Ford F-Series

For the 1999–present F-250 and higher models, see Ford Super Duty.

"F150" redirects here. For the 2011 Formula One race car previously named Ferrari F150, see Ferrari 150° Italia.

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, 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. 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)

Main article: Ford F-Series first generation

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.

Second generation (1953–1956)

Main article: Ford F-Series second generation

The second generation trucks were given 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.

Third generation (1957–1960)

Main article: Ford F-Series third generation

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.

Fourth generation (1961–1966)

Main article: Ford F-Series fourth generation

Ford introduced a new style of truck, unibody trucks, integrating the cab and the box.

Fifth generation (1967–1972)

Main article: Ford F-Series fifth generation

The Ranger trim level was introduced.

Sixth generation (1973–1979)

Main article: Ford F-Series sixth generation

The changes for the sixth generation were largely cosmetic.

Seventh generation (1980–1986)

Main article: Ford F-Series seventh generation

The Ranger trim was dropped along with the F-100 model.

Eighth generation (1987-1991)

Main article: Ford F-Series eighth generation

Antilock brakes were fitted as standard. The flareside style was dropped.

Ninth generation (1992–1996/1997)

Main article: Ford F-Series ninth generation

The flareside was reinstated.

Tenth generation (1997–2004)

Main article: Ford F-Series tenth generation

The tenth generation used a style similar to cars.

Eleventh generation (2004–2008)

Main article: Ford F-Series eleventh generation

Twelfth generation (2009–present)

Main article: Ford F-Series twelfth generation

Special models

SVT Lightning

The SVT Lightning is a sports/performance version of the F-150, released by Ford's SVT (Special Vehicle Team) division.

1993-1995

1993 Ford SVT Lightning

Ford introduced the Lightning in 1993 to compete with primarily the Chevrolet 454 SS, in an effort to enhance the sporty, personal-use image of the Ford F-Series pickup.^{[citation needed]} This initial Lightning featured performance handling developed by world-champion driver Jackie Stewart. The Lightning was powered by a special 240 hp (180 kW) version of the 351 cu in (5.8 L) V8 engine. The Lightning shared its basic platform structure with the regular F-150, but modifications were made to many vehicle systems, including enhancing the Lightning chassis to increase rigidity.^{[citation needed]} The stock Lightning was capable of achieving 0.88 g lateral acceleration, yet it retained almost all the hauling and trailering capabilities of the parent F-Series. A 351 cu in (5.8 L) Windsor V8 producing 240 hp (179 kW) and 340 ft·lbf (461 N·m) of torque replaced the standard F-150 engine. The engine was based on an existing block, but Ford engineers fitted it with high flow rate "GT40" heads and used hypereutectic pistons to increase response, output and durability.^{[citation needed]}

An upgraded Ford E40D automatic transmission was the only available transmission. An aluminum driveshaft connected it to 4.10:1 rear gears. Special 17" aluminum wheels with Firestone Firehawk tires, Lightning badging, a front air dam with fog lamps, a 120 mph (190 km/h) speedometer and a special intake manifold all differentiated the Lightning from normal F-150s. Bucket seats with electrically-adjustable side bolsters and lumbar supports were part of the package. Suspension modifications provided a 1 in front and 2.5 in rear drop in ride height.^{[citation needed]}

The 1993 Lightning, launched on 15 December 1992 by Ford President Ed Hagenlocker, received more than 150 favorable articles in America's newspapers, magazines, and television outlets, and helped Ford regain leadership in the personal-use truck market.^{[citation needed]} Three-time World Champion driver Jackie Stewart was highly involved in fine-tuning of the Lightning's handling. Key Ford engineers, managers, and executives involved in developing the original Lightning Performance Truck were Jim Mason, Robert Burnham, Jim Englehart, Terry DeJonckheere, Rory Carpenter, Bob Hommel, Terrell Edgar, Dick Liljestrand, Deb Neill, Adolfo Mejia, and Fred Gregg.^{[citation needed]}

Year	Engine	Power	Torque	Black Trucks	Red Trucks	White Trucks	Total Production
1993	5.8 L Windsor FI V8	240 hp (179 kW)	340 ft·lbf (461 N·m)	2,691	2,585	N/A	5,276
1994				1,382	1,165	1,460	4,007
1995				824	695	761	2,280
Total							11,563

1999-2004

In 1999, after a three-year hiatus, Ford SVT unveiled a new Ford Lightning powered by a modular SOHC 16-valve 5.4 L Triton engine producing 360 horsepower (270 kW) and 440 ft·lbf (600 N·m), with a factory-installed Eaton supercharger. The 4R100 automatic transmission was used, and the rear gear ratio was 3.55:1. The Lightning featured 18" wheels and Goodyear Eagle F1 295/45ZR-18 tires. The suspension system, which lowers the truck one inch in front and two inches in the rear, was also modified from the standard F-150. It retained the front short-and long-arm system with coil springs and a 31 mm solid stabilizer bar along with the rear solid axle with five-leaf springs and a 23 mm solid stabilizer bar. Monroe shocks were used from 1999-2001 then replaced with Bilstein shocks from 2002-2004.

