A totally redesigned grille is one of the more apparent changes for the 2011 Ford F-350 full-size pickup. Other changes, for better or worse, include dropping the fuel-hungry V10, a bigger yet more economical gas-powered V8, a standard six-speed transmission for both the gas and turbodiesel V8s, and elimination of the single-rear-wheel-only Cabela trim level. Thus this heavy hauler is left with four trim levels, the base XL, midlevel XLT, notched-up Lariat, and flagship King Ranch, all available with either a 6.8-foot or 8-foot bed, rear-wheel drive (RWD) or part-time four-wheel drive (4WD), and single rear wheel or dual rear wheels (8-foot-bed trims only). Both the XL and XLT are offered in either Regular cab (8-foot bed), SuperCab (6.8-foot or 8-foot bed), or Crew cab (6.8-foot or 8-foot bed) versions, with the Lariat available with a SuperCab or Crew cab, and the King Ranch delivered only with the Crew cab. Dodge’s Ram, Chevy’s Silverado HD, and GMC’s Sierra HD remain the 2011 F-350 Super Duty’s major competition.

With the loss of the V10, the 2011 F-350 Super Duty is left with the up-powered 6.2-liter Flex Fuel V8 as its sole gasoline-burning powerplant. Expect 385 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque from this standard engine under the auspices of the standard six-speed auto-manual transmission. Though EPA figures are unavailable, Ford claims 15% better mileage from their newest V8, and better yet, owners can tow up to 16,500 pounds of trailer with a fifth-wheel hitch. If, however, that’s not enough power, a 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8 is available across the lineup. This monster pounds out 390 hp and a jaw-dropping 735 lb-ft of torque when managed, again, by the electronic six-speed shiftable transmission. Ford claims an 18% improvement in fuel economy with the turbodiesel, and fifth-wheel towing capacity jumps to 21,600 pounds.

As the draught animals of the bunch, the 2011 F-350 Super Duty XL and XLT trims aren’t big into standard appearance and cabin bling. The XL claims 17-inch painted steel wheels, vinyl upholstery, front (and, in the SuperCab and Crew cab versions, rear) bench seating, telescoping tilt-wheel steering, air conditioning, and an AM/FM radio with two speakers (four in the larger cabs), while the XLT adds 17-inch alloys, cloth upholstery, power-adjustable driver’s seat, power accessories including keyless entry and heated outside mirrors, cruise control, and a single-CD player. Meantime, the playboys of the pack, the F-350 Super Duty Lariat and King Ranch, arrive significantly upgraded, looks- and gizmo-wise. Lariats add 18-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, satellite radio, SYNC/Bluetooth infotainment and communications technology, nine speakers, and a USB connection, while the King Ranch throws in scads of unique chrome, upgraded leather, step running boards, heated front seats, power-folding exterior mirrors, a rear-view camera, and memory for driver settings, as well as leather and simulated wood cabin trim.

Options for the lower 2011 F-350 Super Duty trims include many standard features packed onto or into their upper-echelon brethren, but also first dibs on Ford’s popular Work Solutions Package, including a dash-mounted PC. Meanwhile, depending on trim level, 20-inch chrome wheels, a hard-drive-based navigation system, fifth-wheel installation (long-bed trims only), transmission power takeoff, and spray-in bed liner are also optional, while the King Ranch can be delivered with a power sunroof. Additionally, the FX4 Off-Road Package, allowing for a spin through the Himalayas when the moment moves, is available throughout the lineup.

Its dominating size provides the 2011 F-350 Super Duty’s occupants with a lot of protection, but some additional dedicated safety equipment helps as well. Standard for all trims are four-wheel disc ABS, traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, front (and in the six-passenger cabs, rear) head airbags, and a post-collision safety system. The XLT and higher trims also feature a standard remote anti-theft alarm, with the Lariat and King Ranch also carrying standard turn-signal-integrated mirrors, rear parking sensors, SYNC remote airbag deployment and collision alerts, and front fog/driving lights.

Owners of the 2010 F-350 Super Duty cite an ugly center stack and chintzy cabin materials as aggravations, and many find this leviathan’s huge turning radius a further challenge. On the other hand, massive towing capacity, off-road abilities, the always-well-received SYNC system, looks, total build quality, and the roominess of the SuperCab and Crew cab trims are among the overwhelming number of positives noted by most owners.