Ford has been dominating the car industry for decades thanks to its efficient, performance-boosted trucks. For those interested in a powerful yet straightforward engine with great fuel efficiency, the Ford diesel lineup is an appealing option.
Introduced decades ago, Ford diesel trucks have been popular for years and will likely continue to be in the future. Starting out as new features in the old Ford diesel trucks, diesel engines have continued to evolve and become more powerful and efficient than ever before.
It all started with two companies that came together to form a fruitful partnership to create the Power Stroke engine.
Power Stroke Diesel Engine
Reeling from gasoline issues in the 1970s, car manufacturers were looking for ways to improve efficiency in vehicles. Gas prices were rocketing and safety standards were increasing, forcing designers to come up with new ways to help drivers save money and cut down on their trips to the gas station.
One innovation that helped consumers was the introduction of the diesel engine. The diesel engine proved to be reliable and long-lasting and gave drivers more miles per gallon, which attracted many buyers. As other brands like Dodge and Chevy put out diesel trucks, Ford awaited its grand entrance into the diesel game. In 1994, Ford started equipping its trucks with the power-stroke engine.
International Harvester had started designing V8 diesel engines for medium-sized trucks in 1978. Ford Motor Company soon became interested in International Harvester’s work and the two agreed to a $500 million agreement for International Harvester to develop a diesel engine for Ford trucks over the next five years.
Together, the companies crafted an efficient engine that used combustion and high-pressure gases to power machinery. It was unique because of its electronically-controlled unit injector fuel system. These engines are featured in Ford’s full-size truck lineups.
1994 F-150
With its turbocharged, direct-injected 7.3-liter V8 design, the first power-stroke diesel Ford shocked the market. It was one of the first diesel engines to be electronically controlled, a feature that would soon become commonplace. It put out impressive power — 210 horsepower and 425 pounds-feet of torque. That first Ford diesel truck would be the start of a long and impressive run for the efficient engine.
Although 210 horsepower was impressive for the time and this type of vehicle, the ensuing years would see great upgrades to power and performance. With the introduction of the 1994 F-150, it was clear that the diesel engine was a success and many people were interested in its advantages.
The Power Stroke engine would be the new norm for Ford diesel truck models for years to come.
2004 F-150
As the years progressed, the Ford lineup began to cater to more than just the worker looking to haul supplies on the roads. Designers started to pay attention to comfort and drivability, improving the overall ride of the vehicle. Along with tweaks to Ford diesel engines, changes to the exterior and interior would offer better safety and a more comfortable, quieter ride.
The 2004 Ford diesel truck saw a complete frame redesign. It included a boxed-in frame and rear shocks for an improved feel on the roads. Both this model and the 2005 Ford diesel truck offered a smooth, gentle ride that became a new trend for these vehicles going forward.
2017 F-350
The 2017 Ford F-350 was one of the most popular diesel trucks to hit the market, winning awards and accolades for its design. In a complete redesign of its Super Duty, Ford added aluminum body panels, reduced weight and increased performance without sacrificing towing capacity. The engine inside was extremely powerful, offering 440 horsepower and 925 pounds-feet of torque.
Even with the heavy-duty, armored build of the F-350, it still retains great comfort and drivability.
2018 F-150
The recent Ford F-150 diesel truck offers a 3.0-liter power stroke V6 engine with 250 horsepower. The engine produces efficient gas mileage and strong towing capacities for a light-duty truck. The vehicle also includes features such as cruise control, collision warnings and blind-spot monitoring. Another notable characteristic of the 2018 Ford F-150 is comfort — the vehicle offers a luxurious feel that’s ideal for long drives.
Whether you’re looking to haul loads for work or use it as your everyday vehicle, the 2018 Ford F-150 is a terrific choice.
2019 F-250
Serving as the middle option between the F-350 and the F-150, the F-250 is a full-sized truck decked out with modern advancements and a roomy interior. The 2019 Ford F-250 has a 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel engine capable of 450 horsepower and 935 pounds-feet of torque. Even with all of its weight, the Ford F-250 diesel truck drives easily, smoothly and reliably on the roads.
With its efficiency and power, the 2019 Ford diesel truck is one of the best model years.
2022 Super Duty
Although the Ford diesel engine was discontinued in the F-150, it still survives in the Super Duty versions. If you’re looking to buy one of the newest and most powerful diesel Ford trucks on the market, the 2022 Super Duty could be the choice for you.
The vehicle comes with all of the latest exterior parts, including a bright chrome grille and polished aluminum wheels. This newest version has also come a long way from its original counterparts, boasting hotspot capabilities in the interior and a digital display that allows you to listen to music, answer calls and more. These advancements allow you to focus on the road and multi-task while staying safe.
For the 2022 Super Duty, the diesel option is the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8, producing 475 horsepower and 1,050 pounds-feet of torque.
The Future of Ford Diesel Trucks
Ford has stopped producing diesel engines in their F-150 due to the popularity of their gasoline alternatives. After a long reign of success, Ford dropped the diesel F-150 line in 2021.
