production run of just one year. The Platinum name would eventually return as a permanent higher end trim level in 2009 for the Ford F-150 and 2013 for the Super Duty. For 2003, a special Centennial Edition Super Duty was offered to celebrate the 100th anniversary of
Ford Motor Company. The truck could be ordered only as a Crew Cab, but a choice of bed lengths, dual or single rear wheels, and gasoline or diesel engines were available. The Centennial Edition offered as standard equipment: monochromatic black clearcoat exterior, premium Verona-grain Imola leather seating finished in two-tone parchment, Special Centennial Edition badging, and a commemorative keychain and wristwatch. The Centennial Edition also came with special leather-bound owner's manual with the embossed signatures of
Henry Ford,
Edsel Ford,
Henry Ford II, and
William Clay Ford Jr. Also in 2003, Ford began to offer its King Ranch trim package to the F-250 and F-350 Super Duty trucks. This package included rich Castaño leather seats, audio and climate controls on the steering wheel, front heated seats, 18-inch aluminum wheels (single) or 17-inch wheels (dual), and an improved instrument panel. It was only available on Crew Cab models. Ford offered a special
Harley-Davidson edition of the Super Duty from 2004 to 2007. It was available only on single-rear-wheel models and was available with a Triton V10 or 6.0L Power Stroke diesel engine. Based upon the Lariat trim, and available in a SuperCab or Crew Cab, the Harley-Davidson edition had a unique black leather interior, with the Bar and Shield logo adorning the front and rear captain's chairs (SuperCab models had a rear bench). Heated seats, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, power-adjustable pedals, and power-adjustable heated mirrors rounded out the standard equipment. Unique spun-metal gauge faceplates embroidered the carpeted floor mats, and a leather-wrapped console lid with individually serial-numbered badging rounded out unique interior appointments. The 2004 Harleys could be had with three unique paint schemes: Competition Orange/Black Clearcoat two-tone, Dark Shadow Gray/Black Clearcoat two-tone, or a solid Black Clearcoat. Unique pinstriping was found on all three of the color options. Changes to the Harley package in 2005 corresponded to the refresh of the F-250 and F-350 Super Duty models. The Harley-Davidson edition was only available in a Crew Cab, and the 5.4L V8 was added as the base engine for the package. New unique black-trimmed headlights, a billet-style grille, and 20-inch wheels were made standard. Gone were the two-tone paint jobs, but optional were painted ghost flames; 2005 models were available in a Black or True Blue Metallic paint job. The interior stayed largely the same, with luxurious black leather captain's chairs in the front and rear and Harley Bar and Shield badging galore, but the truck received the same interior updates as other 2005 Super Duty trucks.
F-450/F-550 To bridge the gap between the pickup line and the much larger medium-duty F-650/F-750, Ford introduced the F-450 and F-550 variants of the Super Duty; with an available GVWR from 14,000 to 19,500 lb, it pushes the Super Duty into the Class 5 truck market. Available only as a chassis cab, both versions were fitted with dual rear wheels. While largely aimed at fleet buyers, F-450 and F-550 models were configurable in XL, XLT, and Lariat trim levels available to Super Duty pickup buyers. The sole gasoline engine was the 6.8L V10, while the 7.3L Power Stroke was the diesel option; in mid-2003, this was replaced by the 6.0L Power Stroke. For 2005, the F-450 and F-550 received further updates to the exterior than the rest of the Super Duty line, with an extended front bumper and front fenders; the F-550 received a "wide-track" front axle to sharpen its turning radius.
Worldwide The Ford F-350 Super Duty first generation was also assembled in Venezuela as a commercial small truck from 1999 to 2010. For this market, the F-350 was equipped with the 5.4L V8 Triton engine, a five-speed manual transmission, and a choice of two- or four-wheel drive. Ford Super Duty trucks were built in Brazil, with different engines from their North American counterparts and fewer options, initially between 1999 and 2011, with a limited reintroduction of the F-350 in 2014. The dual-rear wheel variant of the F-350 is known locally as F-4000. They were widely exported to Australia (F-250 and F-350), South Africa (F-250), and Argentina (F-250, rebadged as F-100, and the F-350 DRW rebadged as F-4000), usually following the Brazilian specification (with an obvious change of the cockpit location in the versions targeted to Australia, South Africa, and other RHD markets), but Australia had a wider range of options in pair with its American counterparts, including automatic transmission and the V8 engines. The SuperCab was never officially available in Brazil and regional export markets (Uruguay and Argentina), but was made in RHD for export to Australia. South Africa had only the MWM engine and five-speed manual transmission, with the option of 2WD and 4WD for the single cab, while the crew cab had 4WD as standard. == Second generation (2008–2010) ==