Ford F-Series

Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Production	1948–present
Successor	Ford Super Duty (F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-650, F-750)
Class	Full-size pickup truck
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive

The F-Series is a series of full-size pickup trucks from Ford Motor Company which has been sold continuously for over six decades. The most popular variant of the F-Series is the F-150. It was the best-selling vehicle in the United States for 24 years,^[1] currently (2007) the best-selling truck for 37 years,^[2] and the best selling vehicle in Canada,^[3] though this does not include combined sales of GM pickup trucks.^[4] In the tenth generation of the F-series, the F-250 and F-350 changed body style in 1998 and joined the Super Duty series.

During the post-World War II era, smaller Canadian rural communities had access to either a Ford dealer or a Lincoln-Mercury-Meteor dealer, but not both; a Mercury-badged version was sold at Lincoln-Mercury-Meteor dealers there from 1946–68. Other than the grilles, trim, and badging, these trucks were identical to their Ford counterparts.

First generation (1948–52) [edit]

1950 F-3

The first F-Series truck (known as the Ford Bonus-Built) was introduced in 1948 as a replacement for the previous car-based pickup line introduced in 1941. The F-Series was sold in eight different weight ratings, with pickup, panel truck, cab-over engine (COE), conventional truck, and school bus chassis body styles.

Second generation (1953–56) [edit]

1953 F-100

The second-generation F-series was introduced in 1953. Increased dimensions, improved engines, and an improved chassis were features of the second generation. Additionally the pickups were given their now familiar names: The F-1 became the F-100, the F-2 became the F-250, and the F-3 became the 1-ton F-350.

Third generation (1957–60) [edit]

1960 F-500

Introduced in 1957, the third-generation F-series was a significant modernization and redesign. Front fenders became integrated into the body, and the StyleSide bed continued the smooth lines to the rear of the pickup.

The cabover F-Series was discontinued, having been replaced by the tilt-cab C-Series.

In 1959, Ford began in-house production of four-wheel drive trucks.

Fourth generation (1961–66) [edit]

1965 F-100

Ford introduced a dramatically new style of truck in 1961 with the fourth-generation F-series pickup. Longer and lower than the previous pickups, these trucks had increased dimensions and new engine and transmission choices. Additionally the 1961-1963 models were constructed as a unibody design with the cab and bed integrated. This proved unpopular and the F-series reverted to a traditional separate cab/bed design in 1964.

In 1965 the F-series was given a significant mid-cycle redesign. A completely new platform, including the Twin-I-Beam front suspension, was introduced that would be used until 1979. Additionally that year, the Ranger name made its first appearance on a Ford truck; previously a base model of the Edsel, it was now used to denote a high-level styling package for F-Series pickups.

Fifth generation (1967–72) [edit]

1972 F-250 Camper Special

Introduced in 1967, the fifth-generation F-series truck was built on the same platform as the 1965 revision of the fourth generation. Dimensions and greenhouse glass were increased, engine options expanded, and plusher trim levels became available during the fifth-generation trucks production run.

A varient of the fifth-generation F-series was produced until 1992 in Brazil for the South American market.

Sixth generation (1973–79) [edit]

1979 F-250 Ranger

The sixth-generation F-series was introduced in 1973. This version of the F-series continued to be built on the 1965 fourth generation's revised platform, but with significant modernizations and refinements. Front disc brakes, increased cab dimensions, gas tank relocated outside the cab and under the bed, significantly improved heating and AC, full double wall bed construction, increased use of galvanized steel, power windows and door locks as well as the SuperCab were all introduced in the sixth-generation pickup.

The FE engine series was discontinued in 1976 after a 30 year run and replaced by the more modern 335 series(Modified) and 385 series engines.

