Ford LCF
 | This article needs to be divided into sections. (April 2016) |
| Ford LCF | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Blue Diamond Truck Company LLC, a joint venture between Navistar International and Ford Motor Company |
| Production | 2006–2009 General Escobedo, Mexico |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Cab Forward truck |
| Body style | Cab-over-engine |
| Related | Mazda Titan |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 4.5L V-6 Power Stroke Diesel (Navistar VT275 Engine) |
| Transmission | 5-Speed TorqShift with Tow/Haul Feature (with or without PTO) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Ford Cargo |
The Ford LCF (Low Cab Forward[1]) and International CF (later known as the International CityStar) are a pair of medium duty commercial trucks that were produced by Blue Diamond Truck Company LLC, a joint venture between Ford and Navistar International, from 2006 to 2009. Intended to compete with Isuzu (as well as rebadged General Motors versions of the Isuzu) and Mitsubishi Fuso trucks of a similar size and design in the North American market, the LCF and CF featured a cab-over-engine configuration.
The LCF and CF were available with one powertrain; a 200 HP V6 Ford Power Stroke Diesel engine derived from the Navistar-produced Power Stroke V8, mated to a 5-speed Torqshift automatic transmission. This engine was exclusive to this line of trucks and was not used elsewhere.
The interior came standard with Manual windows while chrome front grille, bumper, Power windows, and wheels were optional.
It was Ford's first cab-over-engine truck since the sale of U.S. rights for the Ford Cargo design to DaimlerChrysler in the late 1990s.
LCFs were sold in various lengths and have been used as dump trucks, fire trucks, tow trucks, box trucks, crane/bucket trucks, flat beds and stake bodies by those seeking a higher mileage and more easily maneuverable alternative to the larger Ford F-Series commercial trucks.
The chassis was mostly based on existing F-Series architecture. The cab was derived from an existing Mazda design used in Japan, the fourth generation Mazda Titan.
It was widely criticized for its noisy engine, fuel consumption, lack of head and foot room (due to the placement of the steering column), and a dealer network who were uneducated on the product. The trucks many times sat, unsold, for several years.
Production came to an end along with the Ford-Navistar relationship, and Ford divested itself of Blue Diamond.
References
- ^ "2006 Ford LCF Low Cab Forward" (PDF). fleet.ford.com. Retrieved 11 May 2013.