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What year did the Ford F-350 come out?

The Ford F-350 first appeared in the 1999 model year as part of Ford's newly branded Super Duty lineup, with production beginning in late 1998.


For readers looking to place this in a broader context, the F-350 name has historical roots in Ford’s heavy-duty trucks, but the modern, dedicated F-350 Super Duty platform debuted in 1999. The move marked Ford’s shift to a stronger, purpose-built chassis and powertrain strategy designed to handle higher payloads and tougher towing demands.


The 1999 launch and its significance


The 1999 introduction brought a redesigned, purpose-built heavy-duty framework separate from Ford’s lighter-duty trucks. The Super Duty branding established a clear division between standard-duty models and Ford’s 1-ton workhorses, including the F-350.


What followed in the years after


Since that initial launch, the F-350 has remained a central component of Ford’s heavy-duty lineup, evolving through multiple generations with updates to frames, engines, and technology while preserving its core role as Ford’s top-tier 1-ton pickup option.


In summary, the modern Ford F-350, part of the Super Duty family, debuted for the 1999 model year (with production starting in 1998), and has continued to evolve as Ford’s flagship heavy-duty pickup.


Summary: The Ford F-350’s modern debut occurred in 1999, inaugurating Ford’s Super Duty era and establishing the 1-ton heavy-duty pickup as a mainstay of Ford’s lineup for decades to come.

When did Ford start making the F-350?


1999
Beginning production in January 1998 for the 1999 model year (after a 1998 hiatus), the Ford F-Series Super Duty consisted of the F-250 pickup truck, F-350 pickup truck and chassis cab, and introduced the F-450 and F-550 chassis-cabs (see below).



Which truck is better, the Ram 3500 or the Ford F350?


The choice between an F-350 and a Ram 3500 depends on priorities, as each truck excels in different areas: the F-350 often has a higher max payload, more powerful available diesel engine options, and a smoother 10-speed transmission, while the Ram 3500 generally offers a higher conventional towing capacity and the signature sound and power of its available Cummins diesel. Other factors include interior features, such as the Ram's potentially larger screens and storage, and the F-350's available off-road technologies like Trail Control™. 
This video compares the Ford F-350 and Ram 3500 in detail: 1mJB ReviewsYouTube · Aug 6, 2024
Ford F-350

  • Payload: Has a higher maximum payload capacity (up to 7,850 lbs) when properly equipped. 
  • Engine: Offers more available engine options, including a high-output 6.7L Power Stroke diesel with up to 1,200 lb-ft of torque. 
  • Transmission: Equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission that provides quicker shifts. 
  • Off-Road: Features available off-road technology like Trail Control™. 
  • Towing: Has less conventional towing capacity than the Ram 3500, but higher gooseneck towing. 

Ram 3500
  • Towing: Features a higher maximum conventional towing capacity (up to 37,090 lbs). 
  • Engine: Comes with the high-output 6.7L Cummins turbo-diesel, known for its torque and rumble. 
  • Interior: Offers a high-end interior with potentially larger screens and more storage space, especially in the Mega Cab configuration. 
  • Towing Tech: Includes features like the exhaust brake for better stopping power. 
  • Price: Base model configurations can be a better value, especially with the more powerful standard gas engine. 



What year to stay away from Ford F350?


F-350 Super Duty models from 1998 to 2004 have the most issues. Leaf-spring front suspensions make them harder to handle. Engine issues, transmission problems, and rust are also known problems in these models.



Is Ford making an $8000 truck?


No, Ford is not making an $8,000 truck; this is a hoax spread through clickbait videos and social media, possibly based on outdated information about the original, low starting price of the Ford Maverick. Current information and discussions about an $8,000 truck usually link to misinformation or outdated content, with legitimate reports showing that the cost of new trucks, including the Ford Maverick, has increased significantly. 
This video explains why the $8,000 Ford truck is a hoax: 49sCar Reviews hubYouTube · Apr 16, 2025

  • Hoax and misinformation: The idea of an $8,000 Ford truck is a widespread hoax fueled by clickbait videos and social media posts that lack factual evidence, as pointed out by Reddit users. 
  • Outdated premise: The claim might stem from the Ford Maverick's initial low price when it was first released, but its price has since increased substantially. 
  • Real-world pricing: Ford's current lineup of trucks does not include any model priced at $8,000, and the cheapest models are significantly more expensive than that figure. 


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Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.