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Superduty Generations and Differences?

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Old Jun 4, 2024 | 12:57 AM
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Superduty Generations and Differences?

Hey guys, I was thinking about it recently, and I can't find any info on this. When did the big changes happen during the 99-16 Superduty platform? Mainly talking non drivetrain, although that would be interesting too. Are there different generations, or nicknames like on the older Fords? What are the pros and cons of each change?
Hope I didn't totally miss a bunch of info thats already out there on this, but if I did, please point me in the right direction.
Thanks in advance!
Courage
 
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Old Jun 4, 2024 | 06:21 AM
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So there's a LOT of info on this and I'm not sure it's ever been compiled in one place, because there were a LOT of non-driveline changes even in the same bodystyle.

For instance, in either '04 or '05, I forget which, the front leaf springs were replaced with coils.
I think '06 got a tailgate similar to the '08 bodystyle? Maybe I've just seen a lot with it.
'07, I think, got the '08-10 dash and interior.
'08 was the major front end change and mirror change to the big square mirrors.
'11 was another body change to the front and interior, I think body lines on the box changed then too but it'll still bolt to a '99-10 with a little bit of work.

Those are the bigger changes I can think of offhand, though my years are likely off. If someone has compiled these changes I would personally find it an interesting read even if I got no use out of it.
 
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Old Jun 4, 2024 | 12:11 PM
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To the best of my knowledge here are the major generational breaks with changes in sheet metal, suspension, and interiors:
  • 99-2004 are substantially similar to each other with leaf springs at all four corners at least on the 4x4 models
  • 2005-2007 had relatively minor sheet metal changes, but changed the front suspension from leaf springs to coil springs with radius arms. Interior changes happened in 2005 as well.
  • 2008-2010 had major front clip sheet metal, grill and headlight revisions and if I remember correctly, a change in the length of the rear leaf springs to improve ride quality. There were also significant interior revisions and the change to the square towing mirrors.
  • 2011-2016 saw another major sheet metal revision and some interior changes to go along with the drivetrain updates.
 
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Old Jun 5, 2024 | 02:21 AM
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Thanks guys! Really appreciate the info!
I guess I'm mostly interested in the pros and cons of the 99-04 and 11-16. I have an 01 F250 5.4 2wd auto 3.73. My dad recently bought a 15 with the 6.2. I kinda really like it, but am curious if there are any benefits to the 1st iteration of the Super Duty aside from the fact that I already own it. I've driven his a little, and know that I'd appreciate the extra power, especially the better performance above 2,800 rpm, and the firmer shifting transmission.
Thoughts?
 
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Old Jun 5, 2024 | 05:59 AM
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It's a newer truck. Unless it's beat up, it's going to be better than an '01 simply due to the age difference.

As for other advantages, as you noted more power and a 6 speed transmission. Better ride due to the coil springs up front (at least most people feel that way). Newer electronics with more/better (?) features.

I would say you need to borrow his truck for a week if it's possible, drive it everywhere, see if you like the way it handles/rides. I think most people here would agree that the '11-16s were pretty good trucks.
 
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Old Jun 7, 2024 | 04:46 PM
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Are you trying to figure out what truck to get?

If so, find a well maintained 2011-2016 6.2 and be happy. Either Ford had some very good engineers AND gave them the resources they needed to make a hellofa truck, or, they got lucky.
 
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Old Jun 11, 2024 | 12:59 AM
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Originally Posted by 99powerstrokedF250
It's a newer truck. Unless it's beat up, it's going to be better than an '01 simply due to the age difference.

As for other advantages, as you noted more power and a 6 speed transmission. Better ride due to the coil springs up front (at least most people feel that way). Newer electronics with more/better (?) features.

I would say you need to borrow his truck for a week if it's possible, drive it everywhere, see if you like the way it handles/rides. I think most people here would agree that the '11-16s were pretty good trucks.
Unfortunately, it's his daily driver/tow rig, so I can't borrow it for a week. I have driven it some though, and really like it.

Originally Posted by '89F2urd
Are you trying to figure out what truck to get?

