Ford F-Series
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The F-Series is a series of full-size pickup trucks from Ford Motor Company sold for over 5 decades. The most popular variant of the F-Series is the F-150. It has been the best-selling vehicle in the world for 23 years and the best-selling truck in the United States for 28 years, though this does not include combined sales of GM pickup trucks<ref>Pickuptruck.com "In 2005..Combined, Chevy/GMC bested Ford by about 34,000 units."</ref>. Analysts estimate that the F-Series alone makes up half of the Ford Motor Company's profits in recent years.
[edit] First generation (1948–1952)
| First generation<tr><th>Also called:<td>Ford F-1 Ford F-2 Ford F-3</tr><tr><th>Production:<td>1948–1952</tr><tr><th>Engine:<td>226 in³ (3.7 L) I6 239 in³ (3.9 L) Flathead V8 215 in³ (3.5 L) I6</tr> |
The first F-series truck (known as the Ford Bonus) from Ford was introduced in 1948, replacing the company's previous car-based pickup line. It was a modern-looking truck with a one-piece windshield and integrated headlights. The F-series was available as three models:
Engines:
- 1948-1950 - 226 in³ (3.7 L) straight-six, 95 hp (71 kW)
- 1948-1952 - 239 in³ (3.9 L) Flathead V8, 100 hp (74.6 kW)
- 1951-1952 - 215 in³ (3.5 L) straight-six, 101 hp (75.3 kW)
[edit] Second generation (1953–1956)
| Second generation<tr><td colspan=2>Image:1955 Ford F-100 front.jpg</tr><tr><th>Also called:<td>Ford F-100 Ford F-250 Ford F-350</tr><tr><th>Production:<td>1953–1956</tr><tr><th>Engine:<td>239 in³ (3.9 L) Flathead V8 215 in³ (3.5 L) I6 223 in³ (3.7 L) I6 239 in³ (3.9 L) Y-block V8 223 in³ (3.7 L) I6 272 in³ (4.5 L) Y-block V8</tr> |
The F-series was redesigned for 1953 with a more integrated look. The pickups also acquired their familiar names: F-100, F-250, and the heavy-duty F-350. Interior amenities were new, including a dome light, lighter, arm rests, and sun visors.
Engines:
- 1953 - 239 in³ (3.9 L) Flathead V8, 100 hp (74.6 kW)
- 1953 - 215 in³ (3.5 L) straight-six, 101 hp (75.3 kW)
- 1954-1955 - 223 in³ (3.7 L) "Mileage Maker" straight-6, 115 hp (86 kW)
- 1954-1955 - 239 in³ (3.9 L) Y-block "Power King" V8, 130 hp (97 kW)
- 1956 - 223 in³ (3.7 L) "Mileage Maker" straight-6, 137 hp (102 kW)
- 1956 - 272 in³ (4.5 L) Y-block V8, 173 hp (129 kW)
[edit] Third generation (1957–1960)
| Third generation<tr><td colspan=2>Image:1959 and 1954 Ford F-100.jpg</tr><tr><th>Production:<td>1957–1960</tr><tr><th>Engine:<td>223 in³ (3.7 L) I6 272 in³ (4.5 L) Y-block V8 292 in³ (4.8 L) Y-block V8</tr> |
The truck was restyled again in 1957 with the hood now merging with the fenders. In the back, the traditional separate-fender body was now called flareside, while a new smooth-sided look was styleside. Four wheel drive, now a common feature, was a new addition to the truck in 1959.
