2017 Ford Super Duty Review: First Drive

FishOnOne wrote:
Let's hope Ford applied thicker steel in their frames than ram.

Sixth post...:S You truly cannot help yourself, can you?:R

I also like the looks and the features on the new Fords.

I'd be willing to wager that an aftermarket goose neck hitch, such as the B & W Turnover ball could be added to these vehicles.

patriotgrunt wrote:

IdaD wrote:
It still has the CP4 issue in the diesels but other than that it's going to be an awesome truck overall. The chassis upgrade alone is huge. The 2016 and earlier Super Duty's felt incredibly dated from behind the wheel in terms of stiffness and the ride/handling balance because there was so much frame flex. It has amazing power numbers but none of the big diesels could be called deficient in that regard these days.

I actually like the frame flex even though Ford is going to a boxed frame. I test drove both Ram and Ford before my purchase and enjoyed the Ford's ride and handling much more. Also, I'd rather my frame flex than crumple and cause major issues which can't be fixed easily.

As for the CP4 injectors, it's not a major issue like many like to claim. Yes there were failures in the earlier years but lately we're not hearing about those anymore.

Let's hope Ford applied thicker steel in their frames than ram.

Having said that the trailer hitch is huge and appears to be very robust so perhaps the frames are over built as well. Equally impressive is not needing a weight distributing hitch.

IdaD wrote:
It still has the CP4 issue in the diesels but other than that it's going to be an awesome truck overall. The chassis upgrade alone is huge. The 2016 and earlier Super Duty's felt incredibly dated from behind the wheel in terms of stiffness and the ride/handling balance because there was so much frame flex. It has amazing power numbers but none of the big diesels could be called deficient in that regard these days.

I actually like the frame flex even though Ford is going to a boxed frame. I test drove both Ram and Ford before my purchase and enjoyed the Ford's ride and handling much more. Also, I'd rather my frame flex than crumple and cause major issues which can't be fixed easily.

As for the CP4 injectors, it's not a major issue like many like to claim. Yes there were failures in the earlier years but lately we're not hearing about those anymore.

Something that caught my eye..."The frame, typically designed with nine cross-members (most of which are tubed and through-welded for added strength), will also accommodate a stout 10th heavy-duty cross-member when equipped with the in-bed gooseneck/fifth-wheel hitch option."

Does this mean that you cannot add an aftermarket gooseneck ball without major modification of the truck?

I think the idea of the expandable TPMS to monitor trailer tires on your dash screen is pretty cool. I just hope that Ford doesn't price gouge the additional sensors, since they will likely not have aftermarket support.

"All transmission gearing carries over with a small software change made to F-250s equipped with the gas engine to better accommodate frugal-minded three-quarter-ton buyers who might want a smoother empty driving feel and slightly better fuel economy." I find this is a HUGE step in the right direction. These trucks make insane amounts of power, far more than are needed to handle the weights for which they can safely handle. I like the idea of a more fuel efficient engine in the lighter F250... now lets hope those fuel savings come to fruition!

Interesting that Ford no longer recommends WDH's on traditional bumper pulls. The 3" receiver is interesting, but I can see a lot of complaints from people that have to buy an adaptor or a larger shank... then again you don't need a WDH, so new trailer owners will likely see a lower priced hitch from the outset.

Looks like Ford pushed the envelope pretty far with this new design, kudos to them. I'm a little surprised that Ford didn't offer a factory air suspension like Ram did. I wonder if Ford is waiting to let Ram figure out any potential pitfalls before they offer something similar. This looks like a great truck. I'm not sure I really understand the difference between the F350 and F450... seems to be only a couple hundred lbs towing difference between the two. Quad beam LED headlights sound pretty cool, I wonder if that is a standard feature or an upgrade on a more expensive trim line.

Can't wait to see some of these out on the road and hear some feedback on the forum!!!

I guess you don't want to drop a heavy tool box in the truck bed - neat video out on that comparing to Chevy trucks on how easy the aluminum beds floors get holes ripped into them real easy.

I've had Fords for many years... All gasoline however...

Roy Ken

It still has the CP4 issue in the diesels but other than that it's going to be an awesome truck overall. The chassis upgrade alone is huge. The 2016 and earlier Super Duty's felt incredibly dated from behind the wheel in terms of stiffness and the ride/handling balance because there was so much frame flex. It has amazing power numbers but none of the big diesels could be called deficient in that regard these days.