<![CDATA[Jalopnik: ford f350]]> http://tags.jalopnik.com/assets/base/img/thumbs140x140/jalopnik.com.png <![CDATA[Jalopnik: ford f350]]> http://jalopnik.com/tag/fordf350 http://jalopnik.com/tag/fordf350 <![CDATA[Ford Cabela's, Harley-Davidson Edition Super Duty Trucks Officially Official]]> We told you about the Cabela's Edition Super Duty and Harley-Davidson Super Duty pickups from Ford, and now we have official press shots straight out of Dearborn. The Cabela's special edition will feature two-tone paint, special running boards, mud flaps and the all-important Cabela's badge to prove you eat your road kill. Low-key cycle enthusiasts will prefer the Harley-Davidson "Big Hog Daddy" F-450 with custom blue-flame paint job and requisite Harley badging. Special Edition outfitting aside, the new trucks can also be ordered with Ford's Sync system, spray-in bedliners and a cool automatic tool tracking system for the job site. Full press release after the jump.


F-SERIES SUPER DUTY ADDS NEW HARLEY-DAVIDSON AND CABELA’S EDITION PICKUPS
Ford and Harley-Davidson team up again for a new Harley-Davidson F-450, the "Big Hog Daddy" of the road.

* Ford F-Series Super Duty, America's most capable work truck, adds new Harley-Davidson™ and Cabela's edition pickups and more standard capability for 2009 including an integrated trailer brake controller and trailer tow mirrors on select models.

* Ford Work Solutions is a collection of industry-first, affordable technologies available on 2009 F-Series Super Duty XL, XLT and FX4 trucks that will provide customers connectivity, flexibility and security to better run key aspects of their business – from their Ford Truck, even on the job site.

* New 'Built Ford Tough' factory-applied spray-in bedliner, available on 2009 F-Series Super Duty pickups, delivers exceptional weather resistance and protection against gouging, scratching, cracking and chipping.

DALLAS, Texas, Sept. 25, 2008 – The 2009 F-Series Super Duty line of trucks, the industry's most capable full-size heavy-duty work trucks, come equipped with even more capability, thanks to new standard features and offers even more choice with two new packages – a Cabela's FX4 for the outdoor enthusiast and for the first time, a Harley-Davidson™ F-450 pickup.

All four Super Duty trim levels, XL, XLT, FX4, and Lariat, come with new standard features. The XL, the no frills workhorse version, now comes standard with air conditioning, Securilock, and manual trailer tow mirrors. The XLT, a step up from the XL, now has power heated trailer tow mirrors, privacy glass, integrated trailer brake controller, remote keyless entry and Securilock as standard features.

For 2009 the FX4 adds standard PowerScope™ integrated power-fold, power-telescoping mirrors, power seats, privacy glass, integrated trailer brake controller, captain's chairs, and SIRIUS satellite radio. The most luxurious of the Super Duty line-up is the Lariat. The Lariat adds all of the new FX4 standard content as well as the reverse camera system, a power sliding rear window, heated seats, molded running boards, and SYNC, Ford's industry-exclusive, voice-activated hands-free communications and entertainment system.

New Smart Technolgies

Ford is further expanding its 'smart' features for truck customers by making new technologies that make getting staying connected and getting the job done easier.

* SYNC is Ford's industry-exclusive, voice-activated hands-free communications and entertainment system that fully integrates mobile phones and most media players into the vehicle using Bluetooth technology and USB connectivity.

* Voice-Activated Navigation System with SIRIUS Travel Link™ offers a host of convenient features including more than 150 hours of music storage. Users can browse the music juke box via touch-screen or by using voice recognition. The system also integrates the climate control and SIRIUS satellite radio into one easy-to-use, smudge-resistant, 8-inch touch-screen display.