In 1975, the F-150 was introduced in between the F-100 and the F-250 in order to avoid certain emission control restrictions. For 1978, the Ford Bronco was redesigned into a variant of the F-series pickup

Seventh generation (1980–86) [edit]

F-150 XL

The 1980 F-Series was redesigned with an all-new chassis and larger body; this was the first ground-up redesign since 1965. The exterior styling of the trucks was redone to improve aerodynamics and fuel economy. Medium-duty F-Series (F-600 and above) were also redesigned; although they shared the cab of the smaller pickup trucks, the largest version of F-Series now wore a front hood with separate front fenders (like the L-Series).

In a move towards fuel efficiency, the F-Series gained smaller Windsor V8 engines from the Panther platform. For 1982 the 3.8L Essex V6 was the base engine but was quickly dropped for the 1983 model year. In 1983, Ford added diesel power to the F-Series through a partnership with International Harvester (later Navistar). The 6.9L V8 produced similar power output as the gasoline Ford 351 V8, with the fuel economy of the 300 I6.

A noticeable change was made to the F-Series in 1982 as the Ford "Blue Oval" was added to the center of the grille. It would mark the final year of the Ranger trim; the name had been shifted onto the all-new compact pickup developed as a replacement for the Courier. It also marked the final year for the F-100, which had largely been superseded by the F-150.

1986 marked the final year that the F150 was available with a 3 speed manual transmission that shifted via a steering column lever (3-on-the-tree). Incidentally, this was the last vehicle in the United States that offered this set up.

Eighth generation (1987–91) [edit]

F-350 crew cab

An upgrade of the 1980 platform, the eighth-generation F-Series saw aerodynamic changes to the front clip to improve fuel efficiency. The styling was simplified; composite headlights were separated from the grille. For the first time, the front bumper was integrated into the bodywork instead of being an add-on part. Crew-cab models now had full-width windows in their rear doors. Under the hood, fuel injection (introduced in 1987) replaced carbureted engines completely by 1988.

After many years of losing sales to the StyleSide version, Ford quietly dropped the FlareSide bed as an option. To bridge the gap between the F-350 and the medium-duty F-600, the F-Super Duty was introduced in 1987. The Super Duty was fitted with a suspension that allowed for a higher GVWR; it also came with only the 7.5L V8 or the 7.3L diesel V8. Intended for commercial use, it was available only as a chassis-cab model. Also a lowers style ride height on some base models.

Ninth generation (1992–96) [edit]

F-150 XL

The 1980 F-Series underwent a major cosmetic update for the 1992 model year; again, many of the exterior updates focused on increasing its aerodynamics. The update also brought the F-Series in line with the Ranger and Explorer stylistically. SuperCab models of this generation are distinguished by single (instead of twin) side windows for the rear seat. In 1994, an update added an airbag to the F-Series for the first time. The same year, the medium-duty trucks received their first exterior update since 1980; this integrated the turn signals and grille.

Dormant since 1987, the FlareSide bed returned for 1992. Instead of the traditional pickup bed seen before, the new FlareSide borrowed much of its rear bodywork from the dual rear-wheel F-350. For 1993, Ford introduced the SVT Lightning; powered by a modified 5.8L V8 and including modifications to the suspension, the Lightning was sold through 1995.

Tenth generation (1997–2003) [edit]

F-250 XL

Introduced early in 1996, the 1997 F-150 was redesigned from the ground up for the first time since 1980. Rounded styling allowed for improved aerodynamics, a larger interior, and improved fuel economy. Sharing a V6 engine with the Taurus/Windstar and its V8 engine with the Crown Victoria, the F-150 received an all-new engine lineup. To improve rear-seat access, a third door was added to SuperCab models; in 1999, SuperCabs became four-doors. For 2001, the SuperCrew crew cab was added; it combined the larger seat of a crew cab with a slightly shortened rear cargo bed.

