Year-To-Year Differences?

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Year-To-Year Differences?

Gary Lewis
Administrator
Keith Dickson, Mr FORDification, just added a page to his website on the model year differences for the 1967 Ford trucks.  And that got me to thinking about the Yearly Differences tab on the Bullnose FAQ's page here.

As I told Keith on Facebook, ours doesn't hold a candle to his.  So I've been thinking about how to upgrade ours, but I'd like your input.  Here are my first-blush thoughts:

Coverage: Instead of doing a single year, like Keith did, I think ours should cover all seven years of the Bullnose era.

Format: Heretofore we've used a bulleted-list approach of changes for each year.  That works, but it makes it difficult to find what you are looking for if you are trying to find a specific topic.  And, it makes it difficult to do pics, like Keith did.  Instead, I like his approach of listing the topic, like doors or engines, and then detailing the changes between the years for that topic.  And, I think should use pics.

But, what are your thoughts?  Suggestions?
Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

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Re: Year-To-Year Differences?

85lebaront2
Administrator
Gary, that sounds like a good idea, particularly as has already been found that there were differences even between assembly plants in a given year.
Bill AKA "LOBO" Profile

"Getting old is inevitable, growing up is optional" Darth Vader 1986 F350 460 converted to MAF/SEFI, E4OD 12X3 1/2 rear brakes, traction loc 3:55 gear, 160 amp 3G alternator Wife's 2011 Flex Limited Daily Driver 2009 Flex Limited with factory tow package Project car 1986 Chrysler LeBaron convertible 2.2L Turbo II, modified A413

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Re: Year-To-Year Differences?

Gary Lewis
Administrator
Bill - I hadn't even thought about the plant-to-plant differences.  But this approach facilitates that because we can talk about door locks and turn signal lenses and, within them, discuss the probable consolidation of hardware to a sub-set of the plants.  
Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

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Re: Year-To-Year Differences?

Rembrant
In reply to this post by Gary Lewis
Gary Lewis wrote
But, what are your thoughts?  Suggestions?
The LMC Catalogs have a section with "key information" per model year, but it's pretty basic stuff. Doesn't get into very much detail.

I think it's a neat idea.
1994 F150 4x2 Flareside. 5.0 w/MAF, 4R70W, stock.
1984 F150 4X2 Flareside. Mild 302 w/ 5spd. Sold.
1980 F150 4X4 Flareside. 300i6 w/ 5spd. Sold in 2021.
1980 F100 4X2 Flareside. 351w/2bbl w/NP435. Sold in 1995

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Re: Year-To-Year Differences?

grumpin
I like the idea, I think broke into sections would be great.
Dane
1986 F250HD SC XLT Lariat 4x4 460 C6-Sold
1992 Bronco XLT 4x4 351W E4OD
1998 GMC Sierra SLE K1500 350 4L60E
Arizona
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Re: Year-To-Year Differences?

Ford F834
Administrator
In reply to this post by Gary Lewis
I think this would be a great addition, Gary, and I think the sections format is a good one. However, in the 67 example the differences were just 67 vs. everything else. In our series of years we have several possibilities to cover. Having done my share of scientific writing, I have been trained to avoid using tables as much as possible... but this might be a good time to use tables....
SHORT BED 4-DOOR DIESEL: 1986 F350 4x4 under construction-- 7.3 IDIT ZF5+GVOD

STRAIGHT SIX 4X4: 1981 F150 2wd to 4x4-- 300 I6 close ratio diesel T19, hydroboost brakes, Saginaw steering

BIG F: 1995 F-Superduty under construction— converting to 6.9L IDI diesel ZF5+DNE2
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Re: Year-To-Year Differences?

Gary Lewis
Administrator
Ok, I've made a VERY preliminary first stab at a page for this: Year-To-Year Changes.  It is only there to see if you like the approach I'm thinking of taking, meaning using tabs for the systems/sections and bullets for each item.  But, I also want to use pics where appropriate.

But, I can already tell that the tab layout I currently have won't work as we are up to 6 tabs (bet you can't easily see the 6th one), so I'll need to rethink that.  Perhaps y'all have some ideas?

As for the tables, I think a table for engines and one for transmissions will be necessary.  As said on that page, there are some issues we'll have to sort out, like that the 400, 460, and diesel were not available in F100's or 150's.  But that will take some work, so I'll take a stab at it and let you see what it looks like.

Anyway, thoughts, recommendations, suggestions PLEASE!
Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

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Re: Year-To-Year Differences?

