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

The Ford Trucks’ Beginnings

Ford trucks are one of today’s most successful and most popular trucks sold in the market. Each year, Ford trucks are made even better. There’s Ford Work Solutions, the technologically enhanced features which aid Ford truck drivers to manage their job while being on the go with their Ford trucks. But did you ever wonder how did everything start off, exactly? Listed below is a brief at-a-glance history of how Ford trucks came to be what they are now.

Some time between 1948 and 1952 the first F-Series were introduced: F-1 (half-ton), F-2 (three-ton) or F3 (Heavy Duty). They were the 1948 models. Back then, two engines were made available: a 226-cubic-inch inline six with 95 hp and a 239-cubic-inch V8 which was able to give off 100hp. 1951 was the year that Ford trucks saw a new base engine, which was 215-cubic-inch inline six that gave off 101 hp. Up until 1952, the Ford trucks had undergone some exterior overhauls and mechanical improvements for better performance and tougher trucks.

Ford trucks during 1953 were made to look sleeker and were called F-100 and F-250. The Heavy Duty versions changed their name to F-350. The year 1954 saw improvements in engines as well as the exterior of the trucks. This continued until 1956. An example of this: 223 c.i. with 115 hp.


In 1957 Ford trucks were given lower hoods and flushed fenders. There were two types of body styles: Flareside and Styleside. It wasn’t until 1958 that a new grille was introduced. The four-wheel drive and the two-tone interior trimming were not offered until 1959. It is in that same year that the Ford trucks housed larger V8 engines. By 1960, the trucks had been modified to achieve a heavy, bug-eyed look.

Single headlights and a wider, lower body were brought back. Changes in the look of the grilles happened yearly. By 1965 three new engines were offered: 240-c.-i. inline six with 150 hp, 300-c.i. inline six with 170 hp, and 352-c.i. V8 with 208 hp. 1968 was all about functional improvements, such as the engines. F-100 models got rid of the leaf springs and were replaced with coil springs. A four-door pickup truck was introduced at 1969, which would be of the Crew Cab variety.

Ford trucks were even more improved come 1973, undergoing changes such as having a bigger frame, more space, and noticeable functional changes. The SuperCab was introduced in 1974. It was the extended cab version of the F-Series. Balancing the F-100 and F-250 was the F-150, which was introduced at 1975. It was a half-ton pickup that saw little change until 1976.

Engines were given yet another attention during the year 1977, as options were made available. There were 351-c.i. with 163 hp and 400-c.i. with 169 hp which replaced the option of the 360 V8 engine. The standard base engine for 1978 was 300-c.i. inline six with 114 hp. The Ranger Lariat was launched that year. Square headlights used to be seen in all models except for Custom but that changed during 1979, when all the F-Series trucks were given square headlights.

Ford F-Series greeted the eighties with a lot of room for improvements in more ways than one. For one thing, the 1980 trucks had undergone a more aerodynamic design. Be sure to come back tomorrow for another quick but informative rundown on the history of Ford trucks.

source: Edmunds Inside Line

Ford Is a Top Car Brand

The Brand Report Card study which was conducted recently shed some light regarding brand perception when it came to cars. They revealed that there were only five brands which were able to stand out from the rest of the others brands of automobiles. Ford earned the spot for being the number one domestic manufacturer when it came to overall brand perception. The results were achieved via phone survey by the Consumer Reports National Research Center and said survey ran from the 30th of November to the 3rd of December 2006. The car manufacturers were rated with five categories. Namely, these are the design/style, performance, quality, safety, technology/innovation, and value. Ford is one of the automobile makers (alongside with Toyota, Honda and Chevrolet) which was on the list of sales-volume leaders. Ford has a vast array of vehicle models to offer to their consumers, they have a large network of dealers and they don’t hold back anything when it comes to advertising budget.

In the study conducted, there were surprising findings regarding what influences the consumers to purchase a car. For example, consumers hold safety as the greatest value and technology and innovation were least important. The top five brands are Toyota, Ford, Honda, Volvo, and Chevrolet.

source: MSN Autos

Ford Teams Up with GT Technologies

The production of Ford F-150 will soon be taking place at the GT Technologies’ expanded production facility. GT Technologies is an automotive manufacturing firm which will work with Ford. The said company (GT Technologies and not Ford) is bound to produce valve train assemblies which will be fore the new engines of Ford’s most popular and well-loved pick up truck, the F-150.

The Vice President of GT Technologies, Greg Gilbert, had spoken about their latest project. “Today, you can see the addition… Come the end of this year you will see this facility here filled with equipment and people making product for that truck, the Ford F-150.”

The production and shipments are anticipated to begin in January of 2009. To prepare for this, their plant in Tallahassee has been expanded up to 25,567 square feet. Hand in hand with the expansion is GT Technologies’ investment worth $20 million, where the amount of the investment is said to be allocated for new equipment.

source: tallahassee.com

The New Ford Ranger WildTrak

Ford Ranger WildTrak’s first generation was unveiled to the public only last year. When sold, the only available model was the premium 4x4 which was a limited edition. This edition was made to celebrate the 11th anniversary of Ford in Thailand. This week, Ford Thailand has presented the new Ford Ranger WildTrak models. Ford is looking to expand their pickup truck lineup, thus the creation of the new WildTrak models. These would also serve as one of the key products of Ford.

The new WildTrak is available in four models with 4x4 and 4x2 formats. The price for this starts at 693,000 Baht. The top-range model, however, is priced differently. It is sold for 917,000 Baht. Senior Vice President Saroj Kiatfuengfoo said, “We see a market within the truck segment that wants the toughness of the Ranger and also wants the style of the new Ranger WildTrak. Now we offer more choices for our customers with four models of the new WildTrak.” With its sporty two-tone interior trim, the new Ford WildTrak is capable of being taken to rugged places, even at the toughest terrain. Its styling bars and Mountain Top add to its sporty appeal.

