2008 Ford F-450

2008 was the first time when Ford F-Series released its F-450 to the general consumer. Before this model year, the Ford F-450 super duty was sold in a cab and chassis form to emergency vehicle manufacturers, moving truck makers, and tow truck companies. This was a good move by ford as many, not only business people but also individuals requiring a massive amount of towing for things like big boats became part of the customer for the 2008 Ford F-450.

The towing capacity of the Ford F-450 is mind-blowing. It can tow up to 24,500 pounds and haul 6000 pounds. This means that even if you have a large RV or a big boat, you need not worry about transporting it because the 2008 Ford F-450 will be up to the task with Ease.

However, this must be taken into consideration that the Ford f-450 is not for everybody and indeed cannot be used as a daily driver. This is a vehicle that is best equipped to be used by people who need immense towing capacity. It may be a good fit for farmers or travelers. Also, people in the vehicle transportation business could benefit from this heavy-duty vehicle.

Overview of the car

 2008 Ford F-450 models

The 2008 F 450 has a long 8-footbed. All 2008 F four 50s have a dual-rear-wheel setup. This is done in order to allow the pickup truck to carry more weight in the bed.

 The trim levels that are offered are three the XL, the XLT, and the lariat. Other additional packages include the king ranch.

Base XL

This is the very best model. It is specifically designed for people who just need a working machine. The targeted market for this model is the people who want to spend as little money as possible and get a truck that can help them do their job efficiently. There are no extra or flamboyant features included in this version. The XL has a plane vinyl upholstery .it has 19.5-inch alloy wheels, commercial-grade tires installed, and FM radio. Along with this, the most important things added to this trim level are the heavy-duty towing package and the tow command system, which helps control the trailer brakes with the brakes on the truck.

Midlevel XLT

 the XLT is moving up one level from the base XL. It has all the XL features but also includes some comforts like air conditioning, cloth upholstery, a  comfortable front bench, a CD player, and MP3 audio Jack. This trim also includes cruise control, Chrome wheels, and complete power accessories, which make it a respectable truck that not only does the work but provides a level of comfort to the driver at the same time.

Lariat super duty

Moving up towards the lariat means that you are moving towards a more luxurious form of the 2008 Ford F-450. This trim comes with powered front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, power side mirrors, and fog lamps. It also provides leather upholstery.

King Ranch

The king ranch trim is basically the king ranch package which provides 20-inch alloy wheels; it has fancy leather seats and provides two-tone paint.

Numerous other options can also be availed by paying a premium. These options include a power moonroof and navigation system, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, and reverse park assist function.

Performance

The 2008 Ford F-450 comes with a single-engine option. This is the 6.4-liter power stroke turbo diesel V8. The engine produces 350 horsepower and 650-pound feet of torque. The truck comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, while a five-speed automatic is optional. Customers are given a choice of having either a two-wheel drive or a four-wheel-drive version. Depending on the condition of the vehicle, the truck can do 12 miles per gallon in the city and 16 miles per gallon on the highway.

Interior

The interior has a work-oriented theme with nothing fancy, but at the same time, the quality of materials is generally reasonable. Chrome accents surround the gauges and air vents. Most controls are in the center for easier reachability. The center console is massive, and the door pockets have ample space as well. The center console is big enough for a laptop to sit on, making it an excellent makeshift workplace when needed.

Safety

There is not a lot of safety equipment installed with neither side nor head curtain airbags available. Anti-lock disc brakes are standard. Higher trim levels get rear parking sensors, automatic transmission, and power-adjustable pedals.

Specifications

  • Engine Type: Diesel
  • Transmission:            6-speed manual
  • Drive Type: Four-wheel drive
  • Cylinders: V8
  • Total Seating: 6
  • Basic Warranty: 3 yr./ 36,000 mi.
  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 38.0 gal.
  • Fuel Type: Diesel fuel
  • Base Engine Size: 6.4 l
  • Base Engine Type: Diesel
  • Cylinders: V8
  • Horsepower: 350 hp @ 3,000 rpm
  • Torque: 650 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm
  • Turning Circle: 56.5 ft.
2008 Ford F-450

Owner’s manual

The 2008 Ford F-450 owners manual includes detailed information about:

  • instrument cluster
  • entertainment systems
  • climate controls
  • lights
  • driver controls
  • locks and security
  • seating and safety restraints
  • tires, wheels, and loading
  • driving
  • road-side emergencies
  • customer assistance
  • cleaning
  • maintenance and specifications

Pricing

The price for the base versions of the 2008 Ford F-450 stands somewhere between $10,000 to $13,000 depending on the vehicle’s condition. On the other hand, the lariat versions can cost from $20,000 to $30,000 again based on the state of the truck.

Although you think that this is an excellent deal to get such a heavy-duty truck in this price bracket, the reality needs to be kept in mind. This is a 13-year-old truck, and according to reviews from many people, it is not reliable at all. Not only have there been issues with radiators and or other small components, but people have had to replace entire engines, costing them nearly $10000 dollars, and the problems were not solved.

So if one really needs to buy this vehicle one should study the owner’s manual to understand what features and systems they need to check and which equipment to look out for. In addition to the owner’s manual, you can also purchase the parts catalog and the repair manual.