{"content":[{"text":"The Ninth Generation Ford F-Series is a line of full-size and medium-duty commercial trucks \n that were produced by Ford from to While still based on the basic design dating from for the \n model year, the F-Series brought a number of minor changes to the exterior and interior where \n most enthusiasts consider this a facelift for the same existing truck that first appeared in as a \n model instead of a redesign. This is the last generation of the F-Series that was produced as a \n complete range of trucks from a half-ton pickup to a medium-duty Class 6 truck. As this \n generation was replaced during the â€” model years, the larger models of the F-Series F and \n above were split from the F; these became the Ford Super Duty trucks, related to the latter with \n a few powertrain components. In the interest of aerodynamics, the lines of the hood, front \n fenders, and grille were rounded off for Along with the larger grille, the headlights were \n enlarged with the turn signals again moving below. Inside, the interior was updated with a \n redesigned dashboard along with new seats. Extended-cab SuperCab models received larger \n rear side windows. A notable change included the reintroduction of the Flareside bed that \n returned for production since Instead of the previous classic-style bed, the Flareside bed was \n now a narrow-body version of the dual rear-wheel bed; the rear fenders were repositioned to fit \n the width of the cab. Also, unlike with the classic Flareside bed, dual gas tanks were available \n with it, but only for 2-wheel-drive models. The models brought a slightly updated dashboard and \n the addition of a standard driver's-side airbag on Fs and light-duty Fs only, center high mount \n stop lamp CHMSL , brake-shift interlock, and CFC-free air conditioning. New options for \n included remote keyless entry with alarm, a compact disc player fitted into the regular stereo \n system, and a power driver's seat ; an electrochromic inside rear view mirror was also offered \n for and as part of a luxury light package. Ford trailed their rival General Motors in combined \n truck sales for much of the ninth generation, though sales steadily rose each year. The \n monochromatic \"Nite\" package introduced in continued, but was dropped at the end of the \n model year. For the Custom model was dropped, as the XL became the new base model. \n Following the lead of the Aerostar , Ford Bronco , and Explorer , the Eddie Bauer trim line â€” \n featuring plusher trim and increased standard features â€” was reintroduced for Ford Special \n Vehicles Team upgraded the Lightning from the regular F-series with heavy-duty suspension \n and brakes. The trucks came with a variety of gas and diesel engines. The F could be had with \n one of 3 gas engines, the 4. The same gas engine options were also available for the heavy duty \n trucks along with the 7. The first version was the 7. In In the second half of , the new Direct \n Injected 7. The F HD was available from to , and differed from the earlier F only slightly. As part \n of the 4x4 off-road package, they were available with several skid plates underneath. After , the \n heavier-duty models were split from the Ford F These line of trucks were called the Ford Super \n Duty. The F could be had with either short 6. The crew cab short bed and extended cab short \n bed trucks are very rare, as they were only produced for a little over a year. Despite the OBS \n ninth generation officially ending production in , models were still produced until March of \n These trucks are distinguished by their significantly smaller locking hubs. For the Available \n only as a tilting cowl, the new hood featured a much larger grille. Instead of being mounted on \n the fenders, the turn signals were now mounted beside the headlights. Instead of the model \n designation, the cowl badge was replaced by an \"F-Series\" one. Inside, the interior was largely \n carried over from While still available with a 7. Built in a joint venture with Navistar, they were \n integrated into the Super Duty lineup. Ford introduced the Lightning in to compete with \n primarily the Chevrolet SS , in an effort to enhance the sporty, personal-use image of the Ford \n F-Series pickup. The Lightning shared its basic platform structure with the regular F, but \n modifications were made to many vehicle systems. The engine was based on an existing block, \n but Ford engineers fitted it with high flow rate \"GT40\" intake and heads. Like all factory s, the \n Lightning's engine was equipped with hypereutectic pistons to increase response, output and \n durability. The engine was also fitted with stainless steel \"shorty\" headers. The Ford E4OD \n automatic transmission was the only available transmission. An aluminum driveshaft connected \n the transmission to 4. The suspension had custom-calibrated shocks, front and rear anti-roll \n bars, and a special leaf in the rear, tipped with a rubber snubber, that acted as a traction bar and \n controlled rear wheel hop during hard acceleration. To enhance the Lightning chassis, the \n thicker frame rails from the 4-wheel drive F were used to increase rigidity. Stock, the Lightning \n was capable of achieving 0. Bucket seats with electrically-adjustable side bolsters and lumbar \n supports were part of the package. The Lightning, launched on 15 December by Ford President \n Ed Hagenlocker, received more than favorable articles in America's newspapers, magazines, \n and television outlets, and helped Ford retain leadership in the personal-use truck market. The \n redesign left the powertrain lineup from the previous generation; the gasoline lineup of the 4. A \n model year option, the 7. The model year engine lineup received a retune to increase output. \n Dubbed the Powerstroke by Ford, the new diesel was again supplied by Navistar International. \n One thing worth noting is that the 7. The GM 6. As before, the 5. The diesels and 7. The 5. The 4.","bbox":{"left":0.050964,"top":0.031288,"width":0.8977839999999999,"height":0.894159}}],"images_bbox":[],"images_bbox_not_text_overlap":[]}