Electronic stability control and traction control brakes are now standard on 2018 F-650 and F-750 medium-duty trucks. The system will initially be optional on certain F-750 diesel air-braked straight trucks with high-center-of-gravity-body upfits, the company says.
For applications with high electrical demands, a high-output 240-amp alternator is now available with the 6.8-liter V10 gasoline powertrain. Ordering the higher output alternator to power auxiliary lights and equipment can eliminate the need to specify a second alternator or generator.
To limit potential hood wear and front-end collision damage, an available bumper extension moves the full-width front bumper from flush with the grille to three inches in front of it. This provides additional protection to the grille and components behind it in case of a collision, potentially reducing repair expenses.
Relocated dipsticks can be accessed from ground level, and the transmission fluid dipstick has been moved to provide ground-level access on gasoline models.
The 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel engine delivers 270 horsepower and 675 lb.-ft. of torque, as well as available engine outputs of 300 horsepower with 700 lb.-ft. of torque and 330 horsepower with 725 lb.-ft. of torque.
The 6.8-liter V10 gasoline engine provides 320 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft. of torque and can be factory-prepped for conversion to compressed natural gas or liquid propane.
Both engines come with the Ford-built TorqShift heavy-duty six-speed automatic transmission. An available live-drive power takeoff provision features an output gear linked directly to the diesel engine crankshaft for 300 lb.-ft. of stationary torque and 200 lb.-ft. of mobile torque. For the gasoline powertrain, the optional power takeoff’s stationary and mobile mode deliver 250 lb.-ft. and 125 lb.-ft. of torque, respectively.
The transmission’s SelectShift feature has two driver-initiated modes: progressive range select, which limits the range of gears to lock out overdrive for consistent speed over hills, and full manual mode, which provides control up and down the gearbox. Selectable tow/haul mode compensates for grade and load to reduce gear hunting and improve power delivery. Engine braking and selective gearing improve control on downhill grades and help minimize brake wear.