Engines:
- 1958-1960 - 223 in³ (3.7 L) straight-6, 137 hp(102 kW)
- 1958 - 272 in³ (4.5 L) Y-block V8, 173 hp (129 kW)
- 1959-1960 - 292 in³ (4.8 L) Y-block V8, 186 hp (139 kW)
[edit] Fourth generation (1961–1966)
| Fourth generation<tr><td colspan=2>Image:1966ford.jpg</tr><tr><th>Production:<td>1961–1966</tr><tr><th>Engine:<td>223 in³ (3.7 L) I6 292 in³ (4.8 L) Y-block V8 240 in³ (3.9 L) I6 300 in³ (4.9 L) I6 352 in³ (5.8 L) FE V8</tr> |
The truck was completely redesigned for 1961 with a wider look, and unibody trucks were built with an integrated cab and box. Power was over 200 hp with the 1965 refresh of the powertrain. In 1965, the Twin I-Beam front suspension was introduced with coil springs. The 1965 and 1966 trucks have a "TWIN I-BEAM" emblem on the front fender. A 4-door crew cab version was also introduced in 1965, still a popular option.
Engines:
- 1961-1964 - 223 in³ (3.7 L) straight-6, 137 hp (102 kW)
- 1961-1964 - 292 in³ (4.8 L) Y-block V8, 186 hp (139 kW)
- 1965-1966 - 240 in³ (3.9 L) straight-6, 150 hp (112 kW)
- 1965-1966 - 300 in³ (4.9 L) straight-6, 170 hp (127 kW)
- 1965-1966 - 352 in³ (5.8 L) FE V8, 208 hp (155 kW)
[edit] Fifth generation (1967–1972)
| Fifth generation<tr><td colspan=2>Image:1968FordPickup.jpg</tr><tr><th>Production:<td>1967–1972</tr><tr><th>Engine:<td>240 in³ (3.9 L) I6 300 in³ (4.9 L) I6 352 in³ (5.8 L) FE V8 360 in³ (5.9 L) FE V8 390 in³ (6.4 L) FE V8 302 in³ (4.9 L) Windsor V8</tr> |
Another refresh came in 1967 along with a now-familiar name: the upscale Ranger trim line in addition to the base and Custom Cab trim levels. In 1968, the trucks received larger versions of Ford's FE engine family with the introduction of the 360 and 390 cubic inch engines. The 302 became an option in late '69. The top trim for 1970 was now named Ranger XLT with Ranger, Sport Custom and Custom rounding off the rest of the line.
The fifth generation F-Series was also locally produced in Brazil although the body style was produced longer there.
Engines:
- 1967-1972 - 240 in³ (3.9 L) straight-6
- 1967-1972 - 300 in³ (4.9 L) straight-6
- 1967 - 352 in³ (5.8 L) FE V8
- 1968-1972 - 360 in³ (5.9 L) FE V8
- 1968-1972 - 390 in³ (6.4 L) FE V8
- 1969-1972 - 302 in³ (4.9 L) Windsor V8, 220 hp (164 kW)
[edit] Sixth generation (1973–1979)
| Sixth generation<tr><td colspan=2>Image:F-Series 1979.JPG</tr><tr><th>Production:<td>1973–1979</tr><tr><th>Engine:<td>240 in³ (3.9 L) I6 300 in³ (4.9 L) I6 352 in³ (5.8 L) FE V8 360 in³ (5.9 L) FE V8 390 in³ (6.4 L) FE V8 302 in³ (4.9 L) Windsor V8 460 in³ (7.5 L) 385 V8 351 in³ (5.8 L) Cleveland V8 400 in³ (6.6 L) Cleveland V8</tr> |
The truck was redesigned in 1973 with an automatic transmission option. Other changes included the 1974 introduction of the extended super cab version. The F-150 was introduced in 1976. A luxury Lariat trim was introduced for 1978. That same year, the F-series became the best-selling vehicle in America, a position it has continued to hold since.
- Auto trans was also an option from 1967-72 and may have been available as early as 1961.