The new Ford Ranger WildTrack at a glance:

- 5-liter 12-valve Duratorq turbo diesel engine that can generate 107 bhp.
- Three modes: rear-wheel drive, 4x4 and a special low range 4x4
- Roof bars that aid in attaching cargo that won’t fit in the load area
- Five-spoke alloy wheels
- MP3-compatible DAB digital radio

source: Bangkok Post

2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

The first Sport Trac was launched back in 2001. This took place during the campaign of No Boundaries. Creatively merging the elements of an SUV and a truck, the Sport Trac soon caught attention of the public. This year, the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has taken a step forward in the name of space and safety.

The 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has paid more attention to dimensions, safety and houses a V-8 engine. Two different trim levels are also made available: XLT and Limited. The XLT models come with black roof rails, gray bumper cladding and 16-inch wheels. The Limited models, on the other hand, have body-colored bumpers, silver roof rails and wheels that are eighteen inches. What comes standard for the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac are the fog lamps and power rear window. These are new standards for this 2008 model.

The inside is reminiscent of the Ford Explorer. The XLT model has the standard power equipment and the Limited model puts in a couple of features which is more on the side of luxury. This includes the dual-zone automatic climate control and the 10-way power driver’s seat. It can accommodate up to five passengers: front bucket seats and a three-place second row bench. The optional Ford Sync system makes it possible to provide control of mobile phones that are compatible, as well as portable music players which are voice-activated or steering wheel control.

It has the standard 4.0L V6, 12 valve engine with 210 horsepower at 5100 rpm. Its transmission is a 5-speed automatic. It has 245 lb.-ft. of torque. The 4.6L V8 is able to produce 292 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. of torque. This works with a 6-speed automatic.

For the sake of safety, the all-disc anti-lock brakes should be a form of assurance. There is also an electronic stability system with rollover mitigation. This makes the vehicle aware of approaching rollovers and makes an effort to put a stop to it by making use of the individual brakes. To ensure safety, side-impact airbags located at the front seats and side curtain airbags for the two rows are included.

source: cars.com

Ford Helps Truck Owners to be More Productive

Ford wants their sales to pick up. Last January, their F-series was leading by only 5,000 over the Chevrolet Silverado. Their solution? The Ford Works Solutions. Ford Works Solutions is what Ford is going to offer to their customers. This package is meant to aim productivity among the truck owners. Ford Works Solutions is an effort which would hopefully solve the issues that some truck owners encounter. Some of the concerns of truck drivers are tool theft, doing office work in their trucks and keeping track of their trucks (when in a small business). This new package is supposed to make things more convenient for businessmen who are constantly on the road and on the go.

Ford Works Solutions include the following: one in-dash computer, a digital system meant for tracking tools inside the vehicle, a digital system designed for keeping track a group of trucks, an 8-foot cable laced on the truck’s bed for protection of the truckers’ things and keeping their tools in place. With today’s increasing need for both safety and productivity, the Ford Works Solutions aims to give ease to the drivers out there. Whether they are traveling and on the road for their business or simply in their trucks managing their dealings or concerns, Ford Works Solutions make it possible for them to be able to attend to their responsibilities. At the same time, the drivers wouldn’t have to worry about their safety any longer.

Ed Pleet, one of the product and business managers at Ford Works Solutions, said that “It’s geared toward improving productivity.” Although the price for the package is not yet given, the Ford Works Solutions will be available on most F-Series pickup trucks as well as all of the 2009 E-Series vans. Ford teamed up with well-known partners such as Microsoft, Sprint and ThingMagic.

The in-dash computer with Internet access is powered by Microsoft while the internet access is made possible through the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network. The computer’s navigation system is handled by Garmin. It is touch-screen for expediency handiness and has a high resolution for easier at-a-glance checking of information. Being 6.5-inches and having 2 gigabytes worth of memory, the Ford Works Solutions package also comes with the following:

- secure digital slot for additional memory
- one USB port
- thin wireless keyboard that comes with a mouse pad
- stylus (for the touch-screen)

With added improvements made for ease and convenience, the Ford Works Solutions seems to re-define the words “dependability” and “capability.”

source: Free Press

Ford South Africa to Invest Over $214 Dollars for Next Generation Trucks and Diesel Engines

Other automobile manufacturers have announced their plans of building new manufacturing plants in other countries and Ford Motor Company is one of them. Ford Motor Company of South Africa is planning to invest more than R1.5 million or $214 million (U.S. dollars) for the production of the next generation of compact pick-up trucks as well as Puma diesel engines. Ford Motor Company of South Africa already has two plants in South Africa. One is an engine plant built at Port Elizabeth, where other motor manufacturers have also built their plants. General Motors is one of the big names in the motor manufacturing industry who had also built a plant in Port Elizabeth. The other plant is for assembly which is located at Pretoria. Their staff is consisted of roughly around 4,500 workers. The number of employees is expected to go up by 5,000 when 2011 arrives. This is the expected year when the production is supposedly already bursting and ongoing at a fast pace. It is expected that the year 2011 will mark the period of the production of new pick-up trucks. A great number of the estimated 110,000 units which will be produced yearly will be exported to the countries in Africa and Europe.

The local content is of great magnitude when it comes to the investment. This is currently at 35 percent but it is expected to rise to more than 60 percent soon after. The annual investment will be R2.9 billion or $414 million (U.S. dollars), give or take a few.

source: Trend News