For the 2001 model year, the engine design was slightly altered to produce 380 horsepower (280 kW) @ 4,750 rpm and 450 ft·lbf (610 N·m) @ 3,250 rpm. Also, the previously leaky intercooler was redesigned. This problem was addressed as a recall in earlier models. A cast iron block was used instead of aluminum. These upgrades were critical in order to support the 8 psi (0.55 bar) of boost delivered from the stock Eaton M112 roots supercharger. Another engine revision came in the 2003 Model Year when a weakness in the heads, the lack of sufficient threads for spark plugs, was addressed and fixed, although "piston slap", a mild knocking noise while the engine is cold, was still present. At the other end of the drivetrain, the final drive ratio was shortened to 3.73:1 with an 9.5 inch rear end in 2001. Also, in 2001 the drive shaft was increased in size to a 4.5-inch (110 mm) aluminum unit, from the previous 3.5-inch (89 mm) steel unit. The specially developed 295/45ZR-18 Goodyear Eagle F1-GS unidirectional tires were upgraded utilizing a new generation F1 GS rubber compound. With these engine and drivetrain revisions, Car and Driver magazine drove a Lightning from zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 5.2 seconds. For 2003, the Lightning's cargo capacity was raised from 800 lb (360 kg). to 1,350 lb (610 kg).

The second generation Lightning was initially offered in just Bright Red, Black, and White paint colors. The 2000 Model Year brought the addition of the Silver color to the lineup. In 2002, True Blue, a very dark blue, was offered, but replaced with a lighter Sonic Blue in 2003. The 2003 Model Year also saw the introduction of the Dark Shadow Gray color.

These trucks were manufactured at Ford's Canada Truck Facility in Oakville, Ontario until its closure. Special features specific to the Lightning included:

• 5.4 L 2V Triton Supercharged Intercooled V8 engine
• Modified 4R100 4-speed automatic transmission with OD lockout
• Limited-slip differential
• Auxiliary transmission fluid cooler
• Eaton supercharger
• Engine super cooling system
• Heavy duty battery
• Unique front fascia with integrated, round fog lamps
• Unique upper and lower grilles
• Unique front lower air deflectors
• Unique cab rocker and lower box moldings
• Unique wheels and tires
• 4-wheel ABS / 4-wheel disc brakes
• Heavy duty front and rear shock absorbers

Year	Engine	Power	Torque	Production
1999	5.4 L supercharged Triton V8	360 hp (268 kW)	440 ft·lbf (597 N·m)	4,000
2000				4,966
2001		380 hp (283 kW)	450 ft·lbf (610 N·m)	6,381
2002				4,726
2003				4,270
2004				3,781
Total				28,124

SVT Raptor

F-150 Raptor

The SVT Raptor entered showrooms in late 2009 as a dedicated off-roader. It debuted in 2010 and sales were much better than expected. It was powered by a 5.4 L (330 CID) engine, with a 6.2 L option. The 6.2 L (379 CID) engine has 411 horsepower (306 kW) and 434 ft·lbf (588 N·m) of torque. The suggested retail price was $3000 over the 5.4 L model. A six-speed automatic is standard. It has Fox Racing Shox internal bypass shocks with external reservoirs which allows for 11" of suspension travel in front, and 12" in the rear. It comes standard with 35" BFGoodrich All Terrain tires, and a rear Locking differential with a 4.10:1 gear ratio. Also, it is available in solid black, white, blue, and orange with a "digital mud" decal scheme as an option. In April 2011, Ford sold 1,186 Raptors, outselling Honda's Ridgeline. The first production Raptor, orange with the digital mud graphic, sold at an auction for $130,000. Ford donated all proceeds above the MSRP to charity. The race version, F-150 SVT Raptor R, was built for the Baja 1000 races. It uses a 6.2 L engine rated at 500 hp.

2010 SVT Raptor

For 2011, the SVT Raptor would be powered exclusively with the 6.2 L V8 as the only engine choice. Other notable changes to the 2011 SVT Raptor include availability in a 4-door Super Crew cab and a new color option Ingot Silver Metallic making the Raptor available in a total of five colors.

