The Ford F-Series F-250 VI SuperCab, equipped with the 5.8-liter (351 cubic inch) V8 engine producing 160 horsepower and paired with an automatic transmission, was a mainstay of Ford’s heavy-duty truck lineup from 1977 to 1979. This variant occupied a middle ground within the F-250 range, offering a balance between capability and affordability. It was part of the sixth generation (1973-1979) of the F-Series, known for their robust construction and increasing comfort features. The SuperCab designation indicated an extended cab configuration, providing additional passenger space compared to the standard cab models.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Ford |
| Model | F-Series F-250 |
| Generation | F-Series F-250 VI SuperCab |
| Type (Engine) | 5.8 351 V8 (160 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1977 |
| End of production | 1979 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 6 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Power | 160 Hp |
| Power per litre | 27.8 Hp/l |
| Engine displacement | 5752 cm3 |
| Engine displacement (cu. in.) | 351.01 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 101.6 mm (4 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88.9 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Max. weight | 3674 kg (8099.78 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 1727-2084 l (60.99 – 73.6 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 73 l (19.28 US gal | 16.06 UK gal) |
| Length | 5362-5773 mm (211.1 – 227.28 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3531-3937 mm (139.02 – 155 in.) |
| Wading depth | 673-678 mm (26.5 – 26.69 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission Cruise-O-Matic |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Transverse stabilizer, Leaf spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 215/85 R16.5 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 16.5 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this F-250 variant was the 5.8-liter (351 cubic inch) Ford Windsor V8 engine. This engine, designated as the 351W, was a staple of Ford’s truck and car lineups for many years. It featured a cast iron block and cylinder heads, with a two-barrel carburetor handling fuel delivery. The engine utilized a traditional pushrod valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. The 160 horsepower output was considered adequate for the time, but it wasn’t the most powerful option available in the F-250 range. The engine’s longitudinal front-engine layout was typical for trucks of this era. The automatic transmission was a Ford Cruise-O-Matic, a three-speed unit known for its durability. This transmission was designed to handle the torque produced by the 351 Windsor, providing smooth, if not particularly quick, shifts.
Driving Characteristics
The F-250 with the 5.8L V8 and automatic transmission offered a comfortable, albeit not sporty, driving experience. Acceleration was modest, particularly when hauling loads or climbing hills. The Cruise-O-Matic transmission’s gear ratios were optimized for towing and hauling, prioritizing torque multiplication over rapid acceleration. Compared to the available manual transmissions, the automatic resulted in a slight decrease in fuel economy and a less direct connection to the engine. However, it provided ease of use, especially in stop-and-go traffic or for drivers less familiar with manual transmissions. The truck’s substantial weight and leaf spring rear suspension contributed to a firm ride, especially when unladen.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The F-250 SuperCab 5.8 Automatic typically came with a fairly basic level of equipment. Standard features included a vinyl bench seat, basic instrumentation (speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge), and a heater. The SuperCab configuration added a rear seat, increasing passenger capacity. Optional extras included air conditioning, an upgraded radio, power steering (often standard by this point), and various trim packages. Interior upholstery was generally vinyl or a combination of vinyl and cloth. The dashboard layout was functional and straightforward, prioritizing practicality over aesthetics. The trim level of this particular variant generally fell in the mid-range of the F-250 lineup, offering more comfort and convenience than the base models but lacking the luxury features of the higher-end trims.
Chassis & Braking
The F-250 chassis was built for durability and heavy-duty use. It featured a robust ladder frame construction. The front suspension utilized independent coil springs and a transverse stabilizer bar, providing a reasonable level of ride comfort. The rear suspension employed leaf springs and a transverse stabilizer bar, designed to handle heavy loads. Braking was accomplished via disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. Power steering was often included, making maneuvering the large truck easier. The tires, typically 215/85 R16.5, were designed for both on-road and off-road use, providing adequate traction in a variety of conditions.
Market Reception & Comparison
The F-250 5.8 Automatic was generally well-received by buyers seeking a capable and reliable work truck. Critics noted its solid construction and adequate power for most tasks. However, some reviewers pointed out that the 160 horsepower engine was somewhat underpowered compared to the larger displacement V8 options available in the F-250 lineup, such as the 390 cubic inch or 460 cubic inch engines. The automatic transmission was praised for its ease of use, but some drivers preferred the greater control and fuel efficiency of the manual transmissions. Compared to the diesel-powered F-250s, the 5.8L gasoline engine offered lower initial cost but significantly lower fuel economy and less torque for heavy hauling.
Legacy
The Ford F-250 5.8 Automatic from the late 1970s has become a popular choice among classic truck enthusiasts. The 351 Windsor engine is known for its reliability and relative ease of maintenance. Parts availability is generally good, making it a relatively affordable classic to own and restore. While not the most powerful or fuel-efficient variant of the F-250, it represents a sweet spot for many buyers, offering a good balance of capability, comfort, and affordability. Today, well-maintained examples command reasonable prices in the used car market, and the truck remains a testament to Ford’s long-standing reputation for building tough and dependable trucks.
