A totally new truck for 2008, the F-450 is the biggest, most capable truck you can buy from a Ford dealer without resorting to visiting Ford's Commercial Trucks dealer. The F-450 pickup rides on its own unique chassis, not shared with the lesser Super Duties. It also incorporates a new rear leaf-spring suspension while using the radius arm front suspension from the F-450 chassis cab, which Ford says makes for the tightest turning radius in its class, improving maneuverability especially when towing. Serious towing seems to be this truck's mission in life and reason for being.

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In the 450, you only get Ford's new twin-turbo 6.4 liter Power Stroke diesel. It is billed as the most powerful Ford pickup diesel engine ever, thanks largely to its twin turbochargers. It makes 350 hp @ 3,000 rpm and a monstrous 650 lb-ft at 2,000 rpm, except when you stick with the six-speed manual or opt for the 4.88 limited slip axle ratio with the five-speed auto (a 4.3 limited slip axle ratio is standard). In either case, they're governed to 325 hp and 600 lb-ft at the same rpm numbers.

The F-450 has a maximum Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 14,500 lbs and a payload of 6,120 lbs and towing capacity of 24,500 lbs, the last with a fifth-wheel hitch and proper equipment.

Just three trim levels of the F-450 exist: the XL, to the XLT and the Lariat.

The F-450 comes as a Crew Cab only, with a standard front bench, meaning it can carry six. Opting for two front buckets decreases that count to five. Buyers get an 8-foot long box and the only big option is four-wheel drive. Dual Rear Wheels are standard on all F-450s and each of the six shiny rims are 19.5 inches in diameter.