* Ford Work Solutions, a collection of industry-exclusive technologies for F-Series trucks and commercial E-Series vans will help make business owners more productive and successful. Four industry-exclusive innovations include:

o An in-dash computer developed with Magneti Marelli and powered by Microsoft Auto that provides full high-speed Internet access via the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network and navigation by Garmin. It's the first broadband-capable in-dash computer in production and features available wireless accessories including a mouse and printer. This system allows customers to print invoices and access documents stored on their home or office computer networks – right on the job site.

o Tool Link, a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) asset tracking system developed with DEWALT, the industry leader in professional power tools, and ThingMagic, the industry expert on embedded RFID technology. This enables customers to maintain a detailed real-time inventory of the tools or equipment stored in the vehicle.

o Crew Chief, a fleet telematics and diagnostics system, which allows small fleet owners to efficiently manage their vehicles, quickly dispatch workers to job sites and keep detailed vehicle maintenance records.

o Cable Lock security system developed in partnership with Master Lock®, the industry-leading lock manufacturer, to secure large tools or equipment in the cargo area of E-Series vans and wagons.

All four Ford Work Solutions technologies also will be available this fall on the new 2009 Ford F-150 XL, STX, XLT and FX4 trucks and E-Series vans. Transit Connect vans join the lineup in mid-2009.

Cabela's FX4

Ford is expanding its relationship with Cabela's, the world's largest outdoor outfitter, by offering a new Cabela's FX4 package for 2009. According to customer data, seventy-six percent of F-Series buyers hunt and fish and a key way for Ford to connect with those outdoor enthusiasts is as the official truck of Cabela's for the last X years with products prominently placed at stores nationwide and featured in Cabela's publications and TV programming. The Cabela's FX4 package features a unique two-tone paint scheme in five colors: Ebony, Oxford White, Forest Green Metallic, Royal Red Metallic and Silver Metallic with Sterling Grey Metallic lower body accents, running boards and wheel lip moldings. Custom mud flaps and unique Cabela's badging finish off the exterior.

The interior features standard cloth seats with the Cabela's logo or available Aniline leather seats with a unique two-tone embossed grain pattern. The center stack is finished with a dark Paldeo wood appliqué. All weather floor mats also wear the Cabela's logo. And for the avid outdoor enthusiast, additional lockable storage in the front console and underneath the rear seats is perfect for keeping equipment secure and out of sight.

Harley-Davidson™ F-450

Ford and Harley-Davidson team up again for a new Harley-Davidson™ F-450, the "Big Hog Daddy" of the road. As with the still available F-250/350 SRW models, each individually numbered Harley-Davidson™ F-450 features a unique blue-flame paint scheme that starts at the side vents and runs down to the box side of the truck. The flame design scheme is carried through to the interior gauges in the instrument panel. The custom perforated black leather wrapped seats, door panels and center console cover reveal blue leather underneath giving the same blue-flame effect as the exterior. Harley-Davidson™ badges are present on the fenders and tailgate, along with "Harley-Davidson" script located on the box side.

Tough Bed

Ford is offering Tough Bed, a unique, military-grade, factory-installed, spray-in bed liner for the first time on the 2009 F-Series Super Duty.
"Tough Bed is a smart solution for Ford Super Duty customers who want to better protect their most important asset – the pickup box," said Tom Aubrey, Ford F-Series Super Duty marketing manager. "Like the entire truck, Tough Bed stands up to the most stringent durability standards including those required by the U.S. Military – that definitely makes it 'Built Ford Tough.'."

According to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), installation of spray-in bedliners grew from 27 percent in 2004 to nearly 34 percent of all pickup trucks in 2006, and will continue to grow at a steady rate to nearly 40 percent in 2008.

Developed in partnership with PPG Industries, Tough Bed exceeds the standards of today's typical aftermarket spray-in bedliner solutions. This military-grade coating has been through the government's toughest blast mitigation testing to determine whether the material can with stand the force of a bomb blast. It has performed equal to or better than other protective coating systems at one-third the thickness.