2012 Raptors eliminated the open differential in the front end in favor of a Torsen helical gear limited slip differential.

Body, frame, and features

From the A-pillar forward, the Raptor has a composite hood and fenders different from other F-150s and is bereft of the blue oval badge in the grille. SVT widened the track by 7 inches, and so its 5.5-foot box is unique to the Raptor as well. The Raptor's height is 2 inches over a standard Supercrew. It also features new, internal bypass shocks, designed by Fox Racing Shox.

The Raptor has new leaf springs and shocks, new front upper- and lower-A-arms, and a wider, thicker-walled rear axle. It's the first Ford with hill-descent control and comes with an electronic differential locker that lets the driver keep it locked at high speeds when the Raptor's Off Road Mode is engaged. Off Road Mode is a feature unique to the Raptor which allows more controlled, aggressive driving while in situations where increased traction and braking are necessary. The Raptor's Off Road Mode allows ABS, roll stability control and traction control to be completely turned off giving the driver total control over the driving experience. Off Road Mode also changes the Raptor's throttle sensitivity and transmission shift points causing a more linear power curve for low traction situations.

Towing capacity is up to 8,000 pounds with a 1,770-pound payload (Super Crew only). Interior changes include high-bolster seats, a special steering wheel, a redesigned center console and auxiliary switches connected to pre-wired pass though leads allowing ease of aftermarket product installation. Ford originally promised a value price and a multi-year run—final pricing came in at $42,000.00 for 2010.

2011 frame issues

In June 2011, a group of 14 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor owners took an off-roading trip, during which 10 of these 14 trucks suffered bent frames. The lack of other damage to the trucks led to speculation about potentially inadequate frame design. A Ford engineer from SVT stated the trucks were driven too fast and may have even had the Speed limiter removed.

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  Raptor Crew Cab

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2010 Harley-Davidson F-150

On February 10, 2009 at the Chicago Auto Show, the latest edition of the 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).

F-150 Platinum

Ford ceased sales of the Lincoln Mark LT in the United States and Canada after the 2008 model year. In its place beginning in the 2009 model year, Ford created an upper-end trim of the 2009 F-150 called F-150 Platinum. Sales continued in Mexico, because the Ford F-150 was sold as the Ford Lobo until the 2010 model was released there.

Ford F-150 Platinum

Motorsports

In 2008, Ford announced its intention to enter Baja 1000 race class 8 race. The race team consisted driver of record Steve Oligos and co-drivers Randy Merritt, Greg Foutz and Bud Brutsman, competing in class eight for moderately modified, full-size pickup trucks. The vehicle was built in collaboration between the Ford Special Vehicle Team (SVT), Ford Racing, and Foutz Motorsports Inc. Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R completed the 2008 41st Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 race in 25:28:10, or 3rd rank within the class.

In Best In The Desert race series, an F150 SVT Raptor R completed the "Terrible's 250" race placing 2nd overall in Class 8000.

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 a catch-up crash with another car, which had stopped in the middle of a dusty road in the middle of stage 7. In January 2011 two Raptors started in Buenos Aires, Campillay returned with a more reliable Raptor (#375), and American female driver Sue Mead entered with a T2 Raptor(#374). Mead crossed the finish line in Buenos Aires, winning the "Super Production" class; the team has pulled off the first North American class win in Dakar history, and brought the Raptor to the finish after more than 9500 km in some of South America’s harshest environments. Campillay was unable to finish the 12th stage after losing time due to mechanical failure in the 11th stage, leading to his disqualification for not reaching the race camp on time.

Awards and recognition

The Ford F-150 has won numerous awards; In 2009 alone, it received:

• 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

Calendar Year	United States	Canada	Total
1999	869,001
2000	876,716
2001	911,597
2002	813,701
2003	845,586
2004	939,511
2005	901,463
2006	796,039
2007	690,589
2008	515,513
2009	413,625
2010	528,349	97,913	626,262
2011	584,917

Notes

This 1955 Australian F-100 Freighter had special high side panels, perhaps unique to Australia. Note RHD.

• 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 1961–1965 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 CNG (Compressed Natural Gas). Biodiesel also is used in diesel engines.

• Ford also built Right-hand drive versions of the F-Series in Brazil for export to countries that drive on the left side of the road, like 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. Consequentially the Mark LT continues to be sold in Mexico, with the latest model a 'Linconized' F-150 Platinum.

See also

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

Footnotes

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

• "A Ford F-Series History". Edmunds.com. http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/generations/articles/46026/article.html. Retrieved November 8, 2004. 

Chassis and model spec for 1957–1979 from Ford Master Parts Catalog

External links

• Official site
• Ford Trucks at the Open Directory Project