As promised, here's a summary of what Ford's changing, at least on the 350 models (haven't had a chance to look at 250s yet):

6.0: more torque, turbo-boost gauge
5.4, 6.8: both go to 3-valve setup, more horsepower and torque for both
5-speed Torqshift available with gas engines
4x4s get coil springs over a solid front axle, and frames are heavier
Block heater becomes optional on the 6.0 (except certain states)
6.0, 6.8: engine idle control standard
Larger brakes, new master cylinder all models
Increased GAWRs, GCWRs, payloads
18" wheels (SRW), 17" wheels (DRW)
New grille, bumper, headlights, etc...
New options: 4 upfitter switches on dash, trailer brake controller, Lariat Luxury Package (elec. climate control, auto rearview mirror, steering-wheel controls, woodgrain, message center, etc...)
Options deleted: Lariat LE package, max front GAWR package
New colors: dark stone, dark copper
Colors deleted: dark green satin, estate green, chestnut (that's right- no more green. If you want green, order a 2004- NOW!)

 

Thanks, now if we could just get a couple official photo's, any idea what the projected dealer arrival date is?

 

Do you know if there will be an option to get leaf springs on the front axle? Also are they using the same axle in front or have they changed that too?

P.S. Official photos would be great. I know someone must have them, the truck was unveiled in Las vegas this past weekend.

 

Thanks but, No Thanks !
They can keep their coil springs over solid axle combo's
Can you say (dog dodge)!
Try running a plow on coil springs after one season you'll be replacing them springs.
My opinion!

Thanks 1956MarkII for info, you just convinced me to keep mine for a longtime!

Rich

 

Thanks , but I gotta agree with Rich, coils stink . They have never stood the test of time before, why should we think they'd be any different now.
Looks like the 01 is gonna be around my place for a while longer.

 

There will be coils on both the 250 and 350. Also, Dark Satin Green will now be available only on the KR's.

 

Here is a link to the Order Guides:

http://www.fordaxz.com./2005orderingguides.htm

 

Wow... Thanks for the link... Maybe in 06 they'll bring back the green

Russ

 

Gosh all this complaining about the coils... you could always buy a dually chevy and get leafs up front hehehe.

Oh well.. what can you do?

 

Since they are still using a solid front axle, I bet it would be pretty simple to swap the coils for leaf springs off a 2004 or older rig.

I bet that the off-road companies will even make a kit to do this.

 

seems very strange to me that they would go back to coils, whats next, back to twin traction beam? the reason i wanted the super duty since it came out with the solid axle was for the solid axle and the leaf springs, just like my old 84 350. all i an say is, i just bought my 04, so they can do what they want.

 

For those of you who are still interested, here are some spy photos of the new design.

http://www.pickuptruck.com/html/2005...ty/caught.html

 

They should offer a "severe duty" package with the existing front end, as far as the aftermarket, skyjacker won a most innovative product award with their coil over conversion for the super duty, seems odd for the manufacturer to go coil and the aftermarket back to leaf.
Like somebody said, the only real advantage to a leaf front is plowing and or commercial apps.
For everything else including offroad use, coils will be vastly superior.
Donahoe racing has mentioned they were going to measure the 05's for a new coil over system that would be ready by the time the trucks hit showrooms.

 

Well guys, I have some good news. I have been reading the 13 pages of the 2005 order guide.

It turns out you can order a "Heavy-Service suspension package". Here is what the order guide says:

usage:
Reccommended only on vehicles which will permanetly utilize aftermarket equipment such as heavy duty winches, brush gaurds, or other apparatus which loads the front axle to teh specified gross axle weight rating (GAWR)

Availability:
Not available with 86M Snow Plow package or 532 Camper Package

Inlcudes:
Heavy Service front springs. (1 Up upgrade above the spring computer selected as a consequence of options chosen. Not included if maximum springs have been computer selected as standard equipment
It also includes a steering damper

NOTE 1: May result in deterioration of ride quality
NOTE 2: Vehicle ride height will increase with the addition of this package.
__________________________________________________ ____________

This sounds like a good option. After reading the entire order guide, I may just wait till August and order my self a 2005 model. I will deicde once I see some REAL pictures of the 2005 model.

 

Sounds like heavy duty coils to me.