Ford F-550 Generation 1 (1999–2009)

Ford F-550 Generation 1 (1999–2009) — production years, market prices by model year, NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, and live listings for sale on VehiSales.

Ford F-550 — body generations

Vehicles within one generation share the same platform and body style.

Engines used in the F-550

Engine families this model shipped with, by NHTSA VIN build data — each links to every model that shares it.

About this generation

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). The Super Duty trucks were produced with three cab configurations—a two-door regular cab, 2+2 door SuperCab, and four-door crew cab. The SuperCab configuration of the Super Duty marked the introduction of two standard rear-hinged doors on the extended cab, a feature also adopted by the F-150 and Ranger/Mazda B-Series for 1999.

The standard-cab pickup was produced with an 8-foot bed; SuperCab and crew cabs were produced with a 6 3/4-foot bed, with an 8-foot bed optional. Chassis cab models came with more and different bed length and wheelbase options, but with the same cabs. Two-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive as an option; on F-350 pickup trucks, DRW models with four-wheel-drive became available for the first time. Unlike the F-150, while the SuperCab name was carried over, the Super Duty trucks did not even adopt SuperCrew at all (even after 2016; third generation).

Styled by Andrew Jacobson (designer of the 1997 F-150) and Moray Callum, aside from taillamp lenses and the tailgate, the Super Duty shared no visible parts with the F-150, even the interior itself. But on the powertrain side, only the base-equipment 5.4-liter V8 and 4R100 transmission were shared. Also sharing the similar aerodynamic cab design of its smaller counterpart, the exteriors of the Super Duty trucks are much different forward of the windshield.

While the front-end styling is an influence often compared to the second-generation Dodge Ram, the Super Duty also derives elements of styling from much larger Ford trucks, including the Ford LTL-9000 and Aeromax, with a raised hood line, large grille, and low fenders. A feature drawn from 1996 redesign of the Louisville/Aeromax was in the design of the side window openings; the front portion is lowered, allowing for increased side visibility (as well as larger side-view mirrors).

To improve aerodynamics over metal-framed mirrors, manual-telescoping trailer-tow mirrors were available as an option. As an industry first, two large, complete, ring-style front tow hooks were included. A minor update occurred in the 2002 model year, which received a new instrument cluster with a digital odometer more similar to that of the updated 1999 F-150, in addition to a new headlight design. For 2004, Crew Cab models gained headrests on the rear outboard seating positions.

For the 2005 model year, the Ford Super Duty trucks were given more minor exterior and interior updates. For the exterior, a new grille (inspired by the Ford Mighty F-350 Tonka concept), front bumper, and headlights were introduced alongside the introduction of a locking tailgate for all pickup trucks. Under the skin (with thicker frame rails), updated Triton gasoline engines were introduced with higher engine output and larger alternators; in response to the increased power, all trucks were given four-wheel disc brakes (with two-piston calipers).

To accommodate the larger brakes, 17-inch wheels became standard, with 18-inch wheels optional (on single rear-wheel trucks); forged Alcoa wheels were an option. The long-running Twin I-Beam front suspension continued on two-wheel drive trucks. The 5R110 five speed automatic transmission, once exclusive to the 6.0 Powerstroke turbo diesel powertrain, became available with the 5.4 and 6.8 Triton Gasoline engines, replacing the four speed 4R100.

To the interior, several changes were made to improve functionality for end users. Along with the addition of a driver-side glove compartment, the truck added the option of dashboard-mounted auxiliary switches (for owners who fit equipment such as snowplows, winches, and auxiliary lights); these are switches that were typically user designed.

Source: Wikipedia — Ford Super Duty — First generation (1999–2007), CC BY-SA.