The F-Series is a series of full-size pickup trucks from Ford Motor Company sold for over five decades. The most popular variant of the F-Series is the F-150 . It was the best-selling vehicle in the United States for 23 years and has been the best-selling truck for 31 years, though this does not include combined sales of GM pickup trucks. Analysts estimate that the F-Series alone makes up half of the Ford Motor Company's profits in recent years. In the 10th generation of the F-series, Ford split the F-150/F-250& F-250/350 into two different body styles. The new F-250/F-350 and as of 2007 F-450/F-550 is called the Super Duty.
First generation (1948–1952)
The first F-Series truck (known as the Ford Bonus-Built) was introduced in 1948, replacing the company's previous car-based pickup line. It was a modern-looking truck with a flat, one-piece windshield and integrated headlights. Options were the "See-Clear" windshield washer (operated by foot plunger), passenger side windshield wiper & sun visor, and passenger side taillight. The F-1 truck was also available with additional chrome and two horns as an option. All F-series were available in "Marmon-Herrington All Wheel Drive" until 1959.
Design of the F-Series truck changed little from 1948 to 1952. From 1948–1950, the grill was a series of horizontal bars and the headlights were set into the fenders. For 1951 and 1952, the headlights were connected by a wide aerodynamic cross piece with three similarly aerodynamic supports. The rear window was wider in the later trucks and the dashboard was redesigned.
F-series trucks were built at sixteen different Ford plants. Serial numbers indicate the truck model, engine, year, assembly plant, and unit number. The most common model was the F-1 with a 6 ½-foot bed followed by the F-2 and F-3 Express models with an 8-foot (2.4 m) bed.
The models are:
- F-1 : 1/2 ton (4,700 GVWR max)
- F-2 : 3/4 ton (5,700 GVWR max)
- F-3 : Heavy Duty 3/4 ton (6,800 GVWR max)
- F-3 : Parcel Delivery (7,000 GVWR max) & optional rear spring pkg (7,800 GVWR max)
- F-4 : 1 ton (7,500 GVWR max) & optional 1¼ ton pkg (10,000 GVWR max)
- F-5 : 1½ ton: Conventional, school bus, and cab over engine (C.O.E.) (10,000-14,500 GVWR)
- F-6 : 2 ton: Conventional, school bus, and C.O.E. (14,000-16,000 GVWR)
- F-7 : Conventional (17,000-19,000 GVWR)
- F-8 : Conventional (20,000-22,000 GVWR)
Engines:
Transmissions:
- 3-speed light duty, F-1 only
- 3-speed heavy duty, F-1 through F-5
- 4-speed (spur gear), F-1 through F-6
- 4-speed Synchro-Silent, F-4 through F-6
- 5-speed overdrive, F-7 and F-8
- 5-speed direct drive, F-7 and F-8
Second generation (1953–1956)
The F-Series was redesigned for 1953 with a more integrated look. The pickups also acquired their now familiar names: The F-1 now became the F-100 , the F-2 now became the F-250 , and the F-3 now became the 1 ton F-350 . Starting on the 1956 models, Ford offers the very rare "Low GVWR" versions of each model. Interior amenities were new, including a dome light, lighter, arm rests, and sun visors. On March 13, 1953, "Ford-O-Matic" automatic transmissions became an option.
1954 saw the introduction of the new 239 CID overhead valve Y-block V8, dubbed "Power King." Canadian models, however, (including the Mercury M-Series), retained the flathead. The inline six was increased in size, and power steering was introduced as an option.
Second generation trucks were built in Brazil from 1957 to 1962 as the F-100, F-350 and F-600.
