Wednesday, February 27, 2008

The Ford Trucks’ Beginnings: The 80s Onwards

The previous post talked about the early days of Ford trucks. It was left hanging with short information about the time it hit the eighties. This post will continue to give more of the at-a-glance history of Ford trucks, this time with where the previous post last left off: The Ford trucks during the eighties.

With a more aerodynamic design, the trucks went through a revamping period. The hood, the grille and the body sides were given fresher looks to reveal a sturdier Ford truck. “Twin-traction beam” was applied to the versions of the four-wheel drive. The twin-traction beam is an “independent coil-sprung suspension.” The “FORD” indication placed in the center of the grille was replaced during 1982. Taking its spot was the blue oval emblem of Ford. Ford Ranger stopped its production and the F-Series models comprised of base, XL, XLT and XLT Lariat. There was yet another engine improvement in 1983 when the 460 V8 with 245 hp and 6.9-liter diesel V8 engines were presented. The new F-150 truck became 1984’s new base truck.


Jumping forward to 1987, the Ford F-Series had undergone major changes such as the new front fenders, hood and bumper. Big changes were also made in terms of the instrument panel, maintenance and safety. Fuel injection was added to the 4.9-liter inline six engine; the output rose by 20 percent. Thus, the 150 hp. Later that same year, the 7.5-liter V8 engine had the same fuel injection. The SuperCab models became shorter in the year 1988 while 1989 witnessed the replacement of the all black unit with the silver and black grille. 1990 offered the Package, which aimed for drivers who needed trucks with heavy-duty batteries, high-capacity radiators and skid plates. For better fuel economy and diminished wear on the engine, there was an offer of four-speed units which were electronically controlled. The F-250 and F-350 trucks came standard with automatic hub locks by the time 1991 rolled in.

Jumping forward to 1987, the Ford F-Series had undergone major changes such as the new front fenders, hood and bumper. Big changes were also made in terms of the instrument panel, maintenance and safety. Fuel injection was added to the 4.9-liter inline six engine; the output rose by 20 percent. Thus, the 150 hp. Later that same year, the 7.5-liter V8 engine had the same fuel injection. The SuperCab models became shorter in the year 1988 while 1989 witnessed the replacement of the all black unit with the silver and black grille. 1990 offered the Package, which aimed for drivers who needed trucks with heavy-duty batteries, high-capacity radiators and skid plates. For better fuel economy and diminished wear on the engine, there was an offer of four-speed units which were electronically controlled. The F-250 and F-350 trucks came standard with automatic hub locks by the time 1991 rolled in.


1992 looked more deeply in the aerodynamics application of the F-Series. A new look came about, with so-called aero mirrors and a new tailgate. The XL model was the new base model by the time 1993 came. With a 5.8-liter V8 engine with 240 hp, Lightning was enlisted among the F-Series. Safety was given more emphasis in 1994 when they placed a side airbag on the driver’s seat. Along with that are the beams on the side door ad a third brakelight. The Eddie Bauer edition was introduced. Compared to the rest of the F-Series, it was the most luxurious. Everything in it was powered and it had a two-tone paint. The F-250 Heavy Duty SuperCab and Crew Cab were introduced at 1996.

Other changes the F-150 had gone through are as follows:

1998 – The XLT 2WD models can now have an STX package.
1999 – Three different body styles were offered: Regular Cab, Super Cab and Crew Cab
2000 – The Harley-Davidson edition was introduced.
2001 – The King Ranch trim was introduced. It features leather interior and standard four-wheel ABS. New options were also made available that same year.
2002 – The Harley-Davidson model added more power to it with its new engine: a 5.4-liter V8 engine with 340 horsepower.
2003 – The “Heritage Edition” made an appearance. Its key features were its paint scheme, a different panel and special wheels.

source: Edmunds Inside Line

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