Engines:
- 1973-1977 - 240 in³ (3.9 L) straight-6
- 1973-1977 - 300 in³ (4.9 L) straight-6
- 1973-1977 - 351 in³ (5.8 L) FE V8
- 1973-1976 - 360 in³ (5.9 L) FE V8
- 1973-1977 - 390 in³ (6.4 L) FE V8
- 1973-1977 - 302 in³ (4.9 L) Windsor V8
- 1973-1979 - 460 in³ (7.5 L) 385 V8
- 1977-1979 - 351 in³ (5.8 L) Cleveland V8, 163 hp (122 kW)
- 1977-1979 - 400 in³ (6.6 L) Cleveland V8, 169 hp (126 kW)
- 1978-1979 - 300 in³ (4.9 L) straight-6, 114 hp (85 kW)
[edit] Seventh generation (1980–1986)
| Seventh generation<tr><td colspan=2>Image:1985f250.JPG</tr><tr><th>Production:<td>1980–1986</tr><tr><th>Engine:<td>300 in³ (4.9 L) I6 302 in³ (5.0 L) Windsor V8 351 in³ (5.8 L) Cleveland V8 400 in³ (6.6 L) Cleveland V8 7.5 L 460 V8 6.9 L Diesel V8</tr> |
The next major redesign came in 1980. The new truck had a squarer look, with sharp lines and flat panels. The Ranger trim line was dropped in 1982, since that name was to be applied to the new Ford Ranger compact pickup. Trim options were now XL, XLT, and XLT Lariat. The big-block V8 was dropped for 1980, but added again in 1983 along with a Diesel option. The F-100 was dropped as the base model in 1983 and the now-familiar F-150 took it's place as the base model for 1984. In 1985 fuel injection became optional in the 5.0L model. In 1986 this became the only 5.0L model offered.
In Argentina, due to the appreciation of the "F-100" brand by the people, the "F-150" is sold as the "F-100", a badging that is still currently in use.
In Mexico, there is an "F-200" which was introduced in 1986. This varriant ran the remainder of the eighth generation until 1991.
Engines:
- 1980-1986 - 300 in³ (4.9 L) straight-6
- 1980-1985 - 302 in³ (5.0 L) Windsor V8
- 1985-1986 - Windsor 5.0 L V8, FI, 185 hp
- 1980-1982 - 351 in³ (5.8 L) Cleveland V8
- 1983-1986 - Windsor 5.8 L V8
- 1980-1982 - 400 in³ (6.6 L) Cleveland V8
- 1983-1986 - 7.5 L 460 V8, 245 hp (183 kW)
- 1983-1986 - 6.9 L Diesel V8, 170 hp (127 kW)
[edit] Eighth generation (1987–1991)
| Eighth generation<tr><td colspan=2>Image:Ford F Series.JPG</tr><tr><th>Production:<td>1987–1991</tr><tr><th>Engine:<td>4.9 L I6 5.8 L Windsor V8 6.9 L Diesel V8 7.5 L 385 V8 7.3 L IDI Diesel V8 5.0 L Windsor V8</tr> |
The 1987 refresh was evolutionary. The design was more streamlined, and maintenance items were made simpler. Rear antilock brakes were now standard, the first truck to boast this. The manual transmission was revised with five speeds in 1988, and the flareside box was dropped. For 1987 the 4.9L had standard fuel injection; for 1988, the 5.8L and 7.5L also gained fuel injection, with 1988 being the first year no carbureted engines were offered. 1988 also saw the replacement of the 6.9L diesel with a 7.3L International Harvester IDI diesel.
Four wheel drive improvements included the addition of automatic locking hubs for the F-150 in 1989, and for the rest in 1991. The 5.0 L truck also had an optional "Touch Drive" electronic transfer case.
