The F150 has received a reworked 4-speed transmission to ensure the big guy's torque is properly managed. Ford has touted the smooth shifting characteristics of this auto-gearbox in its literature, and has not overstated the case. The transmission shifts at the appropriate point, whether an upshift or downshift has been ordered. In conjunction with the autobox, my 4-wheel drive Lariat could be engaged effortlessly into 2-wheel hi, 4-wheel hi and 4-wheel low transfer-case settings by the turn of a dash mounted switch. Once activated, the 4-wheel drive system functioned quietly and free of the jerkiness that often accompanies many-a-such systems. In the 4-low setting, the Lariat felt capable enough to easily scale the various presidential facades that grace Mount Rushmore. The Lariat's combination of high-revving, low-range gears and tenacious tire traction is outstanding.

My 4-wheel drive Lariat could be engaged effortlessly into 2-wheel hi, 4-wheel hi and 4-wheel low transfer-case settings by the turn of a dash mounted switch. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

Great throttle response and traction must be countered with even better brakes. The Ying Yang of the 2004 F150 is 4-wheel antilock discs complemented by electronic brake force distribution. Less an opportunity to test the brakes while fully loaded or with a trailer in tow, I can nevertheless attest to the strength of this system in light duty situations. Stopping the big F150 is effortless, even when motionless immediacy is required. My shakedown of the brakes found them to be powerful, relatively fade free and easily modulated. Stops were surefooted and brief, considering the mass and inertia that had to be overcome.

Stopping the big F150 is effortless, even when motionless immediacy is required. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

Strong braking is not the only safety aspect of the F150 that Ford has attended to. The F150 has been equipped with Ford's Personal Safety System and second-generation driver and front passenger airbags with occupant classification technology. According to Ford, "the Personal Safety System (PSS) combines more than a dozen technologies that collect information to determine the proximity of the driver to the steering wheel, whether the driver and right front passenger are wearing safety belts, and how severe the collision is." Occupant classification technology detects weight in the passenger seat. If the weight of a child is detected the system turns off the passenger airbag.