It should also be noted that the only years of the F-250 that used this body style were 1997 (although the old body style (obs) was available) and 1998 (only available in the new body style). The old body style, also known as the heavy duty model, was available with the 5.8 liter (351ci), the 7.5 liter (460ci) gas motors and the 7.3 liter (444ci) diesel motor. The crew cab 4 door models were only available with the 7.5 liter gas and 7.3 liter diesel motors. While the extended cab (only available in two door for the obs) and the regular cabs featured all three engine options. The new body-style F-250s, or non-heavy duty models, were only available with the 4.6 liter(281ci) and the 5.4 liter(330ci) ford modular gas motors and had no diesel motor option, however, there was a CNG compatible 5.4 liter engine option. There was no crew cab option for the new body style, there was a standard cab 2 door model and all extended cabs with this body style were only available with 3 doors. The obs featured the standard 8 lug rims, however, both years of the new body style featured a 7 lug wheel.

This generation of the F-Series marked the split of the F-150 from heavier-duty trucks. In 1999, after a year-long hiatus(there were no F-350s built in 1998, but there were obs F-350 built in 1997), the F-350 was reintroduced as the Super Duty; the Super Duty model included the F-250 through the F-550 (the latter being a chassis-cab model). In a joint venture with International, Ford redesigned the medium-duty F-Series, now part of the Super Duty lineup; the B-Series bus chassis was discontinued.

For 2001 and 2002, this version of the F-150 was sold by Lincoln-Mercury dealers as the Lincoln Blackwood. The first Lincoln pickup truck, the Blackwood was an F-150 SuperCrew with Lincoln Navigator front bodywork and interior; the bed was covered by a powered tonneau.

Eleventh generation (2004–08) [edit]

2004 F150 FX4

For the 2004 model year, the F-150 was redesigned on an all-new platform. Externally similar to its predecessor, the eleventh-generation wore sharper-edged styling; a major change was the adoption of the stepped driver's window from the Super Duty trucks. Regardless of cab type, all F-150s were given four doors.

In 2008, the Super Duty trucks were also given an an all-new platform. While using the same bed and cab as before, these are distinguished from their predecessors by an all-new interior and a much larger grille and headlights. Previously available only as a chassis-cab model, the F-450 now was available as a pickup truck directly from Ford.^[5]

From 2005 to 2008, this version of the F-150 was sold as the Lincoln Mark LT.

Twelfth generation (2009–14) [edit]

2009 F-150 XLT SuperCrew

The current-generation F-150 was introduced for the 2009 model year as a major update of the Ford full-size truck platform. These trucks are distinguished by their Super Duty-style grilles and headlights; standard cab models again have two doors instead of four. The FlareSide bed was dropped along with the manual transmission; outside of Mexico, the Lincoln Mark LT was replaced by the F-150 Platinum. A new model for 2010 included the SVT Raptor, a dedicated off-road truck.

As part of a major focus on fuel economy, the entire engine lineup for the F-150 (excluding the SVT Raptor) was updated for the 2011 model year. Along with two new V8 engines, the F-150 gained a new 3.7L base V6 engine, and a powerful twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6, dubbed EcoBoost by Ford. The automatic transmission is the only option. Other modifications include the addition of a Nexteer Automotive Electric Power Steering (EPS) system on most models.

Thirteenth generation (2015 and onwards) [edit]

The thirteenth Ford F-150 will be completely redesigned for the 2015 model year. It will be loosely based off of the Ford Atlas concept that was revealed in 2013. It will have 20% better fuel economy and will have more EcoBoost engines (2.7 V6 and 3.5 V6). Also will include the current 3.7 V6 and 5.0 V8. The new F-150 will most likely drop the 6.2 V8 because of bad fuel economy but will be used in the Super-Duty.^[6]

The F-150 will remain body-on-frame (BOF) and Ford wants to increase fuel economy to around 26 highway and 18 city, making it best-in-class. Also Ford engineers will also remove 700 pounds from the full-size truck.^[7]

Special models [edit]

SVT Lightning [edit]

1993 Ford SVT Lightning

Second-generation Ford SVT Lightning

The SVT Lightning is a sports/performance version of the F-150, released by Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT) division. Introduced for the 1993 model year, the SVT Lightning competed against the Chevrolet Sport, primarily as an effort to enhance the sporty, personal-use image of the Ford F-Series pickup. Powered by a 240 hp 5.8 L V8, the Lightning shared its basic structure with the F-150, but many modifications were made to the suspension and the frame to improve the handling. Production was 11,563 SVT Lightnings between the 1993 and 1995 model years.