The polyol-based elastomeric film and isocyanate hardener are applied to the pickup box by a precision, high-pressure, automated sprayer to ensure one smooth, even coat at a very low film thickness unlike the traditional hand-spray application of aftermarket bed liners.

The finer application ensures that the bedliner materials won't run or sag on the inside walls of the box in addition minimizing unnecessary weight. Tough Bed does not compromise Super Duty's class-leading cargo capacity or the installation of aftermarket assets such as tool boxes, tonneau covers and truck caps. The uniformly textured surface also helps minimize load slippage while delivering an exceptionally clean appearance.

The special bedliner material formula is immune to the effects of ultraviolet radiation and will not fade or chalk. It also protects against physical damage to the pickup box such as gouging, scratching, cracking and chipping. It is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile factory limited warranty.
All F-Series Super Duty models are built at Ford's Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Ky.

[Ford]

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<![CDATA[Ford Reveals 2009 Super Duty Cabela's FX4 For "Hook And Bullet" Crowd, "Big Hog Daddy" Harley-Davidson Edition F-450 For Leather And Chaps Crowd]]> It seems, along with an array of new stuff for the Ford Super Duty truck series, there will be a new special edition specifically designed for the urban outdoorsman: The 2009 Ford Super Duty Cabela's Edition FX4. But what's so special about it? Two-tone paint, Cabela's embroidery on the seats, and extra storage under the rear seats "perfect for keeping equipment secure and out of sight." That extra storage is great to, you know, thwart all those thieves out in the wilderness. But what about that "Big Hog Daddy?" Oh that. That's a Ford F-450 Harley Davidson Edition, and the above line is a direct quote from the press release.

While we don't have an image of the Harley, the Big Hog Daddy gets some snazzy blue flame paint which carries through to the gauge cluster, Harley badging, and the ubiquitous Harley leather on the inside. Also optional: tightly wrapped head bandannas, brain-bucket helmets and a hardcore, weekend-warrior attitude.

2009 F-SERIES SUPER DUTY GROWS CAPABILITY WITH INDUSTRY-EXCLUSIVE TECHNOLOGIES, FEATURES

* Ford F-Series Super Duty, America's most capable work truck, offers more standard capability for 2009, including an integrated trailer brake controller and trailer tow mirrors on select models.

* Ford Work Solutions is a collection of industry-first, affordable technologies available on 2009 F-Series Super Duty XL, XLT and FX4 trucks that will provide customers connectivity, flexibility and security to better run key aspects of their business - from their Ford truck, even on the job site.

* New 'Built Ford Tough' factory-applied spray-in bedliner, available on 2009 F-Series Super Duty pickups, delivers exceptional weather resistance and protection against gouging, scratching, cracking and chipping.

The 2009 F-Series Super Duty line of pickups, the industry's most capable full-size heavy-duty work trucks, come equipped with even more capability, thanks to new standard features and two new packages - a Cabela's FX4 for the outdoor enthusiast and for the first time, a Harley-Davidson™ F-450 pickup.

All four Super Duty trim levels - XL, XLT, FX4 and Lariat - come with new standard features. The XL, the no-frills workhorse version, now comes standard with air conditioning, Securilock and manual trailer tow mirrors.

The XLT, a step up from the XL, now has power-heated trailer tow mirrors, privacy glass, integrated trailer brake controller, remote keyless entry and Securilock as standard features.

For 2009, the FX4 adds standard PowerScope™ integrated power-fold, power-telescoping mirrors, power seats, privacy glass, integrated trailer brake controller, captain's chairs and SIRIUS satellite radio.

The most luxurious of the Super Duty lineup, Lariat adds all of the new FX4 standard content as well as the reverse camera system, a power sliding rear window, heated seats, molded running boards and SYNC, Ford's industry-first, voice-activated hands-free communications and entertainment system.

New Smart Technologies

Ford is further expanding its 'smart' features for truck customers by equipping its trucks with new technologies that make staying connected and getting the job done easier.