Although Ford will stop producing them, you can still find diesel trucks on the road and at used car dealerships. You’ll also be able to find the diesel engine in the Super Duty models, which still offer the Power Stroke.
As the 2022 models show, Ford continues to innovate their vehicles, making performance better than ever. If you do get your hands on one of these vehicles, you may be looking for some quality parts to return it to its former glory. Finding a trusted and reliable auto parts dealer is the first step.
FAQs
There’s a lot to cover when it comes to Ford diesel trucks. From the inner workings of the Power Stroke engine to deciding which year offered the best diesel truck, you could be pondering several different questions in your head. Here are a few frequently asked questions:
What Are the Different Types of Power Stroke Engines?
The Power Stroke engine evolved throughout the years, offering different performance standards and efficiency stats. There were six main types of Power Stroke engines, each categorized by their sizes — the 7.3-, 6.0-, 6.4-, 6.7-, 3.2- and 3.0-liter options.
The 7.3-liter diesel engine was the first to be featured in a Ford, while the 3.0-liter is the latest model that’s still being used today.
What Are the Benefits of Diesel Engines?
Diesel engines started out being used for large appliances involved in agricultural work. It wasn’t long before people started realizing these engines could be used in trucks. Several factors made them appealing to many drivers:
- Efficiency: One of the best advantages of a diesel engine is its efficiency. Even though it may be a bit more expensive than gasoline, it ultimately leads to fewer stops at a gas station and can power vehicles for a longer duration.
- Simplicity: Diesel engines are generally simpler than gas engines. This is appealing to many people who like to do their own work on their vehicles. They can easily find out what’s going wrong with their engine and quickly make repairs.
- Longevity: Because diesel engines are also simpler in design, they also tend to last a long time and may have fewer issues as time goes on.
There’s a lot to like about the diesel engine, which is why it’s become so popular for drivers. Ford has done a great job of utilizing this engine and introducing it into their lineup.
What Is the Best Ford Diesel Truck?
Narrowing down the best Ford diesel truck is challenging. A lot of this is subjective, with each person prioritizing a different characteristic. When you’re deciding which Ford diesel truck is the best, you’ll want to keep a few different aspects in mind:
- Size: Ford trucks are differentiated by size. Some opt for the biggest and most powerful trucks on the market, while others are looking for the more efficient, versatile vehicle. The size of the truck will have an impact on things such as horsepower and torque, so this will impact drivers’ decisions for the “best” diesel truck.
- Torque: Many people seek out trucks for their hauling capabilities. Each truck has a slight difference when it comes to torque and how much power these vehicles are able to produce. If you’re looking for the strongest truck with the best towing capabilities, the heavy-duty options might be for you.
- Power: Whether you’re willing to settle for decent horsepower or want an engine that gives you a ton of power, the engine capabilities will likely be important to you.
The best Ford diesel truck is up to the buyer. Along with these factors, there are plenty of others to keep in mind. With all of the technological advancements found in today’s trucks, some might prefer the newest. Ford diesel trucks. Bluetooth capabilities and digital displays can aid those who use their truck for work or are looking for safety and convenience on the roads.
With all of the various options and model years, there are plenty to choose from and you’ll be to find the right truck for you.
Which Ford Trucks Are Diesel?
Ford diesel trucks can be found in both the F-150 option and Super Duty Models. The F-150 is the lightest model, while the Super Duty Models — including the F-250 and F-350 — offer a heavier, more powerful vehicle with greater towing capacities.
Does Ford Make Diesel Trucks?
Ford started production of diesel trucks in the 1990s. For over two decades, Ford produced efficient, powerful diesel trucks that could easily haul huge loads. It was only recently — in 2021 — that Ford announced they would stop production of the diesel engine in the F-150 in favor of gasoline engines. The stoppage marked the end of a long and fruitful run for the Ford F-150 diesel trucks. The diesel engine is still alive, however, in the Ford Super-Duty models.
Raybuck Auto Body Parts
If you own a Ford diesel truck, you may be looking for quality parts to help with repairs or a restoration project. In those types of projects, it can be challenging trying to find all of the right pieces. Rather than having to go from one seller to another to find the correct parts, there’s an easier, more convenient way to find the parts you need.
Raybuck Auto Body Parts offers a huge selection of Ford diesel truck parts, from interior trim to engine components. Our company can offer you many different advantages, including:
- Quality materials: Raybuck Auto Body Parts sells only the highest-quality materials. You won’t have to worry about the kind of products you’re getting — we know what it takes to give our customers what they want.
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- Excellent customer service: Our team is ready to assist you. Just send us an email or give us a phone call and we can help guide you to the product you need. With decades of experience in the industry, Raybuck Auto Body Parts is here to help your project go smoothly.
Contact Us Today
Owning a Ford diesel pickup is highly advantageous, offering efficiency, reliability and longevity. However, during those times when you need to make a repair or undertake a project, Raybuck Auto Body Parts is your home for quality Ford products. With the easy-to-use filter system on our website, you can browse by model year, make and sub model to make things as easy as possible.
Whether you’re looking for new upholstery or a specific engine part, we can help you find it. Browse our collection of parts today or talk to a member of our team if you have any questions.