Rembrant
Gary,

An alternative would be to break it down by year. For the 1980 model year, you could list the basics for that model year only, and then move on to the next. For example, 1983 you'd say that what engines had hydraulic clutch, etc and then 1984 say that they all got 'em. That would limit the tabs to only the Bullnose years.

1994 F150 4x2 Flareside. 5.0 w/MAF, 4R70W, stock.
1984 F150 4X2 Flareside. Mild 302 w/ 5spd. Sold.
1980 F150 4X4 Flareside. 300i6 w/ 5spd. Sold in 2021.
1980 F100 4X2 Flareside. 351w/2bbl w/NP435. Sold in 1995

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Re: Year-To-Year Differences?

85lebaront2
Administrator
In reply to this post by Gary Lewis
Ok, quickly, driveline, change is not so much F100/150 vs F250/350 as it is a weight break, over or under 8500 GVWR for the "heavy duty" emission classification. Transmissions, yeah real fun. BTW, I did see the cast iron trans showed up in the 1980 information, so maybe sometime amend that portion to include the iron case.

NSS, interestingly the 1973-79 models had it, but since they were dash mounted ignition switch and the 1980 models became column mounted, I imagine some bean counter decided it wasn't needed. FWIW, the iron case automatics had no place for a switch, and I believe had a strange reverse lamp system also. This wasn't a big issue as even the cars used a column or shifter mounted switch if needed.

C4, C5, C6 and AOT (Ford's designation) had one or a place to mount it if needed.

Radiator mount changed, A/C compressor changed, alternator, I didn't realize the 2G didn't appear until 1985.

Fuel system, maybe an engine controls (some of which is weight related). This is more applicable to engines like the 300 and 302, and some 351s. The weight class and location sold influenced a lot of that.

Hope this helps.
Bill AKA "LOBO" Profile

"Getting old is inevitable, growing up is optional" Darth Vader 1986 F350 460 converted to MAF/SEFI, E4OD 12X3 1/2 rear brakes, traction loc 3:55 gear, 160 amp 3G alternator Wife's 2011 Flex Limited Daily Driver 2009 Flex Limited with factory tow package Project car 1986 Chrysler LeBaron convertible 2.2L Turbo II, modified A413

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Re: Year-To-Year Differences?

Rembrant
85lebaront2 wrote
...maybe an engine controls (some of which is weight related). This is more applicable to engines like the 300 and 302, and some 351s. The weight class and location sold influenced a lot of that.
Then there were also the engine changes that had nothing to do with the Bullnose, like the switch to 1pc rear main seal, or the 28 to 50oz flywheel on the 302, etc, etc. That stuff would just clutter things up though...and while they happened during the Bullnose era, they weren't specific to them.
1994 F150 4x2 Flareside. 5.0 w/MAF, 4R70W, stock.
1984 F150 4X2 Flareside. Mild 302 w/ 5spd. Sold.
1980 F150 4X4 Flareside. 300i6 w/ 5spd. Sold in 2021.
1980 F100 4X2 Flareside. 351w/2bbl w/NP435. Sold in 1995

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Re: Year-To-Year Differences?

baddog8it
I think that this would be a fabulous addition to this site!

I like the way you set up the test page.  Not sure how to get around the 6 tab limitation.  The way you have it laid out would let me do the research that I would be interested in - how does my model year differ from the surrounding years (looking at parts interchangeability).  If each model year stood on it's own, this comparison would be very difficult.

I'm assuming that you'll be able to accommodate mid year changes.  I know that in 85 there was a change in the exhaust system in Feb '85 for F350 w/ 460 w/ auto tranny & crew cab.  
THE BEAST - '85 F350 2WD (non dually) Crew Cab, 460 carbureted, C6 tranny
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Re: Year-To-Year Differences?

85lebaront2
Administrator
The information I have shows the exhaust changed sometime in 1984 (per Walker's website). I know the system on Darth is still original from the muffler inlet area through the tailpipe.
Bill AKA "LOBO" Profile

"Getting old is inevitable, growing up is optional" Darth Vader 1986 F350 460 converted to MAF/SEFI, E4OD 12X3 1/2 rear brakes, traction loc 3:55 gear, 160 amp 3G alternator Wife's 2011 Flex Limited Daily Driver 2009 Flex Limited with factory tow package Project car 1986 Chrysler LeBaron convertible 2.2L Turbo II, modified A413

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Re: Year-To-Year Differences?

Gary Lewis
Administrator
I've gotten it down to 5 tabs: Body/Exterior/Interior; Engine & Driveline; Electrical; Fuel Systems; HVAC.  Does that make sense to you?  Am I forgetting anything?

