Monday, April 2, 2012

Ford F-Series















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, currently the best-selling truck for 34 years, and the best selling vehicle in Canada, though this does not include combined sales of GM pickup trucks.[3] 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 1946-1968. Other than the grilles, trim, and badging, these trucks were identical to their Ford counterparts.


First generation (1948–1952)

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. Optional interior amenities were new, including a dome light, lighter, arm rests, sun visors and a radio. On March 13, 1953, the "Ford-O-Matic" automatic transmission became an option.

Third generation (1957–1960)

For the third generation, Ford started its tradition of distinguishing the two types of pickup boxes; the traditional separate-fender body was called FlareSide, while a new smooth-sided look was known as StyleSide. The cabover F-Series was discontinued, having been replaced by the tilt-cab C-Series.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 (1961–1966)

Ford introduced a new style of truck, unibody trucks, integrating the cab and the box; this was produced until 1963.
In 1965, the F-Series began to offer a 4-door crew cab as an option. 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. A new chassis also marked the first appearance of Twin I-Beam front suspension.

Fifth generation (1967–1972)

In 1967, along with a minor update, the F-Series changed the Ranger from an option package to a separate trim level. In response to federal regulations, Ford added a number of exterior lights in 1968 and made some changes to the interior controls.

Sixth generation (1973–1979)

The changes for the sixth generation were largely cosmetic.
Real changes that were made were the addition of front disk brakes, and an additional 3 inches in the cab.

Seventh generation (1980–1986)

The 1980 F-Series was redesigned with an all-new chassis and larger body; this was the first ground-up redesign since 1965. While similar to the previous generation, the exterior of the trucks was redone to improve its 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 effiency, the F-Series gained smaller Windsor V8 engines from the Panther platform. 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 Ford 351 V8 with the fuel economy as 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.

Eighth generation (1987-1991)

The 1987 design was more streamlined, and maintenance items were made simpler. Rear antilock brakes were now standard, the first truck to boast this. The five speed Mazda M5OD transmission was added to the lineup in 1988, while still retaining the heavier built Borg-Warner T18 four speed manual transmission.

Ninth generation (1992–1996/1997)

New aerodynamic-looking front end, a new dashboard, and the Flareside bed returned, which was offered in regular or extended cab. The "Nite" package introduced in 1991 continued, but was dropped at the end of the 1992 model year.
The 1994 models brought several changes, including a slightly updated dashboard and the addition of a driver's-side airbag on F150's only, Centre High Mount Stop Lamp third brake light, brake-shift interlock and CFC-free air conditioning. It also brought a replacement for the seventh-generation medium-duty models. New options in 1994 included remote keyless entry with alarm, a compact disc player fitted into the regular stereo system, and a power driver's seat; an electrochromic inside rear view mirror was also offered in 1994 and 1995 as part of a luxury light package. Following the lead of the Explorer, an Eddie Bauer trim line — featuring plusher trim and increased standard features — was added for the 1995 F150; F250's and F350's were not available in this trim level.
Ford trailed rival General Motors in combined truck sales 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.
Models:
  • F-150: 1/2 ton (6,100 lb GVWR max)
  • F-250: 3/4 ton (8,300 lb GVWR max)
  • F-250 HD: 1992–1997 Heavy Duty 3/4 ton (8,800 GVWR max)
  • F-350: 1 ton (10,000 lb GVWR max)
  • F-Super Duty: 1 ton plus (15,000 lb GVWR max)
Engines:
EngineYearsPowerTorqueNotes
4.9 L I61992–93145 hp (108 kW)265 lb·ft (359 N·m)
4.9 L I61994–96150 hp (110 kW)260 lb·ft (350 N·m)
5.0 L V81992–93185 hp (138 kW)270 lb·ft (370 N·m)
5.0 L V81994–96205 hp (153 kW)275 lb·ft (373 N·m)195 hp (145 kW) for automatic
5.8 L V81992210 hp (160 kW)315 lb·ft (427 N·m)
5.8 L V81993200 hp (150 kW)310 lb·ft (420 N·m)
5.8 L V81993–95240 hp (180 kW)340 lb·ft (460 N·m)Lightning only
5.8 L V81994–96210 hp (160 kW)325 lb·ft (441 N·m)
7.5 L V81992–93230 hp (170 kW)390 lb·ft (530 N·m)
7.5 L V81994–97245 hp (183 kW)395 lb·ft (536 N·m)
7.3 L Diesel V81992–94185 hp (138 kW)360 lb·ft (490 N·m)IDI
7.3 L Diesel V81992.5–94190 hp (140 kW)390 lb·ft (530 N·m)IDI Turbo
7.3 L Diesel V81994–97235 hp (175 kW)425 lb·ft (576 N·m)Direct injection Turbo, Powerstroke
The 7.5L and diesel engines were not available on the F-150, and the 4.9L and 5.0L were not available on the F-350 or F-450.
The 4wd F150 continued the use of the Dana 44 Twin-Traction Beam axle from the 86-91 trucks. The 4wd F250 carried the Dana 50 Twin Traction Beam axle from the previous generation, and the 4wd F350 used the Dana 60 Straight Axle.

Tenth generation (1997–2004)

Ford took the aero styling further for 1997 with a rounded nose on the new F-series. Since it was the F-150's first major redesign since 1980, the redesigned truck went on a nationwide 87-stop tour to Ford plants and the external part suppliers in October, 1995 prior to its release.

 To build anticipation for the redesigned truck, the 1997 model was released in January 1996 with the first ad campaigns airing during Super Bowl XXX. Because of the radical styling, Ford predicted that traditional truck buyers would not receive the radical and car-like 1997 well, so it continued to produce and sell the previous 1996 model alongside the redesigned 1997 model for a few months.

Eleventh generation (2004–2008)

Twelfth generation (2009–present)

Ford revealed the next generation 2009 F-150 design at Detroit's North American International Auto Show in January, 2008. Production of the series began in October 2008 at Ford's Kansas City Assembly Plant.The truck features a larger and more flexible interior, an updated three-bar grille, and additional choices of cab styles and trim levels. The chassis includes lighter-weight, high-strength steel for better fuel economy and safety and improved payload and towing capacity. Three engines were initially offered with the 2009 redesign: a revised 5.4 L 3-valve Triton V8 that is E85 capable with an output rating of 320 hp (240 kW) and 395 lb·ft (536 N·m) of torque, a 292 hp (218 kW) 4.6 L 3-valve V8, and a 248 hp (185 kW) 4.6 L 2-valve V8. The 3-valve 5.4 and 4.6 liter V8s are mated to Ford's new 6R80E 6-speed automatic transmission while the 4R75E 4-speed automatic transmission used previously is carried over for the 2-valve 4.6 L V8. The 4.2 L OHV V6 engine, which was previously available, has been dropped due to the closure of the Essex engine plant where it was produced.


source: Wikipedia, oldparkedcars.com





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