I drove one! - Diesel Forum

dbcraw · 12-05-2006, 09:22 PM

I got chosen to be part of a marketing survey and got to drive an '08 F350 4x4 with the 6.4L dual turbo. I liked it A LOT. It was much quieter than the '07 we drove for comparison. The 2 trucks were pretty close to identical except for the model year. Both were Crew Cab Short Bed XLTs. They were even both blue. We drove up and down some hills, through some dips, and on the freeway. Both unloaded and then pulling a 10,000 lb trailer.
The most noticeable difference was in the throttle response. Step on the go pedal and it went! No turbo lag to wait for. The ride was a LITTLE smoother empty, a fair amount smoother towing. I really liked the mirrors on the '08, the convex part is much bigger and easier to see. I've always felt like the ones on my truck were just there for show.
Am I gonna trade in my '05? Not right away. I'll hold off to see how the 6.4 hold up. But I sure liked it! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif[/img]

swaldrep · 12-05-2006, 09:48 PM

How much quieter is "quieter"?

kehale · 12-05-2006, 10:34 PM

Quite a bit quieter.
I heard them both drive off and had to really listen (50 feet away) to tell that the 6.4 was a diesel. The 6.0 was pretty loud. Both were warmed up.

jesshwarren · 12-05-2006, 10:35 PM

Could you feel a lot more HP & TQ ???

MT765 · 12-05-2006, 10:44 PM

Is there any turbo whistle what so ever? What did you think of the tranny, does it still shift the same as a 6.0? What did the 6.4 rev too? I guess we all have too many questions, but this is exciting.

How would you rate the sound compared to the LBZ Duramax? Does it sound like a diesel at all????????

smokyred · 12-05-2006, 11:46 PM

You're so lucky, I wish I got to be in that survey!! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

Dave

dbcraw · 12-05-2006, 11:48 PM

I could definitely feel the extra torque, especially towing the trailer. At 10,000 lbs the trailer was heavy enough to make the '07 feel pretty doggy, while the '08 still had good pickup, especially accelerating uphill.
The '08 was a lot quieter, at least at idle on the outside. I didn't feel it was necessary to raise my voice at all to hold a conversation, whereas I always feel like I need to talk louder around my '05 or the '07 comparison vehicle. There was less difference inside at freeway speed, but '08 was definitely quieter.
I wasn't thinking about it, but if there was turbo whine, it was WAY down from my '05.
Does it still sound like a diesel?... Well It doesn't sound like a bus, but it doesn't sound like a gasser either.
The tranny felt pretty much the same, shifts were smooth and quick.
In this little test the best part was the immediate response to trouncing the "gas" from a stop. Longer term the best part might be the extra power pulling my 33' fifth wheel, but I won't get a chance to try that.

Sorry I really can't compare to the Duramax.

MT765 · 12-05-2006, 11:56 PM

Glad you liked it and thanks for the info. Hopefully it all works out with this new motor, but it sounds like we got a good start anyway.

**KINGTUT** · 12-06-2006, 12:34 AM

Relax folks, we will all get to see for ourselves in just a little over a month...........relax. Don't let the "fever" get too high, job 1 is 12/18 and they will be on the lots in January. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

jmcholden · 12-06-2006, 11:49 AM

Did they give you any info on release dates and prices?

dbcraw · 12-06-2006, 01:39 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Did they give you any info on release dates and prices?

[/ QUOTE ]
Nothing on dates. There was a "spec sheet" with total MSRP for the trucks in the test. The '08 was about 3K more than the '07. As equipped the '07 was about 51K and the '08 54K. It didn't seem to be "official" though.

jmcholden · 12-06-2006, 01:44 PM

Thanks for the info, hope they come up with some firm #'s soon.
How did you get picked for the test drive. I did a focus group about 5 months ago and was contacted about a month ago again. The last call was for a field test on the new 6.4L but have not heard from them since?
They even had me e-mail a picture of me and my truck?

johndeere5220 · 12-06-2006, 02:09 PM

You are lucky. I am not.

Pappy19 · 12-06-2006, 03:37 PM

I also drove one today and got to look it over pretty good. The dealer in Morgan, Utah, Barber Brothers, just got a King Ranch, loaded to the gills with every imaginable option. It is quiet, and I would say at idle more quiet than a maxipad. Throttle response is awsome and absolutely no lag. Interior looks alot like the Lincoln LT. The back seats were captains with a center console, which I didn't like. Tailgate is interesting, but don't know how the farm and ranch crowd will like it. It shifts good and not much different than the 6.0. Has the Dodge hood that lifts the grill as well so good access to the radiator and coolers. Engine compartment has no space left, very crowded, looks very complicated; wires and sensors everywhere. No whistle sound from the turbo's. Power was impressive, fit and feel was good. What remains to be seen is how this new 6.4 holds up for the first year anyway. Dealer says that Ford is going to produce a significant lesser number of Super Duties to keep demand high along with prices. In other words, don't look for any deals on the 6.4 for a while. I could want one, but not right away.

AllOutFirefighter13 · 12-06-2006, 03:42 PM

[ QUOTE ]
and the '08 54K.

[/ QUOTE ]

<font color="blue"> At THAT price, I'd have to mortgage a home I don't even own yet!

Later, </font>