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2011 Ford F-250 SD 4x4 Crew Cab Review


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2011 Ford F-250 SD 4x4 Crew Cab Review
by Mark Fulmer
TACH Editor In Chief

As reported here a year ago (aren't you glad you get TACH?), the Ford F Series Super Duty pushed aside the competition with the 2011 trucks best-in-class torque, horsepower, towing and payload capability. Yes, the 38K (29k for basic regular cab)base price is hefty, but so is this big boys capabilities.


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THE LOOK

Say howdy to a Texas sized grille with a Ford logo large enough to brand a T-Rex. Add big 'ol shiny chrome horizontal bars.

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The available segment-exclusive integrated tailgate step hides inside the tailgate, is easily accessed when needed, includes a flip-up grab bar, and has a 350-lb. load capacity.

On the inside are big and comfy seats with a beyond spacious center consol. The interior design successfully has both an upscale look and also practicality. Instruments are quite readable and ergonomically usable.

THE POWER

The new turbocharged and inter-cooled 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel V-8 weighs 160 fewer pounds than the V-8 it replaces, thanks to aluminum cylinder heads and the use of a compacted-graphite-iron block. That translates into 390 hp and 735 lb-ft or torque - with excellent low end torque. This is achieved through an innovative variable turbo where the turbine wheel has vanes on both sides, operating sequentially. The injectors produce hefty pressures (close to 30,000 psi) yielding cleaner exhaust.

And most importantly, this engine runs great on E20 bio fuel. As should we all.


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Towing capabilities range from 11,800 pounds up to 16,000 via hitch and up to 24,400 pounds with a fifth-wheel, which for the first time is a factory-installed option. Payloads can be from 2350 pounds to as high 6520. Also new on the turbo-diesel is Ford’s heavy-duty 6R140 TorqShift six-speed automatic transmission. Passengers commented to us about how quiet the cabin was during driving.

We found a nice steep hill to test the off-road features and were very impressed with the hill-descent-control system and lockable rear differential. During ascent, the standard Hill Start Assist feature keeps you from sliding back down - even when switching your foot from the brake to the gas. When going downhill, you press the brake once to set the desired speed and hold the steering wheel. Then the system applies brake pressure as needed to descend grades at a controlled speed.

Before you decide on a major working truck, be sure to saddle up and test drive the new Ford F-250.