Unlike the 1/2-ton category, no debating was required when we reached our discussion of this category. There is no question in our minds as to which 3/4-ton truck offers the best value and wheeling ability from the factory. How can you argue with high-travel solid axles with front coils, single-stage leaves, and Bilstein shocks? Also included on the Power Wagon is the meaty 5.7L Hemi V-8, front and rear lockers (rear limited-slip when unlocked), electronically disconnecting swaybar, Warn winch, forged wheels, and BFGoodrich A/Ts. Kudos to Dodge for creating the Power Wagon, which not only wins this category hands down, but won our 2005 Pickup Truck Of the Year competition. One staffer summed up the Power Wagon by saying, "This thing is unstoppable---an awesome truck!"
Others Considered: None
Vehicle/model: Power Wagon
Estimated price: $39,970
ENGINEBase
Type: 5.7L Hemi V-8
Horsepower @ rpm: 345 @ 5,400
Torque @ rpm: 375 @ 4,200
EPA city/highway mpg: N/A
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission: Six-speed manual/five-speed automatic
Transfer case: Part-time two-speed
Transfer case: ratio 2.72:1
Axle ratio: 4.56:1
SUSPENSION
Front: Solid axle, coil springs
Rear: Solid axle, leaf springs
WHEELS AND TIRES
Wheels, base: 17x8 aluminum
Tires, base: LT285/70R17D BFGoodrich A/T
BRAKES
Front: Disc/ABS
Rear: Disc/ABS
DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Wheelbase, in.: 140.5 (crew cab)
Length, in.: 227.7 (crew cab)
Width, in.: 79.9
Height, in.: 79
Curb weight, lb.: 6,072
Fuel capacity, gal.: 34
Ground clearance, in.: 8.5
Seating: 5
Towing capacity, lb.: 13,050
Whoa! Before you start accusing us of having an affinity for Blue Ovals, Ford once again won our editors over with its countless configurations that no other manufacturer can match. Would you like a V-8, V-10, or turbodiesel with your solid axles? Match that up with an automatic or manual transmission? How about a regular cab, SuperCab, or Crew Cab? Did you say you wanted a short, medium, or long bed with that? How about all those trim levels, the integrated trailer brake controller, or the off-road package? Sorry, Bow Tie and Mopar guys, there is a reason Ford has been the bestselling fullsize truck and vehicle for more than two decades. It may not be the best at everything, but it does everything well.
Others Considered: Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 3500, Dodge Ram 3500
Vehicle/model: Ford Super Duty F-350
Estimated price: $22,390
ENGINE
Type: 5.4L Triton V-8
Horsepower @ rpm: 300 @ 4,750
Torque @ rpm: 365 @ 3,750
EPA city/highway mpg: N/A
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission: Five-speed automatic
Transfer case: Part-time two-speed
Transfer case: ratio 2.72:1
Axle ratio: 3.73:1
SUSPENSION
Front: Solid axle, coil springs, stabilizer bar
Rear: Solid axle, leaf springs
WHEELS AND TIRES
Wheels, base: 17-inch stamped steel
Tires, base: LT245/75R17E
BRAKES
Front: Disc
Rear: Disc
DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Wheelbase, in.: 137.0-172.4
Length, in.: 226.4-261.8
Width, in.: 79.9-95.5
Height, in.: N/A
Curb weight, lb.: 6,114-7,014
Fuel capacity, gal.: 29.0-38.0
Ground clearance, in.: N/A
Seating: 3-6
Towing capacity, lb.: 12,500-24,800