* SYNC is Ford's industry-first, voice-activated hands-free system that fully integrates mobile phones and most media players into the vehicle using Bluetooth technology and USB connectivity.

* Voice-Activated Navigation System with SIRIUS Travel Link™ offers a host of convenient features including more than 150 hours of music storage and a collection of data services including real-time local traffic, coast-to-coast weather conditions and fuel price information for more than 120,000 gas stations. Users can browse the music juke box via touch-screen or by using voice recognition. The system also integrates the climate control and SIRIUS satellite radio into one easy-to-use, smudge-resistant, 8-inch touch-screen display.

* Ford Work Solutions, a collection of industry-exclusive technologies for F-Series trucks and commercial E-Series vans will help make business owners more productive and successful. Four industry-exclusive innovations include:

o An in-dash computer developed with Magneti Marelli and powered by Microsoft Auto that provides full high-speed Internet access via the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network and navigation by Garmin.

It's the first broadband-capable in-dash computer in production. It features available wireless accessories including a mouse and printer. This system allows customers to print invoices and access and send documents stored on their home or office computer networks - right on the job site.

o Tool Link, a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) asset-tracking system developed with DEWALT, the industry leader in professional power tools, and ThingMagic, the industry expert on embedded RFID technology. This enables customers to maintain a detailed real-time inventory of the tools or equipment stored in the vehicle.

o Crew Chief, a fleet telematics and diagnostics system, which allows small fleet owners to efficiently manage their vehicles, quickly dispatch workers to job sites and keep detailed vehicle maintenance records.

o Cable Lock security system developed in partnership with Master Lock®, the industry-leading lock manufacturer, to secure large tools or equipment in the cargo area of E-Series vans and wagons.

All four Ford Work Solutions technologies also will be available this fall on the new 2009 Ford F-150 XL, STX, XLT and FX4 trucks and E-Series vans. Transit Connect vans join the lineup in mid-2009.

Cabela's FX4

Ford is expanding its relationship with Cabela's, the world's largest outdoor outfitter, by offering a new Cabela's FX4 package for 2009.

According to customer data, 76 percent of F-Series buyers hunt and fish. With F-Series serving as the official truck of Cabela's for the past 7 years - and trucks prominently placed at stores nationwide and featured in Cabela's publications and TV programming - there's no more authentic way to connect with customers.

The Cabela's FX4 package for 2009 features a unique two-tone paint scheme in five colors: Ebony, Oxford White, Forest Green Metallic, Royal Red Metallic and Silver Metallic.

Each is contrasted with Sterling Grey Metallic lower body accents, running boards and wheel lip moldings, finished off with custom mud flaps and unique Cabela's badging.

The interior features standard cloth seats with the Cabela's logo or available aniline leather seats with a unique two-tone embossed grain pattern. The center stack is finished with a dark Paldeo wood appliqué. All-weather floor mats also wear the Cabela's logo. And for the avid outdoor enthusiast, additional lockable storage in the front console and underneath the rear seats is perfect for keeping equipment secure and out of sight.

Harley-Davidson™ F-450

Ford and Harley-Davidson team up again for a new Harley-Davidson™ F-450, the "Big Hog Daddy" of the road.

As with the still available F-250/350 SRW models, each individually numbered Harley-Davidson™ F-450 features a unique blue-flame paint scheme that starts at the side vents and runs down to the box side of the truck. The flame design scheme is carried through to the interior gauges in the instrument panel.

The custom-perforated black leather-wrapped seats, door panels and center console cover reveal blue leather underneath giving the same blue-flame effect as the exterior. Harley-Davidson™ badges are visible on the fenders and tailgate, along with "Harley-Davidson" script located on the box side.

Tough Bed

Ford is offering Tough Bed, a unique, military-grade, factory-installed, spray-in bed liner for the first time on the 2009 F-Series Super Duty.