In 1999, after a three-year hiatus, Ford SVT unveiled a new Ford Lightning. Much like its predecessor, it was based on the F-150 with substantial suspension modifications. Although the Lightning shared its 5.4 L V8 with the standard F-150, it now used a supercharger, producing 360 hp (380 after 2001). To handle the extra power, the 4-speed automatic transmission was borrowed from Ford's V10/diesel Super Duty trucks. SVT Lightnings produced between 1999 and 2004 numbered 28,124, when it was discontinued.

Harley Davidson Edition [edit]

In 2000, Ford released the first Harley Davidson Edition F-150; it was available in a SuperCab with a standard-length bed. For 2001, the Harley-Davidson Edition was moved to the Supercrew F-150. In 2002, Ford opted to further specialize the Harley Davidson Edition by adding the supercharged motor from the SVT Lightning, with a slightly larger pulley to reduce boost by 2 lbs. To coincide with Harley-Davidson's centenary, the 2003 edition added the requisite 100th Anniversary badging; these were available on Supercrew F-150s with the supercharged 5.4 liter V-8.

For the 2004–09 F-150, the Harley-Davidson Edition became mainly an appearance package; its availability was expanded to the F-250 and F-350 Super Duty series.

On February 10, 2008 at the Chicago Auto Show, the latest version of the Harley-Davidson F-150 was introduced. Adopting many luxury features of the Platinum Edition, this Harley went one step further by providing leather seating surfaces derived from authentic Harley biker-jacket materials, as well as the requisite exhaust tones and power to reach a top speed of 115 miles per hour (185 km/h).^[8]

SVT Raptor [edit]

F-150 SVT Raptor

For the 2010 model year, Ford introduced the SVT Raptor model of the F-150. Intended for dedicated off-road use, the Raptor has a number of modifications to improve its off-road ability. It includes a full set of FOX shocks with 11.2" of front suspension travel and 12.1" of rear travel. It wears a wider body and fenders than the standard F-Series truck. In a departure from the F-150, the Raptor wears no blue-oval Ford emblem on its grille (for the first time since 1982); instead, the grille has "F-O-R-D" spelled out in the center. In 2011, a full four-door SuperCrew model was added to the standard 2+2 door SuperCab model. The Raptor is powered by a 411 hp 6.2 L V8 (shared with the Ford Super Duty); it is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. 5.4L 3v V-8 (available for 2010 model years only)310hp.

F-150 Platinum [edit]

Ford F-150 Platinum

Ford ceased sales of the Lincoln Mark LT in the United States and Canada after the 2008 model year.^[9] In its place beginning in the 2009 model year, Ford created an upper-end trim of the 2009 F-150 called F-150 Platinum. Due to its continuing popularity there, the Platinum is rebadged as the Lincoln Mark LT in Mexico.

Motorsports [edit]

In 2008, Ford announced its entrance into the Baja 1000 class-eight race for moderately modified, full-size pickup trucks. The driver of record was Steve Oligos, supported by codrivers Randy Merritt, Greg Foutz, and Bud Brutsman.^[10] The vehicle was built with collaboration between the Ford Special Vehicle Team (SVT), Ford Racing, and Foutz Motorsports, Inc. The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R completed the 2008 41st Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 race in 25:28:10,^[11] and ranked third in its class.^[12]

In the Best In The Desert race series, an F150 SVT Raptor R completed the "Terrible's 250" race, placing second overall in the Class 8000.^[13]

In January 2010, a single Raptor SVT (#439), driven by Chilean driver Javier Campillay, competed in the Argentina-Chile Dakar Rally. However, the truck was unable to finish due to a catch-up crash with another car in the middle of the road during stage seven. In January 2011, two Raptors started in the Argentina-Chile Dakar Rally in Buenos Aires, with Campillay driving the more reliable Raptor (#375), and American female driver Sue Mead driving a T2 Raptor (#374). Mead crossed the finish line in Buenos Aires and won the "Super Production" class, the first North American class win in Dakar history. Campillay was unable to finish the 12th stage after losing time due to mechanical failure during the 11th stage, which led to his disqualification for failing to reach the race camp by the designated deadline.