Engines:
- 1987-1991 - 4.9 L straight-6, FI, 150 hp (112 kW)
- 1987 - Windsor 5.8 L V8
- 1987 - 6.9 L Diesel V8, 170 hp (127 kW)
- 1987 - 7.5 L 460 V8, 245 hp (183 kW)
- 1988-1991 - 460 7.5 L V8, FI, 230 hp
- 1988-1991 - 7.3 L International Harvester IDI Diesel V8, 180 hp
- 1987-1991 - Windsor 5.0 L V8, FI, 185 hp
- 1988-1991 - Windsor 5.8 L V8, FI, 210 hp
[edit] Ninth generation (1992–1996)
| Ninth generation<tr><td colspan=2>Image:1994 Ford F-150.jpg</tr><tr><th>Production:<td>1992–1996</tr><tr><th>Engine:<td>4.9 L I6 7.5 L 385 V8 7.3 L IDI V8 5.0 L Windsor V8 5.8 L Windsor V8 7.3 L Power Stroke V8</tr> |
The 1992 truck received a new aerodynamic-looking front end, a new dashboard, and the flareside returned until 1996. The Lightning appeared in 1993. A CD player option was new for 1994, as was a driver's-side airbag and "CHMSL" third brake light. Following the lead of the Explorer, an Eddie Bauer trim line was added for 1995.
Ford trailed rival General Motors trucks for much of the ninth generation, though sales steadily rose each year. 500,000 F-Series trucks were sold in 1992, but this rose to nearly 800,000 by 1996, and the Ford had overtaken the combined Chevrolet and GMC pickup sales for the first time in a decade.
Engines:
- 1992-1996 - 4.9 L straight-6, FI, 150 hp
- 1992-1996 - 7.5 L 385 V8, FI, 240 hp
- 1992-1994 - 7.3 L IDI Diesel V8, 185 hp/360 ft.lbf
- 1993-1994 - 7.3 L Turbo IDI Diesel V8, 190 hp/395 ft.lbf
- 1992-1996 - 5.0 L Windsor V8, FI, 185 hp
- 1992-1996 - 5.8 L Windsor V8, FI, 210 hp
- 1993-1995 - 5.8 L Windsor V8, FI, 240 hp Lightning
- 1994.5-1996 - 7.3 L Power Stroke turbo-Diesel V8, 210 hp/425 ft.lbf
[edit] Tenth generation (1997–2003)
| Tenth generation<tr><td colspan=2>Image:Ford-F150-Ext.jpg</tr><tr><th>Production:<td>1997–2003</tr><tr><th>Engine:<td>4.2 L Essex V6 4.6 L Triton V8 5.4 L Triton V8 6.8 L Triton V10 7.3 L Power Stroke V8</tr><tr><th>Related:<td>Lincoln Blackwood</tr> |
Ford took the aero styling to its conclusion for 1997 with an extremely round nose on the new F-series. The "Super Duty" F series did not yet exist, so an F-250 was offered which was an F-150 with heavier duty axles and suspension, along with odd 7 lug wheels. With the arrival of the Super Duty, this F-250 "light duty" was offered as the "7700" package for the F-150 (noted on the tailgate emblem). A wide variety of body options were available: regular cab and SuperCab, standard or flareside boxes, and short and long beds. A new Lightning was introduced in 1999, and Harley-Davidson and King Ranch versions were also created. In 2001 the SuperCrew cab was introduced.
The super-duty F-250 and F-350 were retained on the old chassis until 1999.
Sales of the F-150 surged in the tenth generation to 750,000 to over 900,000 in 2001 as the General Motors and Dodge products lagged. Ford's sales dropped, however, for the final years of this generation as the redesigned Dodge trucks were released.
The F-150 was Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year for 1997 [1].
1997 also marked introduction of Ford's modular Single Overhead cam (SOHC) engines into F-150.
