What To Know About Buying A Used Ford Super Duty Truck

Hop into a time machine and head back to the 1990s. Things were changing in the U.S. automotive market. Sedans and coupes were beginning to lose favor to SUVs and trucks. Along with the launch of breakthrough vehicles like the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Motor Company saw a shift in how its F-Series trucks were being used.

Just like with SUVs, the venerable F-150 began to see greater use for personal transportation. Day-to-day activities like commuting to work, hitting the grocery store, and dropping off the kids at school. At the same time, the half-ton F-150 was being produced on the same platform as F-250 and F-350 trucks. In other words, these larger trucks were ancient while the F-150 also needed an upgrade to keep up with the consumer.

With all this in mind and a new century approached, Ford went to work and split its F-Series into two lines: a still capable but more sophisticated F-150 and a work-oriented family of trucks (F-250, F-350, and F-450) dubbed Super Duty.

Whether you’re just curious about the origins of the Ford Super Duty or are shopping for used F-250, F-350, or F-450 trucks for sale near me, read on to learn more. The Ford Super Duty has been around for more than 20 years, so we’ll briefly cover the first two generations and pay more attention to the current versions (the third and fourth generations).

To keep the conversion as focused as possible, we’ll be looking solely at the pickup versions of the Super Duty. We’ll skip over the chassis cab versions of the Super Duty (that go up to the F-550 and F-600 models) that are modified into job-specific vehicles like ambulances and cargo trucks.

The first-gen Super Duty was a breakthrough in the truck world. For the first time, Ford’s most capable pickups were based on a dedicated platform that didn’t include F-150 underpinnings. Even its exterior was distinct from its smaller sibling.

The F-250 and F-350 could be ordered in standard cab, SuperCab (a two-row cabin with smaller rear access doors), and a four-door Crew Cab. Bed length was either 6.75 or 8 feet. Gas engines were the 5.4-liter V-8 or the 6.8-liter V-10. These were modern overhead valve engines that replaced the pushrod design of the earlier trucks. Depending on the year, Diesel power was either a 7.3-liter or 6.0-liter V-8 turbo. Rear-wheel drive as standard, with optional four-wheel drive. A dual-rear-wheel setup was available with the F-350.

A 2005 model year refresh saw an updated exterior and more cabin functionality.

With its stacked headlight design and massive grille, the second-generation Super Duty was hard to miss (especially compared to the more F-150-like front end of the first generation). The refinements that appeared in the F-150 would work their way up to the ladder as the new Super Duty models had an all-new cabin.

Significantly, the F-450 was added to the Super Duty pickup line (previously, the model was only available in chassis cab form). Other big news was the introduction of the new 6.4-liter PowerStroke Diesel. The turbo V-8 offered quiet (for a Diesel) performance and stump-pulling power (350 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque). Gas engines carried over unchanged from the previous generation.

Like many other Ford vehicles, Super Duty went high-tech. A center console infotainment touchscreen with navigation was available.

Check out a 2010 Ford F-250 Super Duty Harley Davidson Special Edition .

The third-generation Super Duty is marked by the most significant changes under the hood. First, Ford went in-house for the next version of the Power Stroke Diesel with an all-new design. This 6.7-liter turbo V-8 embraced common-rail technology and other advanced features, including a water-to-air intercooler. Engine output would eventually reach 440 horsepower and 860 lb-ft of torque.

Ford also said bye-bye to the pair of gas Triton engines, the 5.4-liter V-8 and 6.8-liter V-10. In their place came a 6.2-liter V-8. This overhead cam engine offered best-in-class output with 385 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque.

On the outside, the third-gen Super Duty carried over the same basic body with a completely reworked front end. A more prominent grille with a hard-to-miss Ford logo in the center calls even greater attention to this Super Duty series. The headlights were stretched out further into the corners helping each F-250, F-350, and F-450 appear wider and more imposing.

