2004 Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty

For many years, the F-Series pickup has been the leading seller among all vehicles sold in the U.S. For 2003, Ford presented a new Power Stroke diesel engine built by International. As the builder of excellent heavy-duty trucks, International also manufactures some of the best diesel engines on the road today.

All F-250 and F-350 trucks continue in Regular Cab, SuperCab and Crew Cab configurations in XL, XLT and Lariat trims.

This new purpose-built V-8 diesel engine displaces 6.0-liters and was first shown in the Ford F-350 Tonka concept truck last year. It puts out 325 horsepower at 3,300 rpm and 560 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,000 rpm. The overhead valve design features 32 valves, a cast-iron block and cylinder heads, and a common-rail fuel injection system. Technological advancements abound including an electronically variable turbocharger whose vanes automatically adjust to optimize the airflow within the turbo. This helps deliver the proper amount of boost to match driving conditions, while increasing power output and fuel economy.


Ford says even though the new engine gives up 1.3-liters of displacement, it offers 10 percent better fuel economy, 20 percent lower emissions, and is 20 percent quieter than the 7.3. The 6.0 diesel is just what Ford needs to claim best-in-class bragging rights against Dodge's new 5.9-liter diesel (305-horsepower, 555 lb.-ft. torque) and GM's two-year old 6.6-liter diesel (300-horsepower, 520 lb.-ft.).


To solve the problem of idle noise associated with the no-longer-offered 7.3-liter V-8, International integrated a pilot injection system into the new 6.0-liter engine. This setup delivers a small amount of fuel into the combustion chamber prior to the main injection which smoothes and quiets combustion; making the 6.0-liter diesel one of the quietest diesel engines we've driven. Off-the-line acceleration is more than adequate, while passing power is equally as impressive.


Ford also offers their TorqShift five-speed automatic transmission as a companion to the new diesel engine, addressing one of our complaints against the current Super Duty-a poor-shifting four-speed automatic transmission. The latest unit features improved internal components, an upgraded torque converter, integrated power-take-off, external fluid filter and cooler, and a tow-haul mode that senses when a lower gear is needed for climbing or descending a steep grade. Besides shifting smoothly, the TorqShift transmission has a noticeably improved gear spread which keeps the engine in the proper torque range during up shifts.