"Tough Bed is a smart solution for Ford Super Duty customers who want to better protect their most important asset - the pickup box," said Tom Aubrey, Ford F-Series Super Duty marketing manager. "Like the entire truck, Tough Bed stands up to the most stringent durability standards including those required by the U.S. Military - that definitely makes it 'Built Ford Tough.'"

According to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), installation of spray-in bedliners grew from 27 percent in 2004 to nearly 34 percent of all pickup trucks in 2006 and will continue to grow at a steady rate to nearly 40 percent in 2008.

Developed in partnership with PPG Industries, Tough Bed exceeds the standards of today's typical aftermarket spray-in bedliner solutions. This military-grade coating has been through the government's toughest blast mitigation testing to determine whether the material can with stand the force of a bomb blast. It has performed equal to or better than other protective coating systems at one-third the thickness.

The polyol-based elastomeric film and isocyanate hardener are applied to the pickup box by a precision, high-pressure, automated sprayer to ensure one thin, smooth, even coat - unlike the traditional hand-spray application of aftermarket bed liners.

The finer application ensures that the bedliner materials won't run or sag on the inside walls of the box in addition minimizing unnecessary weight. Tough Bed does not compromise Super Duty's class-leading cargo capacity or the installation of aftermarket assets such as tool boxes, tonneau covers and truck caps. Its uniformly textured surface also helps minimize load slippage while delivering an exceptionally clean appearance.

The special bedliner material formula is immune to the effects of ultraviolet radiation and will not fade or chalk. It also protects against physical damage to the pickup box such as gouging, scratching, cracking and chipping. It is covered by a three-year/36,000-mile factory limited warranty.

All F-Series Super Duty models are built at Ford's Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Ky.

[via FSeriesTrucks.com]

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<![CDATA[Mini Cooper Small, Ford F-350 FX4 Crew Cab Big]]> When we review a car or a truck we like to think we provide you, dear reader, with the kind of insightful and whimsical impressions you're not going to find anywhere else. We hope our review of the 2008 Ford F-350 SuperDuty FX4 was no exception. All that being said, sometimes we're tempted to give-in to the easy observation. In this case, that observation is that this truck (sans the longer bed or dually option) is gigantic. We didn't use these pics in the review because it was perhaps too obvious. Buy why let pics of a big red trick next to a tiny red Mini go to waste?


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<![CDATA[2008 Ford F-350 SuperDuty FX4, Part Three]]> Why you should buy this car:
You go to the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo every year, not for the filet mignon chili or Brooks & Dunn, but rather for the actual livestock. On your weekly checklist is the item "pick up feed." There's a long, broken road out to your property and your kids won't roll without Spongebob. You're an energy trader.

Why you shouldn't buy this car:
You skipped the Rodeo for an Arcade Fire concert. You don't have $60,000. On your weekly checklist is the item "pick up yoga mat." There's a narrow road that leads to your studio apartment and you've got to parallel park on it. You're a community organizer for the Sierra Club.



Suitability Parameters:
Speed Merchants: No
Fashion Victims: No
Treehuggers: No
Mack Daddies: Yes
Tuner Crowd: No
Hairdressers: No
Penny Pinchers: No
Euro Snobs: No
Working Stiffs: Yes
Technogeeks: No
Poseurs: No
Soccer Moms: No
Nascar Dads: Yes
Golfing Grandparents: No

Also Consider:
*Chevrolet Silverado 3500 LT Crew Cab 4x4
*Dodge Ram 3500 SLT Quad Cab 4x4

Vitals:
• Manufacturer: Ford
• Model tested: F-350 SuperDuty FX4
• Model year: 2008
• Base Price: $36,840
• Price as Tested: $56,780
• Engine type: 6.4-Liter Diesel V8
• Horsepower: 350 @ 3,000 RPM
• Torque: 650 @ 2,000 RPM
• Transmission: Torqshift 5-speed Auto
• Curb Weight: 6,960 lbs
• LxWxH: 246.2" x 99.6" x 80.4"
• Wheelbase: 156.2"
• Tires: LT275/65R30E Owl All-Terrain Tires
• Drive type: 4x4
• 0 - 60 mph: 9.6 Seconds
• 1/4-mile: 17.5 seconds
• EPA Fuel economy city/highway: N/A
• NHTSA crash test rating: N/A

