The "Super Duty" moniker covers several different models of F series trucks, excluding the F-150.
I'm not focusing on any particular model today, just covering the entire Super Duty line.
I'll start out by stating that I've personally had extensive experience with Super Dutys, and we currently roster at least one of each except the F-650.
Anyway, on with the actual history.
The Super Duty moniker started appearing in 1987 as the "F-Super Duty", with no numerical designation.
Throughout the run, several different engines would power Super Dutys, both gas and diesel, but we'll focus on diesel today. Auto and manual transmissions were also offered.
Also thoughout SD production, Ford has and does offer various cab options - single, extended, and crew.
An early F-Super Duty, powered by the 7.3 diesel, which is still in our historical collection.
The Super Duty would, during their early years, develop a reputation for an odd phenomenon - when hitting bumps the steering and suspension would tend to shake and shudder, earning the term "Super Duty Shuffle".
This is the truck I learned to drive a manual on - and it's back in our historical collection as well.
They would be referred to as "F-Super Duty" until 1998/1999, when the current numerical scheme was introduced.
Included would be the single rear wheel F-250, the single or dual F-350, and the dual F-450 and 550, each available as 4x2 or 4x4. Also the medium duty F-650 and 750 would be introduced. Later in the 2020's, the F-600 moniker would be revived as an extra heavy duty light/medium based on the current dually chassis.
The 250 through 550 would also retain the fantastic Power Stroke 7.3 diesel - future engines would also continue to use the Power Stroke moniker.
The mid-2000's saw a cosmetic makeover and a new engine - the 6.0 diesel.
This was probably Ford trucks' darkest hour, as the 6.0 would be plagued with problems, giving rise to the term "6.0 Power Croak".
We fell victim to the 6.0 as well by purchasing a brand new 2006 F-550. We would get decent service out of it, but after only a short time issues arose. We would eventually try something that others had attempted and found success at - swapping the 6.0 for a Cummins. This was a mistake, as it proved even less reliable, and the truck eneded up in the deadline, where it remains as a parts donor.
I'll point out that the engine was the problem - the truck's build quality was the normal top-notch Ford product.
Ford would move on from the 6.0 debacle and introduce the 6.4.
We would grab one of these the first year they were introduced, 2008, and it would prove to be back to normal with Ford - a solid truck with a reliable engine.
It is still earning it's keep, doing whatever we need it to do.
The next engine progression would introduce DEF to Super Duty, in the form of the 6.7, which is still the current engine.
Even being used in their medium duty lineup, including our F-750.
We have several 6.7s currently, and they've proven to be good reliable engines, and coupled with the superior Ford construction quality, they make an excellent unit. However, on the 250 through 550, there is a failure of design - to do any reasonably major work on the engine, the cab has to be at least partially removed. A horrible design, but thankfully one that isn't a regular issue, as it only causes issues during major work.
As you can tell by the example photos, we have lots of Super Dutys. And that's because they can't be beat for their category. Other than the 6.0 era (in which we had to buy a couple Dodge 5500s🤢), all our SDs have proven time and again to be fantastic, whether set up as wrecker, service truck, or pickup.
That'll do it for this edition of Best Trucks Ever, and this is one I could've went on and on about, because I'm a Ford guy, and Super Duty is my #1 favorite vehicle, in any configuration (especially dually). But I'll wrap up here - thanks for looking!
Nice pics and history. It was unfortunate that the 6.0 literally pushed buyers away from Ford over to Dodge.