With improved features like...
With improved features like large engine cooling fans, a 33-percent larger radiator, and a water pump that doubles the flow rate from 75 to 140 gallons per minute, engine temperature was never a worry.
Sailing north on Interstate 15 near Las Vegas on the way to Utah, the mileage improved, averaging 10.5 to 11.5 mpg. Both the in-cab read out and our hand-calculated math confirmed the mpg. The good news is that the F-450 has a 38-gallon fuel tank, so you can cover a lot of distance without fear of running empty.
The ride of a dualie is better loaded down with a trailer than empty, and the F-450 is no exception. At times it was jarring - maybe due to the F-450's commercial-grade front suspension and stiff 80-psi 225/70R19.5F Continental tires.
On smoother roads, the ride naturally improved. This is the varying degree of comfort or discomfort you get with a large truck, and it is certainly not a dig to Ford engineering. Tow vehicles need to be firm, predictable, and stable.
With the cost of diesel going...
With the cost of diesel going through the roof, the long-term reliability of the new F-450 must outweigh the yearly cost of ownership. At $56,255 as tested, the F-450 Lariat is definitely not for everyone.
The new '08 Ford F-450 was built in house, with final assembly at Ford's Kentucky Truck Plant. Ford uses a new wider and stronger monobeam framerail with riveted and welded crossmembers. Large, square axletubes as well as features like e-coated corrosion protection and noise isolation are now all part of the new custom-tailored package for the F-450. As an added bonus, the huge 27mm enclosed towhooks will support up to 33,000 pounds.
In the end, these are reasons why the new F-450 is such a win for buyers looking for commercial-grade strengths in a noncommercial truck.
The F-450's front axle is wider than that found on the F-250 and F-350. The wider front axle gives greater turning clearance between the wheels and the frame. This means the big-boy F-450 can actually turn inside of its smaller brothers.
Ford's innovative power-fold...
Ford's innovative power-fold and power-telescoping mirrors were useful for towing.
Rear suspension consists of a pair of progressive multileaf spring packs. The front end is suspended via coil springs and held in place via radius arms.
We were skeptical about the real-world function of what Ford dubs TowCommand and TorqShift, but we found out that these two systems are more than mere buzzwords. They really do enhance towing prowess.
TowCommand includes a factory-installed and fully warranted electronic trailer-brake controller that automatically modulates the braking prowess of your trailer when it detects loss of traction at the truck's antilock brakes. TorqShift changes shift points under acceleration and deceleration in tow-haul mode. This convenience prevents the transmission from upshifting as the truck climbs a hill while assisting with downhill braking duties through downshifting and engine compression. We noticed the benefits immediately.
Forget your keys? The F-450...
Forget your keys? The F-450 uses a keyless entry on the Lariat.
In the handling department, the F-450 uses engine torque to manage wheelspin. Ford's system calculates wheel speed from the differential and reduces torque to match the best traction for the terrain. This form of traction control only operates in 4x2 mode and can be shut off when it's not required.
On a side note, the new F-450 uses a bellows-type center support bearing on a two-piece driveshaft to reduce vibration and improve shift quality.
Big enough to hold your file...
Big enough to hold your file folders and several laptops out of sight, the center console is great for those who use the Super Duty as a worksite office.
Everything about the Ford F-450 begins with the 6.4-liter dual-turbo diesel engine - a sophisticated and powerful addition to Ford's lineup. The Power Stroke ramps up the performance with an impressive 350 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 3,000 rpm. The engine features a high-pressure, common-rail fuel system and piezo-type injectors to increase long-term durability and to better control emissions.
In keeping with the availability of ultralow-sulfur diesel, Ford instituted Clean Diesel Technology with all '08 Super Duty trucks to meet the most "stringent emissions standards" in the world. One aspect of this is the advanced diesel particulate filter system at the exhaust, designed to retain performance while reducing particulate output by more than 90 percent.