Also see:

All of our reviews are always available by clicking the Jalopnik Reviews tag in the masthead.
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<![CDATA[2008 Ford F-350 SuperDuty FX4, Part Two]]> Exterior Design:**
Whereas the previous generation had a distinct and attractive profile and front fascia, the current version is merely distinct. There are those that love it and those that hate it, but I think most people look at it as a Tonka Truck. However, if we gave points based on badge size the F-350 would get 4,000 stars.

Interior Design:****
The inside of this particular model wasn't a bad place to be for the lengthy trips around Houston. Roomy? Oh yes. The leather seats are comfortable and the dash is well designed, with everything in the right place. Yet it still looks like a truck on the inside. While not as nice as the new Platinum Edition F-150 or Laramie Dodge Ram, it's still luxurious for a work truck.

Acceleration:**
Even though the 6.4-liter turbo diesel engine manages 350 HP and 650 lb/ft of torque, it's still only good for a 9.6-second jaunt to 60 mph. But what would you expect from a truck this size? As mentioned in Part One, the sequential turbos do an admirable job of propelling the F-350, especially from a rolling start. Nevertheless, you're not going to see it in the next Fast And the Furious film.

Braking:***
I never accidentally ran over a Focus thanks to the SuperDuty's competent anti-lock disc brakes, which feature 13.7" and 13.4" rotors front and back, respectively. Quick stops from speed on dry roads were achieved without leaning too far forward, thanks to the stiffened suspension.

Ride:**
The on-road ride was rougher over less-than-perfect roads than most people are going to accept without some kind of payoff. In this case, the payoff is being able to handle the vehicle when there's no road at all.

Handling:***
When racing down city streets it's sometimes necessary to do what we call a Central Texas Turn, which involves a lengthy deceleration before trying to pull into the Whataburger parking lot. This has less to do with the suspension setup and more to do with the weight. When going off the beaten path, the 4WD system manages to keep the F-350's massive nose pointed in the right direction.

Gearbox:***
The Torqshift five-speed automatic was unobtrusive, providing timely downshifts when accelerating and retaining the proper gear during ascents.

Audio:**
The audiophile CD audio system is standard-issue Ford, with the controls integrated into the navigation system. While it was great that an auxiliary jack for my iPod was included, the system fails to display any kind of data related to what's actually playing, which for the price is kind of letdown. I'm not sure how many speakers with what kind of power a system would need to drown out the massive diesel engine, but this truck did not have either of those things.

Toys:*****
If you're going to be towing anything, the TowCommand system is a popular choice among truck owners. I didn't get the chance to hook the truck up to the trailer, but I can say the controls were well placed. The electronically controlled PowerScope trailer mirrors are also fun to play with and, you know, actually functional. Just press a button and the wonderful mirrors fold in or out. Sometimes I did it for no good reason because I'm 12, basically.

The navigation system includes a large touch-screen, though it lacks advanced travel information. For some reason, this particular F-350 came equipped with a drop down DVD entertainment system in the backseat that included wireless headphones and a remote control. Conveniently, I had a copy of Friday Night Lights to watch. So appropriate. The system also has a port for an RCA cable which means that you can totally play Wii back there (and there's enough room, too).

Value:*
Ha ha ha ha ha. $56,780 with all options, an increase of nearly $20,000 over the base model's price.

Overall: ***
I had quite a good time with the truck. It's big and bold and red and sort of ridiculous. It in no way fulfills any of my basic needs as a driver or as a human being, other than the occasional desire to safely crash through walls. That being said, it never let once me down.

