6.4L Power Stroke Engine and DrivetrainDiscussion of the 6.4L Power Stroke diesel engine and drivetrain in the 2008 Super-Duty trucks. No gas engine discussion allowed except on transmissions and drivetrain that pertain to all models. Please confine discussion of topics in this forum to those items that are specific to the 6.4L Power Stroke engine.
It was a 350 CC longbed dually and I usually drive a 250 CC shortbed dually, but it was still remarkably maneuverable, since it has the newer suspension introduced since my '03. Impressively quiet (about like my '03 was when I bought it, but don't get me started...), but still a diesel sound down low. And quite the impressive V-8 growl when you accelerate, with just a hint of turbo whine still in there. Not as piercing as the '03, but more pronounced than the '97 - that only does it when carrying a big load up a hill. All in all it felt "like home" - most of the differences from my '03 were for the better, but it was still like driving a Superduty.
It was a Lariat, which usually makes me gag with its acres of stupid fake plastic-with-pictures-of-wood-on-it trim. But hey, they've cut it wayyyyy down! Just a touch on each of the door handles, and some around the center cluster of radio and climate control. No large door panels, none around the center console. I would no longer reject the Lariat out of hand for that reason, it's so subtle.
The front end is still ugly. But it's grown on me a tiny bit, and I have to laugh that Chevy actually managed to out-ugly Ford this year so the Superduty looks good by comparison. I personally find the "Nissan-ization" of the interior to be ghastly, but I seem to be in the minority there. Ford sure sells the heck out of F150s with that interior. I was not as bothered by the slabby dash top while driving as I though I'd be, plus the center tray area finally looks useful; in the past it's been kind of nebulous in terms of stuff staying put there.
This one had most of the options, and by and large they all seem really nice. The power-fold mirrors are very handy, and they actually improved them with the new larger convex portion. (Not so sure the external looks are improved, but I don't see that while I'm driving.)
So this is definitely still on the list as a replacement when the 6.0L warranty is up this December. I hope the engine continues its so-far decent record of being far better than the 6.0L launch.
Duncan
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The 1997 F250HD Crewcab: Picture
The 2000 XLT Excursion <font color="red">(SOLD)</font>: Picture
The 2003 F250 Crewcab 6.0L: Web page
The 6.0L Bible: Web page
The 6.4L Bible: Web page
I drove one today too. 350 CC SWB SRW XLT auto. My impressions: quiet, very nice ride, turning radius is impressive, I like the new AT shifter - has a very solid feel, seems to have good power for a new truck. Overall, I liked the truck.
That said, I guess I'm a bonafide knuck-dragger as I wouldn't give up my 7.3 for a new one. I guess I've grown too attached to the injector noise on my 7.3.
I'm not knocking the 08 by any means. It's a nice truck.
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That said, I guess I'm a bonafide knuck-dragger as I wouldn't give up my 7.3 for a new one. I guess I've grown too attached to the injector noise on my 7.3.
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I don't think we'll ever give up our '97, it's just too nice a truck. Plus it's "ol' Reliable" - the truck we drive when the 6.0L is in for whatever the latest fix is. But you know what, having driven both a lot, I'd take the '03 any day (that it's driveable) over the '97. It's just so much tighter, more powerful, more refined. If the '08 is that plus even more improvements, I bet you'd get used to it real fast if you actually traded.
...but there's nothing wrong with the 7.3L trucks! And a paid for 7.3 is a pretty big advantage over a car-loan or leased '08!
Duncan
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The 1997 F250HD Crewcab: Picture
The 2000 XLT Excursion <font color="red">(SOLD)</font>: Picture
The 2003 F250 Crewcab 6.0L: Web page
The 6.0L Bible: Web page
The 6.4L Bible: Web page
Took one for a test drive...came back and signed the papers for a truck to be ordered...Needless to say I LOVE IT!
and I just got back from the dealer again cause i couldnt stay away and i took another one out on a little ride [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]
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2008 F350 CC Lariat 4x4 LOADED to the MAX!
-SCT Tuner
-Pro Comp 6" Radius Arm Lift
-KMC Rock Stars 22" x 10"
-Kumho 37" Mud Terrains
-Pro Comp Traction Bars
I have seen 3-4 trucks 1 down in modesto hauling a horse trailer.3 here in town 1 of those a contractors truck and another one today with canada plates with a cab over camper.Seen this one in particular twice thought he was passing through.
I am amazed at how quiet they are compared to my old dinosaur.Haven't test drove one but sure am getting itchy.
Duncan, great report! I drove a 2008 F-450 Pickup about three months ago at a local dealership and was sold on it immediately! Gave an order to my dealer (also my cousin) but he won't submit it until December.
Like my wife said, it was like the Ford designers/engineers were listening to our conversations as full time RVers about what we would need/want for a new tow vehicle to continue our lifestyle.
Anyway, thanks for taking the time to express your opinions - they're highly regarded by many of us.
Hey Duncan...nice review. It's not every day that I get to read a truck review where the word 'nebulous' is used to reference a console. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]
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2004 F250 SC Shortbed 6.0 (03 Engine) Auto 4X2 Lariat, John Wood tuned SCT, AFE Proguard7, STC Performance 4" Turbo back exhaust with cat, Bedrug, Snugtop, Boze Fatal Eight 20x10 Wheels, Toyo Proxes ST 305/50-20 Tires
SOLD - Stroked Lightning - 2004 F250 6.0 Reg Cab Shortbed (longbed frame shortened 16"), Lowered 3"/5", 22" wheels, SCT tuned by John Woods, John Woods built 5R110, straight pipe with exit in bed, custom 4 link rear end, custom injectors by Full Force Diesel, Nitrous, Spearco IC, custom built 76mm turbo by Turbonetics, fuel system, batteries relocated to bed. All work done by Gene (weweld), driven by Gene.
My F350 arrived day before yesterday and I got to drive it home to show the missus. Still can't get over how quiet is.It's back getting some accessories added to it.
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2008 F350 SRW CC Lariat,6.4,20 inch wheels, Spray in Boxliner,Retrax Roll top cover, Bluetooth, Warn Transformer with M12000 winch and SST Cover,HID Lights, Dual 150 watt Daylighters.5 inch Magnaflow exhaust. etc.
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F-450 6.4L LARIAT 4X2 DRW CREWCAB, JOB 2 BUILD (10/22/07), X-Plan, White/Silver w/Chrome Package, Gray Leather Interior, Torqshift Tranny, 4.88, 33K Tow Package, Sirius Sat Radio w/Audiophile, Supp. Htr, Rear Video Camera, Traction Control - DEALER INSTALLED OPTIONS Line-X Bedliner, Advance Folding Tonneau Cover, Chrome Bugshield, Dually Splash Guards, Remote Start.
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