Ford Dealer’s Review of New 7.3L V8 Met with Mixed Responses
Lasco Ford takes a first look at the 2020 Ford Super Duty.
In a new YouTube video from Lasco Ford in Fenton, Michigan, manager Paul Zaagman gives an enthusiastic, comprehensive review of the new 2020 Ford Super Duty. The vehicle in question is configured as a Race Red, single-rear-wheel, 4×4 XL model F-350 equipped with the brand-new 7.3-liter gasoline V8 and the STX package. This package adds a bright chrome grille, unique STX badging in the fender vents, chromed front and rear bumpers, and 18-inch wheels, making even this XL model truck look great.
The biggest new feature for 2020 is the availability of the 7.3 liter powerplant. Contrary to what many people may think, however, this motor is naturally aspirated and runs on gas as opposed to the turbo-diesel 7.3 that many associate with the older Super Duty. As Zaagman points out, this motor offers a nice sweet spot between the smaller 6.2 L gasoline engine and the somewhat absurd 6.7 L diesel. Most people don’t need all 1,050 lb-ft of torque offered by the diesel motor, so the 7.3 offers a nice bump in towing capacity and capability without the extra weight and headache of DEF, DPF, and diesel maintenance prices. As Zaagman says, the new 7.3 isn’t a “boat anchor”; coupled with the increased front-axle ratings, this would be great for a snow plow truck, or for “landscaping, hauling, plowing, snow removal”, etc., Zaagman says this is the motor to get.
Thanks to the built-in towing substructure, the F350 can tow up to an impressive 37,000 lb when configured with the gooseneck package. Even better, adding a gooseneck or 5th wheel is easy, with pre-cut bed holes for these systems. If you’re just hauling equipment in the bed or cab, this truck can handle up to 7,850 lb worth.
Ford Truck Enthusiast Forum Members Not Impressed by New Motor
This video was recently posted on our forum – check out the thread here. Despite the Lasco Ford sales manager’s excitement about the new truck, some FTE forum members were less than pleased with some of the insights that were shared. Forum member turtue71 says:
‘The Legendary 7.3 is back……’
My ear hurts when they say that.
Redrockerstl55 agrees,
Ha Ha…this ain’t your fathers 7.3…not in a long shot! Maybe even the wrong fuel type! LOL.
Did Ford shoot themselves in the foot by making a gasoline engine with the same displacement as the revered 7.3 turbo-diesel?
Interestingly, some posters are also thinking that, unlike the 2020 F-250, the F-350 in question has the same ride height as the 2019 models – user GeorgeC observes,
Well, there is one thing obvious that makes this video worth watching.. The F-350 doesn’t look to be lowered to me. thoughts?
As seen in another Lasco Ford video, the 2020 Ford F-250 is confirmed to be lowered by half an inch in the front and 1.5 inches in the back — supposedly for easy entry and trailer loading, but we’re wondering if it isn’t also to make the new available Tremor Off-Road Package look even more intimidating? As you can see, the new Tremor truck is definitely not lowered.
Still other users noted that the 7.3 may be equipped with a different axle than the PowerStroke trucks. Stocks557 points out
One thing of note is that the 7.3 appears to come with the M275 based on the video (I think).
RedRage chimes in,
Yes. The diff cover confirms it. I’m happy!
While showing off the rear hubs, Zaagman claims “This is military grade, and it’s huge!”.
Additional New Features
In addition to the new V8, the 2020 Ford Super Duty has a few other notable features that really enhance the value for prospective buyers. Also showcased on this truck is the surround camera system, including front, rear, and side cameras — these operate even when the side-view mirrors are stowed. The truck even features a camera mounted in the third brake light (or Center High Mount Stop Lamp, as automakers call it) that can be used to align your fifth wheel or gooseneck trailer. Speaking of which, the bed has some great features for those towing large trailers, like in-bed plugs for trailer wiring, which means no more awkwardly draped cables over the tailgate.
Like most new vehicles, the new Ford Super Duty has a host of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring for not only the truck but also your trailer. As Zaagman says, of your blind spots, “it’s not just behind you, it’s behind the trailer … behind this truck. ” Also available are other driver aids like assisted emergency braking and pedestrian protection. Having that extra piece of mind is important, especially on long trips where the driver may lose focus.
Another unique feature for the Super Duty is the full-swing rear door on the Super Cab models. This design isn’t available on any competitor’s truck in this market segment – Zaagman says this is so because “they’re not gonna pass the safety ratings”. We’re not certain how much truth there is to this, but there’s no doubt that the clamshell doors offer an impressive amount of access to the rear seats and storage area.
To go along with the great amount of cargo space offered in the Super Duty, you can option your truck with a vinyl floor that Zaagman states “you can literally spray out with a pressure washer” for maximum durability. This means you can load up your truck with sharp, rough, or muddy equipment without worrying about damaging or marring the floors. Even better, this option is available on any trim level, meaning that even a Platinum spec truck could be washed out after a particularly muddy weekend.
Also See: ‘Ford Trucks’ Members React to 2020 Super Duty’s Monstrous Torque
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