Models:
- F-100 : 1/2 ton (5,000 GVWR max)
- F-110 : 1/2 ton (4,000 GVWR max)
- F-250 : 3/4 ton (7,400 GVWR max)
- F-260 : 3/4 ton (4,900 GVWR max)
- F-350 : 1 ton (9,800 GVWR max)
- F-360 : 1 ton (7,700 GVWR max)
Engines:
Third generation (1957–1960)
The truck was restyled again in 1957 with a hood that now sat flush with the fenders and a new chrome grille. In the back, the traditional separate-fender body was now called flareside , while a new smooth-sided look was known as styleside . Four wheel drive drive-train, which was previously outsourced to Marmon-Herrington, was produced in-house by Ford Motor Company beginning in 1959. Ford still offers a "Low GVWR" version of each model. In May 1957 Ford discontinued building trucks at the Highland Park Ford Plant in Highland Park, Michigan. All heavy trucks were transferred to Kentucky Truck Assembly in Louisville, Kentucky. All light and medium trucks were transferred to 10 other plants in the USA.
Third generation trucks were built in Brazil as the F-100, F-350 & F-600 from 1962 to 1971.
Models:
- F-100 (F10, F11, F14) : 1/2 ton (4,000-5,000 GVWR max)
- F-100 (F18, F19)(4X4) : 1/2 ton (4,000-5,600 GVWR max)
- F-250 (F25, F26) : 3/4 ton (4,900-7,400 GVWR max)
- F-250 (F28, F29)(4X4) : 3/4 ton (4,900-7,400 GVWR max)
- F-350 (F35, F36) : 1 ton (7,700-9,800 GVWR max)
Engines:
Fourth generation (1961–1966)
The truck was completely redesigned for 1961 with a wider look, and unibody trucks were available, built with an integrated cab and box, from 1961-63. From 1964 on, only the traditional separate cab and bed arrangement were available. Power was over 200 hp (150 kW) with the 1965 update 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.
Ford still offered a "Low GVWR" version of each model.
The Camper Special was built heavier for the slide in campers that were becoming increasingly popular during this time.
In 1965, the name "Ranger" is first introduced as a styling package for the F-Series pickup trucks. Then later (1982) the name Ranger is used for Ford's compact series trucks; an entry in the mini-pickup segment. It went on to become the top-selling compact pickup in the American market.
In 1965, the 300-cubic inch (4.9 L) straight six was introduced (a larger version of the 240-cubic inch Six). It had 7 main bearings and timing gears (no chain or belt).
Models:'
- F-100 (F10, F11, F14) : 1/2 ton (4,000-5,000 GVWR max)
- F-100 (F18, F19)(4X4) : 1/2 ton (4,000-5,600 GVWR max)
- F-250 (F25) : 3/4 ton (7,400 GVWR max)
- F-250 (F26)(4X4) : 3/4 ton (4,900 GVWR max)
- F-350 (F35) : 1 ton (9,800 GVWR max)
Engines:
Fifth generation (1967–1972)
Another refresh came in 1967 along with a familiar name: the upscale Ranger trim line in addition to the base and Custom Cab trim levels. In 1968, federal regulations required all automotive manufacturers to add side marker reflectors or lights, so Ford redesigned the hood emblems to incorporate reflectors. The same year the trucks received larger versions of Ford's FE engine family with the introduction of the 360 and 390 cubic inch engines. Also changed for 1968 were the heater controls, arm rests, interior door handles and window cranks, and the upper trim moulding on models so equipped. Rear side marker reflectors were also added to the lower bed side panels in 1968, per government regulations. The 302 V8 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 bodies were noted for durability and simplicity of design making them a favorite for restoration.
Some trucks came with an outer flush mounted bed side compartment/tool box on the passenger side only. Trucks from the Fifth Generation can be identified as to year model by their year specific grille arrangements.
After the 1968 models, Ford discontinued the "Low GVWR" versions.
Still available was the Camper Special option, along with the new Explorer Special (a trim package), Contractor's Special (including a behind the seat toolbox and 3/4 ton (F-250) suspension), Farm and Ranch Special , and Heavy-Duty Special . Most of these "specials" from 1967-72 were made in relatively low numbers and are now becoming increasingly difficult to locate.
The fifth-generation F-series was introduced in Brazil in 1971, which remained in production until circa 1992 with a slight redesign and changes in its motorizations.
Models:
- F-100 : 1/2 ton (5,600 GVWR max)
- F-110 : 1/2 ton (4X4)(4,200 GVWR max)
- F-250
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