Ford engineers have redesigned the 2005 Super Duty truck, giving it more power and some useful new features, including better towing and cargo ratings.

2005 Super Duty Highlights

• Maximum tow rating of 17,000 pounds
• Up to 5,800 pounds of cargo in the F-350 dually; on average, payload improves 500 to 1,000 pounds for F-250 and F-350 pickups
• TowCommand? System, which includes a factory-installed trailer brake controller

• 6.8-liter, 3-valve Triton? V-10 with 355 hp and 455 pound-feet of torque, and
• 6.0-liter Power Stroke® diesel increases to 570 pound-feet of torque
• A new front suspension and improved steering for better ride, handling and maneuverability in 4X4 pickups and all F-450 and F-550 chassis cabs
• Improved braking, with larger rotors and larger, stiffer calipers; stronger parking brake
• Stronger, tougher frame
• 18- and 20-inch wheels and a redesigned interior

The Frame

The F-250/F-350 Super Duty frame features a fully boxed front section, improving strength and torsional stiffness. From the boxed section back, the frame uses steel that's 10-percent to 17-percent thicker, with additional gussets providing even more strength and durability in high-stress areas.

The frame extends back to an optional 2.5-inch hitch receiver, an increase from the previous 2-inch receiver, which allows the higher conventional tow rating.

TowCommand? System

This new system includes the industry?s first factory-installed and warranted electronic trailer brake controller.

• A special trailer brake strategy kicks in when the truck?s anti-lock braking system detects poor traction.
• An electronic controller is integrated into the instrument panel, where it gives audible and visual warnings if the trailer's wiring becomes disconnected.
• The system includes TorqShift® transmission with tow-haul mode and telescoping trailer tow mirrors.

Under the Hood

• The new 6.8-liter, 3-valve Triton V-10 produces 355 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque.
• The 6.0-liter Power Stroke diesel is now rated at 570 pound-feet of torque and 325 horsepower.
• Ford?s modular 5.4-liter, 3-valve Triton V-8 delivers 300 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque (an improvement of 40 horsepower and 10 pound-feet of torque over the 2004 Super Duty).
• Both gasoline engines feature electronic throttle control, for improved economy and performance.

Better Ride and Handling

A new monobeam coil spring front suspension replaces the leaf springs on four-wheel-drive F-250 and F-350 pickups. The front wheels turn 18 percent further, improving maneuverability and reducing the average turning circle by more than 5.5 feet.

Wheels and Brakes

• Standard wheel size on the F-250/F-350 is 17 inches, with 18 inches available on some models
• 20 inch wheels on the Ford Harley-Davidson? F-Series Super Duty made it possible to upsize brake rotors by 5 percent, providing greater braking surface and helping dissipate heat, especially on long downhill roads.
• Larger calipers for both the F-250 and F-350.
  
  • The front calipers have twin 60 mm pistons
    
  • Rear calipers have twin 48 mm calipers on F-250 and twin 54 mm pistons on F-350 dual-rear-wheel models.
    
  • The F-450 and F-550 have 30-percent stiffer calipers and larger brake rotors than previous models.
    
  • New brake pad material provides quieter stops and longer lining life.

New Looks
Designers drew on the popular Mighty F-350 Tonka concept truck for some design inspiration, giving the Super Duty a bolder front profile. The truck comes in three trim levels: XL, XLT and Lariat, and two feature vehicles, the King Ranch and Ford Harley-Davidson? Super Duty.

The 2005 Ford Harley-Davidson? Super Duty features an industry-first flame paint option, with choice of black-and-red or blue-on-blue. The flames were designed by a Harley-Davidson factory customizer, and are painted using Ford?s patented wet-on-wet process, producing a durable and seamless finish in the factory.

New interior trim varies by model. The gauge cluster has a more modular design.

Interior Space Various front seats are available, including a 40/20/40 split bench that offers a fold-down center arm rest with storage bin and cup holders.

The Crew Cab Flex Fold? rear bench seat allows you to fold down one or both seatbacks to create a flat shelf, or fold the seat bottoms up and fold out a flat steel load floor.

The rear doors of Crew Cab models to swing open 76 degrees, for better access to the rear seating area.

Pricing

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for 2005 F-250 and F-350 Super Duty pickups range from $22,390 to $38,365, plus destination and delivery charges of $795.

Base MSRPs for F-350, F-450 and F-550 chassis cab models range from $22,965 to $44,125, plus destination and delivery charges of $795.

The comparable price range for 2004 F-Series Super Duty lineup is $22,390 to $43,745.

See Also:

• Lmited-Edition Amarillo Super Duty F-Series Pickup