| While the F150, F250 and F350 are available in a wide range of configurations, the 2009 F450 and F550 are a bit more limited, with a crew-cab body the only cab option in both cases. The F450 comes with a standard 8-foot pickup bed, while the F550 is delivered as a cab and bare chassis suitable for a number of different beds or work boxes. Both trucks share styling cues with their smaller counterparts, but each have a 6-inch wider front track due to Ford's commercial monobeam front suspension, and all F450s and F550s come only with a dual-rear wheel setup, all of which helps both achieve earth-shattering towing abilities (21,500 pounds for the F450, 24,400 pounds for the F550).
Ford's 6.4-liter Power Stroke 32-valve turbodiesel V8 is the only available engine in both trucks, with its dual-stage intercooled turbochargers pumping out 350 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. Emissions numbers are on par with competing gasoline engines, according to Ford. Transmissions offered include a standard 6-speed manual as well as an optional 5-speed Torqueshift automatic, and both the F450 and F550 are available in either 2- or 4-wheel drive.
The F450 comes in three trim levels: base XL, midlevel XLT and the Lariat. The base model features 19.5-inch alloy wheels, commercial grade tires, heavy duty towing package with integrated trailer brake controller, vinyl interior front bench seat, 60/40 folding rear bench seat, air conditioning, AM/FM stereo and trailer-tow mirrors. The XLT adds a tilt steering column, cruise control, tinted glass, keyless entry, 40/20/40 front seat, cloth upholstery, a 4-speaker stereo with CD player and MP3 and iPod capabilities, and full power accessories with heated mirrors. The FX4 package, optional on the XLT, adds power folding mirrors, power front bucket seats and satellite radio. The top of the line Lariat adds foglamps, dual-zone climate control, power sliding rear window, back-up camera, leather trim, heated seats and Ford's Sync audio and cell phone integration system.
A newly available Cabela's FX4 package includes special 2-tone paint, running boards, mud flaps, cloth upholstery, woodgrain trim, revised lockable interior storage spaces and special Cabela's badging. Two-tone leather is available. A Harley-Davidson package is now optional on the Lariat, which includes blue flame paint graphics, blue and black leather trim, an upgraded stereo and Harley-Davidson badging. The King Ranch package also returns as an option on the Lariat, and includes 2-tone paint, 20-inch alloy wheels, an upgraded sound system and Ox Blood Red leather trim. |