In addition to the XL, XLT, and Lariat trims, Ford introduced the King Ranch version to the Super Duty lineup. Previously, the leather-clad Lariat was the top-tier variant, but the King Ranch trim (first introduced on the F-150) brought an even nicer and more luxurious experience to these trucks. More comfortable seats were another feature borrowed from the F-150.

Of course, for most Super Duty owners, these trucks are all about towing and hauling capabilities that don’t disappoint in the third generation. An F-250 can tow up to 14,000 pounds which increases to 16,000 pounds for a 4WD F-350 with dual rear wheels. The F-450 bests its stablemates and the competition with a fifth-wheel towing capacity of 33,000 pounds (GCWR—gross combined weight rating). These are general towing capacities for these models; always consult the owner’s manual for exact details.

Here’s a 2014 Ford F-250 Super Duty King Ranch.

Seeking to keep its leg up against Chevrolet and Ram, Ford launched a fourth-generation Super Duty. The all-new design embraces the revolutionary aluminum alloy body structure first used on the F-150. Other weight-saving innovations include using the cab from the F-150. Underneath, the all boxed frame is enhanced with additional cross members. It adds up to the beefiest chassis ever used with a Super Duty. The redesigned exterior reinforces the newness of this Super Duty. At the same time, the grille is fresh and modern, while the C-shaped headlights are borrowed from the F-150.

The turbocharged 6.7-liter Power Stroke Diesel carries over with improvements. Initially, torque gets bumped up to 925 lb-ft (from 860). For the 2018 model year, horsepower reaches 450 while torque increases to 935 lb-ft. Beginning with the 2020 model year, the Power Stroke has 475 horsepower and an impressive 1,050 lb-ft of torque.

The 6.2-liter gas engine gets an increase in torque to 430 lb-ft (from 405). Notably, 2020 sees the introduction of a massive 7.3-liter gas-powered V-8. Ford uses an old-school pushrod design but modernizes it with variable valve timing. The result is the most powerful gas V8 you can buy in a heavy-duty pickup. That means 430 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque.

Fourth-gen improvements to the Super Duty also include towing. Depending on the year, the F-450’s GCWR is now up to 45,300 pounds. Both the F-250 and F-350 can handle up to 18,000 pounds with conventional towing. And payload capacity can reach up to 7,630 pounds. Always review the owner’s manual for a Super Duty’s towing and hauling ratings.

If the King Ranch trim wasn’t good enough for you with the previous generation, Ford introduces two new versions: the Platinum and the Limited (starting in 2018). These top-tier trims provide luxury-car levels of interior refinement. Including the base XL, XLT, Lariat, and King Ranch, there’s a Ford Super Duty for every need and preference.

Check out this 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty Lariat .

Discover our selection of used Ford Super Duty trucks for sale . Please note that our inventory changes frequently and is subject to prior sales. Be sure to ask us about incoming used Ford Super Duty models.

Your search for used trucks for sale near me can start and end at Trust Auto. Our unmatched selection of F-250, F-350, and F-450 Super Duty pickups is a must-see. Curious about other heavy-duty trucks like RAM 2500, RAM 3500, Silverado 2500HD, or Silverado 3500HD? We’ve got them right here. Checking out all your heavy-duty truck options isn’t possible at a new car dealer, but it is at Trust Auto in Sykesville, Maryland. Begin by exploring our extensive online selection of gas and diesel trucks for sale .

With a focus on Ford Super Duty models, Trust Auto is one of the best-used truck dealerships you’ll find anywhere. Whether you’re coming from Maryland, Virginia, Washington, DC, Pennsylvania, New York, or beyond, we’re your source for used cars for sale near me.

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If searching for used cars near me only leads to frustration, discover the Trust Auto difference. We take the hassle out of car buying with individualized and professional attention. Plus, you’ll appreciate our great selection of used car sales near me. For your next truck or car, call or visit Trust Auto today.