Awards and recognition [edit]

The Ford F-150 has won numerous awards; in 2009 alone, it received:^[14]

• Motor Trend 2009 Truck of the Year Award
• 2009 Best Redesigned Vehicle from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com
• Top honors as "Truck of Texas" as well as "Best Luxury Pickup" for the 2009 F-150 King Ranch from Texas Auto Writers Association
• "Best Overall Half-Ton Pickup" from PickupTrucks.com
• "Automotive Excellence" award in the Workhorse Category from Popular Mechanics
• "Top Safety Pick" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for its standard safety technology: Safety Canopy side curtain air bags and AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control
• "Residual Value" award from Automotive Leasing Guide (ALG) for retaining the highest percentage of its original price among 2009 full-size light-duty pickups at the end of a conventional three-year lease, based on ALG projections
• Motor Trend's Truck Trend Top 5 Trucks from Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) for 2009 Ford F-150 Heavy Duty DeWalt Contractor Concept
• "Accessory-Friendly Truck" Design Award from SEMA

Sales [edit]

Notes [edit]

This 1955 Australian F-100 Freighter had special high side panels, perhaps unique to Australia; note the right-hand drive.

• Ford also manufactures F-Series medium and heavy-duty trucks alongside the F-150, F-250, and F-350s (F-450, F-550, F-650, F-750). School bus chassis versions were sold as B-Series trucks until 1998. The 1961–65 Ford Falcon Econoline flat nose pickup trucks and 1961–present vans are E-Series. Parcel delivery vans are P-Series. Big tractor-trailer trucks are L-Series. There was also a class-8 cab-over called the W-Series in the 60s-70s, replaced by the CL-Series in 1977.

• In Argentina and Brazil, the gasoline engines are often converted to also run with alternative fuels, E-96h (Brazilian-spec ethanol) and compressed natural gas (CNG). Biodiesel also is used in diesel engines.

• Ford also builds right-hand drive versions of the F-Series in Brazil for export to countries that drive on the left side of the road, such as the United Kingdom and Australia.

• 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, along with the dash and instrument cluster (from early 1980s models). Current models are based on the International 4000 Series chassis with a Ford Super Duty cab.

• An F-8000 was also produced based on the Ford Cargo cab-over range, which was similar to the 2006 and newer Ford LCF ("Low Cab Forward").

• In Mexico, the 1997–2004 style F-150 is still built and sold, with the F-150 having a 4.2L V6 and the F-250 (with the same styling, interior, etc.) having a 4.6L V8. The US-market F-150 is sold as the Ford Lobo.

• Though it was unpopular in the US, the Lincoln Mark LT (an upscale version of the US-market F-150) made up 40% of Lincoln sales in Mexico. Consequently, the Mark LT continues to be sold in Mexico, with the latest model a Lincoln-badged F-150 Platinum.^[26]

See also [edit]

• Ford Super Duty
• Ford F-650
• Sterling Trucks Bullet pickup

Footnotes [edit]

45. ^ White, Joseph. "Ford's New Pickup Line: Like My Tough V-6?" Wall Street Journal 8 August 2010: D1.

46. ^ Lavrinc, Damon. "Spy Shots: 2011 Ford F-150 EcoBoost V6." Auto Blog. 21 May 2010. Web. 08 Sept. 2010. <http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/21/spy-shots-2011-ford-f-150-ecoboost-v6/>.

References [edit]

• "A Ford F-Series History". Edmunds.com. Retrieved May 21, 2012. 

Chassis and model spec for 1957–79 from Ford Master Parts Catalog

External links [edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Ford F-Series

• Official site
• Ford Trucks at the Open Directory Project