Model Range
For 2009, the new F-150 can be ordered in seven different trim levels with three different engines and in three different cab styles that have three different box lengths. When you have decided on the cab and engine, you still have pages of choices to make on everything from interior trim (there are seven levels) to the rear axle ratio. Part of your choice is made easy with specific packages such as the King Ranch or an option group such as the trailer towing grouping.
Frame
Regardless of how you spec the truck out, the big news starts with a new frame that has 10% more tensional rigidity and is the first item on the list that leads to an overall 42-kg (100-lb) reduction in weight over the 2008. The frame is still a twin-rail, boxed unit with welded cross bracing.
The welding process is now five times stronger than previously thanks to a new method of laser welding. When you have one of the best frames in the industry, the motivation for improving it comes from the desire to keep up with what customers want. Improving torsional rigidity provides a stronger platform to hang all the other parts off of as well as increase component strength. That is the start of a better truck.
Rear suspension Changes
At the rear, 9-cm-wide leaf springs are 15 cm longer and are now increasing-rate. Shocks are still on the outside of the frame, mounted as close to the outer edge of the axle as is possible. This requires a slightly longer travel for the shock, but provides better dampening and control of the solid rear axle. By placing the shocks at an angle, they become a dampened set of trailing arms that take many undesired bits of axle movement out thus improving ride quality even more.
Transmission Choices
There are two transmissions used in the F-150. If you order the entry -evel 4.6-litre, two-valve V8, the transmission is a four-speed automatic. Step up to either the three-valve 4.6-litre V8 or the three-valve 5.4 and the mixer of choice is a new six-speed, electronically-controlled automatic.
This six-speed is a pleasant combination; close-ratio first gears help get off the line (maximum towing capacity is 5,126 kg or 11,300 lbs) without revving the motor to the point where it sounds like it's coming apart. At the other end of the scale, top gear brings the revs down to provide maximum fuel economy and comfortable driving.
For 2009, the new F-150 can be ordered in seven different trim levels with three different engines and in three different cab styles that have three different box lengths. When you have decided on the cab and engine, you still have pages of choices to make on everything from interior trim (there are seven levels) to the rear axle ratio. Part of your choice is made easy with specific packages such as the King Ranch or an option group such as the trailer towing grouping.
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| The F-150 starts at $24,199 for an XL trim regular cab and goes up to $54,699 for a 4X4 Lariat Platinum. |
Frame
Regardless of how you spec the truck out, the big news starts with a new frame that has 10% more tensional rigidity and is the first item on the list that leads to an overall 42-kg (100-lb) reduction in weight over the 2008. The frame is still a twin-rail, boxed unit with welded cross bracing.
The welding process is now five times stronger than previously thanks to a new method of laser welding. When you have one of the best frames in the industry, the motivation for improving it comes from the desire to keep up with what customers want. Improving torsional rigidity provides a stronger platform to hang all the other parts off of as well as increase component strength. That is the start of a better truck.
Rear suspension Changes
At the rear, 9-cm-wide leaf springs are 15 cm longer and are now increasing-rate. Shocks are still on the outside of the frame, mounted as close to the outer edge of the axle as is possible. This requires a slightly longer travel for the shock, but provides better dampening and control of the solid rear axle. By placing the shocks at an angle, they become a dampened set of trailing arms that take many undesired bits of axle movement out thus improving ride quality even more.
Transmission Choices
There are two transmissions used in the F-150. If you order the entry -evel 4.6-litre, two-valve V8, the transmission is a four-speed automatic. Step up to either the three-valve 4.6-litre V8 or the three-valve 5.4 and the mixer of choice is a new six-speed, electronically-controlled automatic.
This six-speed is a pleasant combination; close-ratio first gears help get off the line (maximum towing capacity is 5,126 kg or 11,300 lbs) without revving the motor to the point where it sounds like it's coming apart. At the other end of the scale, top gear brings the revs down to provide maximum fuel economy and comfortable driving.
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| There are two transmissions offered with the F-150. |