Engines:
- 1997-2003 - 4.2 L Essex V6, 202 hp/252 ft.lbf
- 1997-1998 - 4.6 L Triton V8, 220 hp/280 ft.lbf
- 1999-2003 - 4.6 L Triton V8, 231 hp/293 ft.lbf
- 1995-1998 - 5.4 L Triton V8, 235 hp/330 ft.lbf
- 1999-2003 - 5.4 L Triton V8, 260 hp/350 ft.lbf
- 1999-2000 - 5.4 L supercharged Triton V8, 360 hp (99-00 Lightning)
- 2001-2004 - 5.4 L supercharged Triton V8, 380 hp (01-04 Lightning)
- 1999-2004 - 5.4 L supercharged Triton V8, 340 hp (02-03 Harley-Davidson)
- 1999-2003 - 6.8 L Triton V10, 362 hp/457 ft.lbf (Super Duty)
- 1999-2003 - 7.3 L Power Stroke turbo-Diesel V8, 250 hp/500 ft.lbf (Super Duty)
[edit] Eleventh generation (2004–)
| Eleventh generation<tr><td colspan=2>Image:2006 Ford F-150 STX.jpg</tr><tr><th>Production:<td>2004–</tr><tr><th>Platform:<td>FR/4WD P2 platform</tr><tr><th>Engine:<td>4.6 L Triton V8 5.4 L 3V Triton V8 4.2 L Triton V6</tr><tr><th>Wheelbase:<td>126.0 in (3200 mm) 137.0 in (3480 mm) 144.5 in (3670 mm)</tr><tr><th>Length:<td>211.2 in (5364 mm) 226.4 in (5751 mm) 229.8 in (5837 mm)</tr><tr><th>Width:<td>78.9 in (2004 mm) 79.9 in (2029 mm) 95.5 in (2426 mm)</tr><tr><th>Height:<td>73.7–80.8 in (1872–2052 mm)</tr><tr><th>Related:<td>Lincoln Mark LT</tr> |
In 2004, Ford redesigned the F-Series using the new P2 platform. The side windows also changed to a Super Duty-like profile, also dipping towards the front of the door. Initially, only Ford's 4.6 L Triton and new 3-valve 5.4 L 3V Triton V8 engines and automatic transmissions were offered on the new trucks. Work-oriented versions with an available 4.2 L Triton V6 and manual transmission debuted for 2005.
The previous F-150 was continued in production until the summer of 2004 as the Heritage model.
The new F-150 won the North American Truck of the Year award and was Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year for 2004. It also beat the three-time winning Chevrolet Silverado for Car and Driver magazine's Best Pickup Truck for 2004 and 2005. Additionally, over 912,000 F-Series trucks were sold in 2004, giving it a single-year sales record.
The F-150 will have a new Harley-Davidson trim line in 2006 with an available all-wheel drive, while the Super Duty will have an available Amarillo package or the Chrome Package for the Lariat.
For 2007, Ford introduced a complement to the existing 4WD FX4 model, the new FX2 Sport package. This truck is a 2 wheel drive truck with an appearance package.
Ford has now reported that a smaller diesel engine will be an option for the F-150 soon, making it the only light duty truck in America offering a diesel. Initial reports suggest it will be a 4.4L based on some of Ford's existing European diesels.
