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Overview:
The 2002 Ford Super Duty F-250 and F-350 pickups, which outsell
both Chevrolet and Dodge combined in the heavy duty class, extend
their reputation as rugged, practical and capable vehicles with
powertrain refinements, and interior upgrades designed to enhance
comfort and convenience.
The
light duty 2002 F-150
is covered in a separate review.
2002
sees a variety of minor upgrades to the Super Duty.
A new
six-speed manual transmission is available on 5.4L and 6.8L gasoline
engines, on all trim levels.
Improved
performance and shift feel on 6.8L gasoline engine equipped models
Single-beam
jewel-effect headlamps replace the aero headlamps, standard on XLT
and Lariat
New
instrument cluster with transmission temperature gauge standard
on models equipped with an automatic transmission
Exterior
Design:
No major revisions are planned for 2002 though several new exterior
colors have been added including: Arizona Beige Clearcoat Metallic,
Sapphire Blue Clearcoat Metallic, and Dark Shadow Grey Clearcoat
Metallic.
Interior
Design:
Changes to 2002 Super Duty's interior have been made for comfort
and convenience. New on the XLT and Lariat are seats with increased
bolster height and shoulder width. A six-way power passenger's seat
is standard on the Lariat Crew Cab models, adding more comfort on
the ride. Also new is an improved lumbar support system, providing
a greater range of adjustment.
Map
pockets with integrated cup holders (for closed containers only)
are standard on SuperCab rear doors, and a garage door opener and
sunglasses bin is standard on the Lariat overhead console. Passenger's
side grab handles are standard on all trim levels and the passenger's
rear seating grab handles are standard on the Crew Cab.
Powertrain:
Three engines are available on the Ford F-250/350. The standard
5.4L SOHC Triton V-8 is rated at 260 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft of
torque. In 2001, the 5.4L was named one of Ward's Auto World's "Ten
Best Engines" for the fifth year in a row.
The
7.3L Power StrokeTM turbo diesel V-8, the best-selling engine in
its class - gas or diesel, produces 250 horsepower and 505 lb.-ft.
of torque with the automatic transmission; or 275 horsepower and
520 lb.-ft. of torque when joined to the manual transmission.
The
6.8L SOHC Triton V-10 puts out 310 horsepower and 425 lb.-ft. of
torque.
The
5.4L and 6.8L engines have been upgraded from five- to six-speed
manual transmissions as standard.
When
the vehicle is properly equipped it can tow 12,500 pounds, the highest
conventional trailer towing of any pickup in its class. Adding a
fifth wheel hitch increases the towing capacity up to 14,300 pounds.
Available
on F-250/F-350 with either the 4x2 or 4x4 system are dual rear wheels
that increase rear traction, improve towing stability and provide
increased rear axle weight ratings. The optional limited-slip rear
axle improves performance in low traction situations such as off-road
driving or slick pavement.
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