The first thing we noticed about the new 6.0L Power Stroke was how much quieter the engine was. The second thing we noticed was how the power came on above 1,500 rpm like a freight train. With 325 hp, 560 ft-lb of torque, and the five-speed auto tranny, we could outrun the '03 Cummins truck with ease. When we popped the hood to look at the new International/Navistar powerplant we concluded that we could have done a cleaner job of swapping this engine into the F-250. The new Torque Shift five-speed automatic transmission got mixed reviews from the judges. Some thought it didn't downshift when it should, others fell in love with the way it would rifle through the gears as you blasted away from a traffic light. The new "Tow/Haul" mode did work to downshift the truck and slow hill descents, but we didn't think it was as effective as the Allison 1000. Perhaps the most unique feature of this transmission was that you can select a Second gear, and even Third gear starts from a standstill. We suppose that if you were driving in slippery conditions it might be hard to control wheelspin with that much torque on tap.
We were so busy enjoying the new power of the 6.0L that we almost overlooked the Super Duty's wallowing suspension and three-lane-wide turning radius. But no such luck! The Ford was judged to ride almost as well as the new Dodge trucks, but it wouldn't carve corners or weave down back alleys like the Ram did.
Likes* Hot rod diesel engine* Five-speed transmission* Monochromatic look
Dislikes*Unnecessary running boards*Empty dashboard*School bus turning radius
KellEy Blue BOOk Value$30,694with 53,000 miles
| SPECIFICATIONS |
| GENERAL |
| Manufacturer | Ford |
| Model | F-250 Super Duty XLT Supercab |
| Base price | $30,735 |
| Price as tested | $40,745 |
| Options as tested | Power Stroke 6.0L diesel, |
TorqueShift 5-speed automatic, LT265/75R16
tires, 3.73:1 gears with limited-slip differential,
advanced security group, XLT sport package
(chrome tublular side steps, sliding rear window,
color-keyed rear bumper, camper package,
deluxe aluminum wheels, trailer hitch receiver, 6-
way power seat) |
| ENGINE |
| Type | Turbocharged, intercooled, 32-valve V-8 diesel |
| Displacement (liters/cubic inches) | 6.0/363 |
| Bore x stroke (inches) | 3.74 x 4.13 |
| Compression ratio | 18.0:1 |
| Induction type | Hydraulic rail, direct injection |
| Fuel required (octane)/capacity (gallons) | Diesel/38 |
| SAE peak horsepower | 325 @ 3,300 rpm |
| SAE peak torque (lb-ft) | 560 @ 2,000 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION |
| Type | Five-speed automatic overdrive |
| Model | TorqueShift |
| Ratios | First: 3.09:1; Second: 2.20:1; Third: 1.54:1; |
| | Fourth: 1.00:1; Fifth: 0.71:1; Reverse: 2.88:1 |
| Transfer Case |
| Type | Two-speed part-time, manual shift |
| Model | NVG 271 |
| Low-range ratio | 2.72:1 |
| AXLES |
| Front type | Dana 60 |
| Rear type | Visteon 1011/42-inch with limited slip |
| Hubs | Manual |
| Ratio | 3.73:1 |
| SUSPENSION |
| Front | Live axle with leaf springs |
| Rear | Live axle with leaf springs |
| STEERING |
| Type | Power-recirculating ball |
| Turns lock-to-lock/ratio | 4/17:1 |
| Turning radius (feet) | 57.12 |
| WHEELS |
| Size (inches) | 16x7 |
| Material | Forged-aluminum |
| TIRES |
| Size | LT265/75R16 |
| Brand | Firestone Steeltex |
| BRAKE SYSTEM |
| Front | 13.03-inch discs with ABS |
| Rear | 12.83-inch discs with ABS |
| WEIGHT (pounds) |
| Curb weight | 6,010 |
| Advertised GVWR | 8,800 |
| MILEAGE |
| EPA estimate (city/hwy. mpg) | N/A |
| As tested (mpg) | 9.49 |
| ACCELERATION |
| Standing 11/44-mile (seconds @ mph) | 17.52 @ 82.53 |
| Braking |
| 60-0 mph (feet) | 160.92 |
| DIMENSIONS (inches) |
| Wheelbase | 158.375 |
| Overall length | 246.5 |
| Overall width | 99.5 |
| Overall height | 78 |
| Front/rear track | 69.5/68.25 |
| Front/rear overhang | 35.875/52 |
| Minimum front ground clearance | 8.125 |