[edit] Super Duty Pickups
[edit] 1st Generation (1999-2008)
For 1999, new F-250 and F-350 Super Duty trucks were introduced. These were big in dimensions with available V-10 engines and 4x4 drive, comfortable interiors, and big capacity for towing and commercial applications. They were styled distinctly for the first time from the smaller Ford F-150 half-ton pickups. They did not share components with the F-150 platform, though it was still considered an F-series truck. Instead of the aero look, it was more boldly angular with a raised hood and lowered fenders, somewhat like fender / hood medium truck style pioneered by the 90s Dodge Ram pickup. The side windows went lower forward in the door like a commercial medium truck, and the grille was also narrower and tall as if from a larger truck. The crew cab came with a full-size bed, unlike the F-150 crew cab configuration which has a shorter bed. The Super Duty would also be the base platform for the short-lived Ford Excursion SUV which was the only passenger truck larger than the Chevrolet Suburban and its twin, the GMC Yukon XL. <ref>[2] 1999 Ford F-250 Super Duty 4x4 Pickup: Big Is Beautiful </ref>
For 2001, the crew cab long bed had a 172.4 in wheelbase, was 262 in long (a full size car is 205-215 inches long), 79.9 in wide, 80.6 in high, with a curb weight of 5741 lb, payload of 3144 lb, 38 gal fuel tank, and seating for 6. The extended cab short bed was 231.4 in long, with a wheelbase of 141.8 in, with the largest standard payload of any Super Duty of 4640 lb.(a Dodge Caravan or Honda Pilot can carry about 1000 lb) <ref>[3] Consumer Guide website</ref>
[edit] 1.5 Generation (2005-2008)
For 2005 the "Super Duty" model was refreshed. Changes included a new grille, new interior, and factory installed trailer brake controller and upfitter switches. The front suspension on 4x4's continued to use a solid front axle, but switched from leaf springs to coils. The engines were also upgraded, with the new 3 valve 5.4L V8 and 6.8L V10 capable of 300 and 362 horsepower, respectively. The Powerstroke Diesel was also modified, boosting torque from 560ft/lb to 570ft/lb, but power remained the same as previous versions with 325 horsepower.
The truck was going to be completely redesigned for the 2007 model year, but it was recently announced that quality issues will push it back to a 2008 model.<ref>Ford delays launch of 2007 F-Series Super Duty. AutoInsiderNews.com. Retrieved on May 26, 2006.</ref> The new 2008 model will introduce a new twin-turbo 6.4 L twin-turbo Power Stroke Diesel V8 with piezo fuel injectors to the replace the problematic 6.0 L Power Stroke Diesel V8. The engine is said to produce 350 hp (260 kW) and 650 ft·lb of torque (880 N·m).<ref>Ford's 2007 Super Duty getting a face-lift. Edmunds.com. Retrieved on April 6, 2006.</ref>
It is interesting to note that the 2004-present Super Duty trucks retain the basic styling cues from the 1996-2003 F series pickups.
[edit] 2nd Generation (2008-)
Ford recently released photos of the 2nd generation 2008 Super Duty's. The vehicle has its 1st official showing at the Texas State Fair in 2006. It is currently slated for release in late 2007 as a 2008 Model.
Some unique points to highlight will be the availability of the F-450 with a regular production pickup bed (currently not available). Another feature to note is the invention of a concealed slide-out step and swing up hand grab bar in the rear tailgate to allow easier access.
[edit] Notes
- Ford also manufactures F-Series Medium-Duty trucks (F-650, F-750).
- Prior to the F-650 and F-750 Medium-Duty Trucks, Ford offered F-700, F-800 and F-900 Medium-Duty trucks that retained the door and aft cab (A-Pillar back) style and structure from the previous generation F-Series's.
- A F-8000 was also produced based off the Ford Cargo cab-over range. Similar to the 2007 Ford LCF.
[edit] References
- A Ford F-Series History. Edmunds.com. Retrieved on November 8, 2004.
[edit] Notes
<references/>
[edit] Gallery
A 2005 F350 King Ranch Lariat Super Duty |
Ford F250 U-Haul truck in Hampton, VA. |
Ford F-150 Super Crew |
F350 modified as an Irish Army Special Reconnaissance Vehicle |
04-06 F-150 SuperCab flareside |
[edit] External links
| Wikimedia Commons has media related to: |
- FORDification.com - The '67-'72 Ford Pickup Resource
- F150online.com - Ford F150 Enthusiast Site
- Ford F-150
- Ford F150 Community
- Forums, photos, articles and specifications
- National Lightning Owners Club
- Lightning Rodder On-line Magazine
- Ford F-250 "Super Chief" Concept Truck press release
- Ford F150 .net - Ford F150 Forums, Specifications, and Photos
- Ford F150 user manuals archive
- Ford F250 user manuals archive
fr:Ford F-Series nl:Ford F-Series no:Ford F-serie pt:Ford F-Series
