The History of the Ford F-350 Super Duty Dually 2WD goes back to the original F-Series pickup trucks from the Ford Motor Company that were introduced in 1948. There was the F-1, a half ton model; the F-2, a 3/4 ton model; and the F-3, the original HD model. They came with two engine options, a 226 c.i. engine that cranked out a whopping 95 horses and a 239 c.i. that delivered 100 hp. These new F-Series, introduced in '48 had integrated headlights and smoother bodily contours than did the previous Ford pickups. They also brought about the single-pieced windshield.
Beginning in 1953, the names of the F-1, F-2 and F-3 trucks were changed to the F-150, F-250 and F-350 respectively. They were also redesigned to be more sleek and present a more fluid body style. By 1954, the F-350 was available with the "Mileage Maker", a 223 c.i. engine that put out 115 hp. There was also the "Power King", an engine that produced 130 strong ponies. The new "Driverized Cab" from Ford offered arm rests, a cigar lighter and an actual dome light. And by 1956, the F-350 was torquing out 173 hp from a 272 c.i. V8. Although it did exist from 1948 onward, the F-350 didn't officially wear its name tag until 1957.
The first crew cab was offered in 1969 and by 1970, F-350 buyers were offered their choice between Custom, Sport, Ranger and Ranger XLT trims. 302 c.i. engines were now cranking out over 220 hp. Grille designs were modified regularly throughout the history of the F-350. In 1979, all F-Series Fords began utilizing square headlights.
It took until 1999 for the HD versions of the F-Series Fords (the 250 and 350 models) to undergo a total revamping. These big brothers of the F-150 were given huge grilles and a squared off appearance. They were intentionally beefed up to show off their brutal toughness. Also, regular cabs, SuperCabs and Crew Cabs were offered as XL, XLT and Lariat trims.
The F-350 Super Duty became an overnight best seller for all people that needed a truck that could handle any responsibilities involving rugged, heavy work. Farming fleets and construction companies bought the F-350 Super Duty by the boatload and continue to do so today. The F-350 Super Duty 2WD, manufactured initially in Escobedo, Mexico, marked the 10th generation of the F-Series trucks and continues to be a standard for heavy, tough jobs in hauling and towing.
Engine choices for the F-350 Super Duty Dually 2WD range from the 6.8L Triton V10 to the 6.0L Power Stroke Turbo-Diesel V8. The F-350 Super Duty was named Fleet Truck of the Year in 2007. As of 2009, the F-350 Super Duty Dually 2WD will undergo a major facelift. The design will be more chiseled and contemporary. The front end will be given a tougher, no-nonsense appearance that commands attention more than ever before. There are also rumors about the future of a Hybrid F-350 Super Duty as technology continues to advance.
The F-350 Super Duty Dually 2WD continues to lead the planet as the standard for serious work trucks. The future is always bright for Ford - the company certainly isn't going anywhere but up.
