Ford F-150 Lightning
Fords high-performance pickup with supercharged power and a performance-tuned suspension returns for 2004 with unique exterior features like cystalline headlamps, round foglamps, clear taillamp lenses and a light-emitting-diode (LED) high-mounted stoplight, plus lower rocker extensions, side-exit exhaust pipes and big 18-inch wheels with low-profile tires.
A single-cam 5.4-liter Triton V8 coupled to an Eaton supercharger and water-to-air inter-cooler enthuses the muscle truck with 380 hp.
Ford F-250/F-350
The F-250 (three-quarter-ton) and F-350 (one-ton) full-size trucks from Ford repeat with styling and powertrain options carried forward from 2003. There are three sizes in cabs available with designations of Regular Cab, SuperCab and Crew Cab. Each can be configured in 2WD and 4WD format.
Three hunky powertrains work on these trucks, a 5.4-liter Triton V8 with 260 hp, an optional 6.8-liter Triton V10 at 310 hp or the big 6.0-liter Power Stroke diesel scored to 325 hp. The diesel works with a five-speed TorqShift automatic transmission. The FX4 Off-Road Package adds skid plates, Rancho shock absorbers, a steering damper and FX4 decals.
A King Ranch Package applies with Crew Cab configuration, and the XLT Sport Package for Crew Cab and SuperCab is also available.
Ford Super Duty Trucks
Super-size work trucks by Ford run larger than F-150 and F-250 trucks in all dimensions. Each shows a squarish macho face with chrome grille below a muscular hood and bulging power dome. The series includes F-350, F-450 and F-550 models.
Super Duty trucks appear in a staggering number of configurations, with three different cab designs (two-door Regular Cab, four-door SuperCab and four-door Crew Cab), two box lengths, a single rear wheel (SRW) or double rear wheel (DRW), rear 2WD or 4WD traction, and three trim editions with a base XL, upgraded XLT and deluxe Lariat.
Fords Triton 5.4-liter V8 serves as the base engine with 260 hp. The optional Triton V10, displacing 6.8 liters, musters 310 hp. And Fords 6.0-liter Power Stroke diesel and five-speed TorqShift automatic go into Super-Duty service with 325 hp plus up to 550 lb-ft of torque.
All three plants offer a manual six-speed ZF transmission, and the two gasoline engines show an optional four-speed Ford automatic. Power adjustable accelerator and brake pedals are optional with an automatic transmission on XLT and Lariat trims. The choice of a power sliding moonroof goes to Crew Cab, and for tugging a big trailer there are optional heated and telescoping trailer tow mirrors flashing integrated turn signals.
A special edition Harley-Davidson F-Series Super Duty rolls on 18-inch wheels and comes with 4WD and optional diesel power from Fords 6.0-liter Power Stroke diesel. Three paint colors go with the 2004 Harley Black with Competition Orange Two-Tone, Black and Dark Shadow Gray Two-Tone and Black Monotone.
Ford Ranger
Fords compact-class pickup for 2004 sports a power dome bump on the hood of all trim variations.
Ranger makes two cab sizes. A Regular Cab installs a bench for three, while SuperCab pushes the rear cabin wall back to carve out an interior storage area. Two side-facing jump seats mount in the bay, as do a pair of rear-hinged doors for easy access.
A new seat system works up front with sculpted bolsters and higher seatbacks for improved comfort. Models include the XL, Edge, XLT, Tremor and FX4. The Edge edition dresses Ranger in a monochromatic color scheme, and a 2WD Edge stands as high as the 4WD Ranger since 4WD suspension elements are in place.
Ranger FX4 presents the serious look of a tough off-road truck and supports that image with hardware designed to take trail abuses, with everything packaged in a kit that eliminates the need to add 4WD gear after the sale.
With four-door SuperCab and deluxe XLT trim the FX4 Level II adds 4WD equipment like Bilstein off-road shocks and stiffer springs, a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, plus thick undercarriage skid plates to shield engine, transfer case and fuel tank, tow hooks front and rear, and forged aluminum wheels rimmed with all-terrain rubber. Also, Rangers Tremor 2WD SuperCab totes a serious audio package.
An optional engine crowns Rangers power chart and boosts the trucks trailer-towing ability. The 4.0-liter V6 musters best-in-class performance of 207 hp. Coupled to the six-pack is a heavy-duty five-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic.
About the author
Alan Green has bought and sold Ford Trucks for over 15 years. He has written numerous articles on how to select and choose a ford truck and the pitfalls to be aware of. Visit the following site for further information