Also see:

All of our reviews are always available by clicking the Jalopnik Reviews tag in the masthead.
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<![CDATA[2008 Ford F-350 SuperDuty FX4, Part One]]> The big, red 2008 Ford F-350 SuperDuty makes me think of a Terry Allen song called "Amarillo Highway." It features the line: I don't wear no Stetson, but I'm willing to bet son / that I'm as big a Texan as you are. When people find out where I'm from, they often say, "You don't sound like you're from Texas." I correct them by pointing out that I'm from Texas, not a cartoon about Texas. But, driving this big honkin F-350 around the Lone Star State, there wasn't any confusion.

Whereas this large, bright monster of a vehicle would have stood out in my current residence of Chicago, there's not much novelty to the F-350 SuperDuty in Texas, where the back row at most restaurants and shopping centers is unofficially reserved for vehicles that are too long to fit into a regular space. At more than 20 feet long, the Ford wasn't short on kin at the mall.

Though many Texans still require this kind of off-road ability and towing capacity, it would be wrong to assume that most people in the sprawling suburbs of Dallas and Houston that own a big ass truck actually utilize anything but the country glamor that comes with a vehicle so large you have to fold in the mirrors to fit through toll booths.

Most of my driving was spent in the suburbs, which make up most of the state (though it may shock some, three of the ten largest cities in the US are in Texas). With suburbs come interstate highways and the F-350 performs well as a highway cruiser if your definition of "well" includes being able to see over everything but buses and suck diesel fuel with a typically Texan disregard for moderation.

The FX4 - now a trim level — was formerly the off-road package for the SuperDuty, but has been replaced by the 4x4 Off Road Package. In addition to the badging and special interior trim, the FX4 comes with a limited-slip rear differential and Rancho shocks. This means that the slightest bumps in the road are met with a jolt as opposed to the smoother riding suspension of other variations in the SuperDuty series.

Nevertheless, most Texas highways are smooth and straight and, sitting up so high, I started to feel the stirring of something akin to the Manifest Destiny the not-quite-original settlers felt when re-re-conquering this beautiful expanse of land and water. Like many big truck drivers, it started to feel as if the road was mine and mine alone, and anyone entering was doing so only with my casual, unstated leave.

My fiancée, a Texan of Midwestern Danish stock, has always looked good in a truck. When I first started dating her in college, we shared (and by shared I mean I stole when I could) a red Dodge Ram 1500, a truck that is dwarfed by the F-350 both in height and length. As we cruised the beltway that encircles most of Houston, she laughingly chided me for the kind of attitude I often criticized while piloting the same patch of concrete in my diminutive Escort hatchback. What really pushed it over the edge was the magnanimity with which I waved people into my lane, as if it were my decision.

Ford_F350_Brazos_Bend.jpgAfter touring the suburbs of Houston I took the truck out towards Brazos Bend State Park, a popular fishing and camping spot accessible only by a series of long, straight and relatively abandoned Farm-to-Market roads. Out here I was able to stretch the SuperDuty's legs, getting a feel for when and how the big 6.4-liter turbo diesel PowerStroke V8 was able to trot. Lag is, not surprisingly, noticeable when trying to get 7,000 lbs of truck to take off, but the sequential setup of the turbos makes it quicker than you'd expect. One turbo gets you moving, then the other one helps the truck pull aggressively and confidently until you either wimp out or the physics of pushing this giant brick through the air take over.

Did I mention it's a bright red truck? Though Brazos Bend is full of large trucks used to pull campers (and one awesome Vanagon), I couldn't drive it too far without getting looks from passersby, which was true of everywhere I took it. People didn't look for too long, though, as everyone here remembers the sign on the front of the park that advertises the place as "Home of the American Alligator." And if they missed that, the park's map is filled with advice like "If an alligator gets a hold of a fish you've got, let it have the fish," and the ominous "Do not under any circumstances let your pets into the water."

