Two new Triton overhead-cam engines are available: A 5. Our F-250 was equipped with the V8. Greater capacities make all of the Super Duty F-Series trucks able to carry heavier loads and pull heavier trailers. Some compare it to the big-rig look of the Dodge Ram. We were impressed with the striking combination of crisp handling and compliant ride quality. New interior features include a fold-down armrest, a floor console that can accommodate a laptop, and a removable hanging bin for storage that can attach to the dash. We like the new styling.
Extended cab models can now be ordered with four doors. While many still haul hay, pull horse trailers, work construction sites and are modified for all sorts of duties, more and more heavy-duty trucks are used for recreation. A five-speed manual transmission comes standard with the gasoline engines, while a new six-speed manual is standard with the Powerstroke. The standard cigar lighter is augmented with a second auxiliary power outlet. With the ability to tow up to 13,400 pounds, the Super Duty F-250 offers the best towing capacity in its class. It almost felt like a big luxury car.
The optional 4-speed automatic transmission has been improved. The Super Duty F-250 comes in regular cab, extended Super Cab and four-door Crew Cab models. They hinge on the rear pillars of the cab and swing out a full 90 degrees from the doorsill. In fact, the Super Duty F-Series trucks ride on an entirely different platform from the regular F-150 and F-250 models. Recognizing this, Ford has redesigned its Super Duty trucks with a slew of thoughtful features to make them more enjoyable for ferrying families.
The rear seat cushion folds up and forward and the seatback folds down to create a steel flat loading surface, a perfect place to put tools and other heavy items that need to stay secure and out of the elements. But with features that make it as comfortable as a luxury car and capabilities that allow it to perform more work than ever before, this new F-250 is a thing of beauty. Shoulder room has been increased by more than 3 inches and hip room by more than 5 inches. The only exception is the instrument panel dimmer, which is a bit hard to reach. This design eases the loading of gear and passengers and contributes to occupant safety with the combination of vertical beams and a cross brace where the front and rear doors meet.
Wheelbase lengths include 137 inches regular cab , 142 inches SuperCab short-bed , 158 inches SuperCab long-bed , 156 inches Crew Cab short-bed and 172 inches Crew Cab long-bed. It also makes it easier to climb in, a welcome feature when juggling tools, briefcases, or even toddlers. While the smaller F-l50s have rounded edges, the Super Duty pickups look like heavy-duty truck. To address that, Ford is offering twice as many configurations as before. A roomier, more comfortable interior makes long hauls more bearable. The new chassis is more rigid than the previous platform, which allowed Ford engineers to redesign and retune the suspension geometry. Braking performance was impressive with smooth, undramatic stops.
Completely redesigned and re-engineered for 1999, the Super Duty F-250âand the rest of the new Super Duty F-Series pickupsânow look like real trucks. Their menacing square-jawed front ends, brawny-looking raised hoods and aggressive headlamps are a big tip-off that there are significant differences underneath. Driving Impressions We drove our F-250 along the Pacific Coast, down bustling inland freeways and off road in the backcountry. Body roll was noticeably limited in the corners. Adjustable seatbelt anchors increase safety and comfort.
Four-wheel disc brakes, which are standard, provided excellent driver feedback. A better suspension, better brakes and a choice of more powerful engines make it a joy to drive. Controls are big, easy to reach and manipulate and gauges are easy to read. Passenger-side airbags offer a deactivation switch on regular cab and SuperCab models. . The rear doors are 25 inches wide.
Many trucks these days are used for work and personal duty. The wheelbase of regular cab trucks has been stretched 4 inches and the truck is 9 inches longer overall. More than 44 different configurations are available and we checked out a fair sample of them when the Super Duty F-Series line was launched. Until recently, heavy-duty trucksâthree-quarter- and one-ton modelsâwere work vehicles. The F-250 comes with a 16-inch wheel and tire package. Two large cupholders are provided.
Walkaround The most noticeable thing about the 1999 Super Duty F-250 is the new exterior styling. Ford expects it to be rated at 275 horsepower and 500 foot-pounds of torque. Manual locking hubs are still available for the 4x4s. Our overwhelming impression was that it drove like a much smaller truck. A dropped beltline gives the new F-250 a sense of openness and accessibility. This truck is much roomier than before.