If so, find a well maintained 2011-2016 6.2 and be happy. Either Ford had some very good engineers AND gave them the resources they needed to make a hellofa truck, or, they got lucky.
I think that's what I'm going to shoot for.
Not to derail this thread to much, lol, but how does the 6.2 6r140 combo compare to both a 6.8 v10 or 7.3 PowerStroke both with a ZF6?
 
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Old Jun 11, 2024 | 06:24 AM
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Originally Posted by Courage
Unfortunately, it's his daily driver/tow rig, so I can't borrow it for a week. I have driven it some though, and really like it.



I think that's what I'm going to shoot for.
Not to derail this thread to much, lol, but how does the 6.2 6r140 combo compare to both a 6.8 v10 or 7.3 PowerStroke both with a ZF6?
I picked a 2015 6.2:
  • 6.2L V-8 Engine.
  • 6-spd w/OD Transmission.
  • 385 @ 5,500 rpm Horsepower.
  • 405 @ 4,500 rpm Torque.
2008 6.8:
Base engine size 6.8 L
Cylinders V10
Base engine type Gas
Horsepower 362 hp @ 4,750 rpm
Torque 457 lb-ft @ 3,250 rpm

2002 7.3 w/manual:
Horsepower 275hp @ 2800 rpm
Torque 520 ftlbs @ 1600 rpm

The gassers had more horsepower, with the 6.2 coming out on top but at higher revs than any of the others. The diesel had more torque at the low end, so it always 'felt' like it got things moving quicker. The same was said about the 6.0 PSD though, its torque number was higher, but it maxxed out at a higher RPM so people didn't think it did as well getting things moving as the 7.3.

All that said, if I had to get a Super Duty of any of those years, I'd go for the 6.2 gasser unless I needed a diesel, in which case I'd spring for the 6.7 and avoid everything earlier, if I could find an unmodded one. The 6.2 has been pretty solid with few issues mentioned over its service life, and remember it's still the base offering in Super Duties even today. It's not a slouch, you won't win races but it should do everything you ask it to do without complaint.
 
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Old Jun 11, 2024 | 07:49 AM
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Originally Posted by Courage
Unfortunately, it's his daily driver/tow rig, so I can't borrow it for a week. I have driven it some though, and really like it.



I think that's what I'm going to shoot for.
Not to derail this thread to much, lol, but how does the 6.2 6r140 combo compare to both a 6.8 v10 or 7.3 PowerStroke both with a ZF6?
6.8 or 7.3 with a zf6 are awesome combos, if you can find one. 6.8 with 5r110 would be the runner up IMO for that era....the 4 speed autos of the 7.3 Era are tough but leave a lot to be desired with only 3 acceleration gears vs 4 of the 5r110
 
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Old Jun 11, 2024 | 05:48 PM
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Thanks guys! Really sounds like a 6.2 would be ideal for me! You mentioned the 4r100 being a tough transmission. How does it to compare to the 5r110w and 6r140 in terms of longevity?
 
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Old Jun 11, 2024 | 06:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Courage
Thanks guys! Really sounds like a 6.2 would be ideal for me! You mentioned the 4r100 being a tough transmission. How does it to compare to the 5r110w and 6r140 in terms of longevity?
They all last an incredible length of time when taken care of (fluid changes!!!). Obviously, the 5r and 6r are more capable of handling power, but that's not an issue if driving around in stock trim.
 
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Old Jun 12, 2024 | 06:38 AM
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Originally Posted by Courage
Thanks guys! Really sounds like a 6.2 would be ideal for me! You mentioned the 4r100 being a tough transmission. How does it to compare to the 5r110w and 6r140 in terms of longevity?
The 4R is a stout transmission, no doubt, but it's only got 4 gears total, and it does not like towing in OD at all. It will 'hunt' gears trying to stay in the engine's power band because it doesn't have many gears to choose from. It will last a LONG time though, when properly maintained.

The 5R and 6R do much better, because they've got more gears to choose from. They're also newer technology so they tend to shift smoother. They also last a long time when properly maintained, so if you're going automatic I'd definitely look for one of those.
 
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Old Jun 16, 2024 | 02:45 PM
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Thanks guys! Really appreciate the info!
 
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