The reasons for the rough suspension - a pain back in the suburbs - become apparent as soon as you take it off road. My usual off-roading spots had, unfortunately, been developed over the past few years and I was forced to head to an area popular with flat billers in Jeeps with big tires and little regard for their own safety (there are many stories of poor saps who pushed too far and ended up with a vehicle full of mud and snakes).

To make matters worse, this particular patch of muddy earth had been softened by recent rains. What's tough to do in a relatively weightless Jeep is a different challenge in a truck of this scale. While my grandfater served as a guide, I pulled the F-350 off the highway and onto a path hidden by a large evangelical church.

Where the path turns out to a pond there were crevices eight- to ten-feet wide and a couple of feet deep. Unwilling to sink a nearly $60,000 truck into muddy water, I decided to test the FX4's ability by asking it to negotiate a hill at such an angle that the rear-parking sensor started going off, spooking me more than a little. Though not my idea of an ideal driving experience, trying to pilot the truck's four wheels over the uneven, soft terrain was still a kick.

As I got more comfortable with the suspension, and with the idea of driving without all the wheels touching the ground, I let myself abandon memories of getting my friend's dad's Suburban stuck in a similar area. There would be no calling someone else with a winch and a more capable truck to pull us out. In fact, with some chains, we'd probably be able to do the same for some other dumb kids. Though not as wild as mudding a Wrangler, the FX4 proved capable enough to keep us from getting stuck or huffing too much when climbing.

Returning home after a weekend of navigating the F-350 through highways, city streets, state parks, dirt roads and crumbling mud I felt more at peace with the joy I feel with driving a vehicle this large. Fords have been the best selling trucks in Texas for about as long as I've been alive and now I sort of understand why. Though a Woody Allen-watching, organic food-eating, straight-ticket D liberal, I still get a big old kick from driving the shit out of a truck. Even if I do so while listening to NPR.

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<![CDATA[2009 Ford F-350 Super Duty?]]> Why yes, that is the largest pickup we've ever seen — if you don't count anything from International Trucks or the F-650, of course — it's what appears to be the 2009 Ford F-350 sporting some very light camouflage. In fact we kind of feel like the engineers are just messin' around with the corps one spy photographer making base camp outside the Dearborn Proving Grounds — basically showing off everything on the new big pickup from the Ford lineup including the salad shooter-like french fry makers on the front quarter-panels. Or maybe it's just a guy hoping to keep his big diesel engine warm. Full spy report from Brenda Priddy's pride of photographers after the jump.

Spied: The HUGEST Blue Oval Ever!

Ford is giving its F-Series Super Duty pickups minor appearance updates for the 2009 model year, as seen in this lightly camouflaged F-350.

Cosmetically, the 2009 Super Duty receives a much larger blue oval badge for the grille. It looks to be the biggest blue oval ever applied to a Ford vehicle, including Ford's medium duty truck products, like the F-650/F-750.

Aerodynamically, the 2009 Super Duty sports the deeper chin spoiler, which first appeared in January on 'Job 3' 2008 model year F-250, F-350, and F-450 trucks. It's part of Ford's efforts to give the Super Duty improved fuel economy.


Photo Credit: Brian Williams for Brenda Priddy & Co.

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<![CDATA[You Know You Want This: FordVette Monster Truck]]> You know when you're sitting in the garage, drinkin' with your buddies and you start talking about lame-brained project ideas? 99.999% of the time those ideas float away like beer farts in the wind. This one survived, however, and it's for sale - today. At five this afternoon eastern time, this beautiful example of backyard engineering will have a new home. Corvette body, '76 Ford F350 chassis, 351 Cleveland with a 750 Holly and a shot of nitrous, tractor tires mounted to Dana Axles and much, much more. This is probably the best idea to ever come out of Hastings, Michigan. Buy this and become an instant YouTube god. As of now, it's under the reserve at $3,050, so hurry up and make your dreams come true.

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