What is the specs of the 6.8 Ford F-350?
The 6.8-liter Ford F-350 refers to the F-Series Super Duty trucks equipped with Ford’s 6.8L Triton V10 gasoline engine. In general, this setup delivers robust mid-range torque and reliable, heavy-duty performance, with horsepower and torque figures varying by model year and configuration. Below is a concise, year-spread overview of the engine and its typical drivetrain pairing.
The following details outline the core characteristics and how they translated into real-world capability for the F-350 with the 6.8L V10. Because Ford released this engine across multiple years and configurations, exact numbers can vary by production period, trim, gearing, and whether the truck was equipped with 4x4 or different axle ratios. For precise figures, consult the specific vehicle’s build sheet or Ford’s archived specifications.
Engine specs
Core engine attributes and output range as commonly reported for the 6.8L Triton V10 used in the F-350 Super Duty
- Displacement: 6.8 liters (415 cubic inches)
- Configuration: V-10, 90 degrees
- Valvetrain: Dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) with 4 valves per cylinder (40 valves total)
- Fuel system: Sequential multi-point fuel injection (EFI)
- Induction: Naturally aspirated gasoline engine
- Power output: Approximately 300–362 horsepower, depending on year and configuration (late-model examples often cited around 362 hp)
- Torque: Roughly 420–457 lb-ft of torque, depending on year and configuration
In summary, the 6.8L V10 Triton is a large, all-gasoline engine with a 40-valve DOHC setup designed for heavy-duty use, delivering substantial torque to help with towing and payloads.
Drivetrain and transmission
How the engine was paired with transmissions and drive layouts across its production life
- Primary transmission pairing: Ford heavy-duty automatic transmissions, most commonly a four-speed in earlier years, with later updates offering more gears in some cross-overs and trims
- Drive layout: Available in both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4x4) configurations, depending on model and options
- Axle and gearing: Versions varied by axle ratio and cab/bed configuration, influencing performance and towing characteristics
These drivetrain choices made the 6.8L V10 a capable workhorse for towing and heavy payloads, while allowing options for different work-site or highway use cases.
Capabilities and performance characteristics
Typical performance and capability notes for the 6.8L V10 F-350, acknowledging year-to-year variation
- Towing capacity: Highly dependent on axle ratio, cab/bed setup, and whether the truck is 4x4; common range spans from roughly 10,000 to 15,000+ pounds in many configurations
- Payload: Varies by wheelbase and configuration, generally in the lower-to-mid range for heavy-duty gas trucks; often optimized by crew cab vs. XL/XL trim choices
- Fuel economy: As with most heavy-duty gasoline engines in this class, economy is modest and heavily influenced by load, terrain, and payload
Actual figures will depend on the exact year, configuration, axle ratio, and whether the truck is 4x4 or 4x2. The 6.8L V10’s strength lies in its torque delivery for pulling heavy loads rather than fuel economy.
Maintenance considerations
What owners typically need to know about keeping a 6.8L V10 F-350 in serviceable condition
- Regular maintenance: Oil changes every 5,000–7,500 miles (or per manufacturer recommendation), fluid checks, and timely spark plug service where applicable
- Spark plugs and ignition: As a 10-cylinder gasoline engine with spark-plug-based ignition, timely ignition-related maintenance supports smooth operation
- Cooling: Adequate cooling system maintenance matters, especially under heavy loads or towing in hot climates
Maintenance habits and part availability vary by year and market; consult a trusted technician or a Ford service advisor for work on your specific build.
Summary
The 6.8L Triton V10 in the Ford F-350 Super Duty represents a robust gas-engine option for heavy payloads and towing, delivering strong torque and reliable performance across a range of years and configurations. While horsepower and torque figures can vary by model year, late-model examples are commonly cited around 360+ hp and 450+ lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices, axle ratios, and 4x4 capability all influence real-world capability, so exact numbers should be verified against the specific vehicle’s build data.