And I added a placeholder in Engine & Driveline on the exhaust.  Is that the right place?

Also, I can accommodate mid-year changes.  
Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

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Re: Year-To-Year Differences?

Rembrant
Looking good Gary. I like it.

Some changes I've always been kind of curious about, and are not really all that clear to me, are the kingpin front ends. They went from forged beams to steel beams and then back or something like that? Before switching over to the balljoints in when, 1983? And, when were the trucks available with manual steering and brakes? Was that only in 1980? I've never seen one without the power options. That would seem like a rare truck to me these days.

Something else, I guess more pertinent to me, is the Flareside bed wood floor. It has always been my understanding that the bed wood was actually boards (7 individual boards, and 6 metal strips) up to around 1982? Then, in 1983 switched to the 3pc plywood floor, with the 5 metal strips (2 of which actually covered gaps, and 3 that were on top of the wood). Is this correct? I've never seen anything official on this, and the only Ford parts diagram I've ever seen for the 1980-1987 Flareside bed, shows individual boards, which leads me to believe it was a copy and paste (so to speak) from the Dentside era? However, I know the floors were 3pc plywood, at least they were on the later Bullnoses...and maybe it was plywood on all of them from 80-87?

By the way, that leads me to another question...and possibly a dumb one at that, but these beds with the wood floors were pretty standard stuff for several decades. If I walked into a Ford dealer lets say in 1984, could I have ordered new floor boards/plywood that was pre-cut and drilled to fit? Does the wood show up in the Ford parts books?

I'm rambling...I know...
1994 F150 4x2 Flareside. 5.0 w/MAF, 4R70W, stock.
1984 F150 4X2 Flareside. Mild 302 w/ 5spd. Sold.
1980 F150 4X4 Flareside. 300i6 w/ 5spd. Sold in 2021.
1980 F100 4X2 Flareside. 351w/2bbl w/NP435. Sold in 1995

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Re: Year-To-Year Differences?

85lebaront2
Administrator
FWIW, I don't know on the HD F250s, but the F350s still had forged I-beams and king pins in 1986 and properly lubricated, Darth's are still good 32 years and 146,000 miles later
Bill AKA "LOBO" Profile

"Getting old is inevitable, growing up is optional" Darth Vader 1986 F350 460 converted to MAF/SEFI, E4OD 12X3 1/2 rear brakes, traction loc 3:55 gear, 160 amp 3G alternator Wife's 2011 Flex Limited Daily Driver 2009 Flex Limited with factory tow package Project car 1986 Chrysler LeBaron convertible 2.2L Turbo II, modified A413

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Re: Year-To-Year Differences?

Gary Lewis
Administrator
In reply to this post by Rembrant
Well, those are good questions.  But, bless your heart, they raised many, many more.  

Seriously, those questions pointed out to me that our page on Exterior/Bed, Tailgates, & Components didn't have any part numbers for beds.  So I've added the numbers for the boards/plywood and the strips.  And, you were right about the # of boards and strips, so I added that info to the Year-To-Year Differences page.

And along the way I found the info on the Flareside and DRW rear fenders, and discovered that the fenders prior to 10/81 were said to be fiberglass.  Were the later ones steel?

Anyway, please go look at the YTY page and see what you think.  And notice that I added a hot link to Beds, which takes you to the page on Bed, Tailgates, & Components so you can see the different part numbers.  My thinking is that links all over the YTY page like that would help people see the source of the info we are presenting.

Thoughts, please.
Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

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Re: Year-To-Year Differences?

Rembrant
The part numbers for the Flareside bed parts is a great addition Gary, thanks!

I saw a comment on Facebook the other day that a guy with a Flareside confirmed that his 1982 had the plywood bed floor, so it makes sense now seeing when the cut off date was. Not sure when Ford's next year production started, but it sounds like a few 82's were built after the floor change.
1994 F150 4x2 Flareside. 5.0 w/MAF, 4R70W, stock.
1984 F150 4X2 Flareside. Mild 302 w/ 5spd. Sold.
1980 F150 4X4 Flareside. 300i6 w/ 5spd. Sold in 2021.
1980 F100 4X2 Flareside. 351w/2bbl w/NP435. Sold in 1995

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Re: Year-To-Year Differences?

grumpin
In the electrical, the brochure says lights on/door buzzer changed to a chime on XLT, XLT Lariat in 1986,  in the 1986 brochure.

Mine has a build date of 02/86, it's a XLT Lariat and it has a buzzer. Could be somebody changed it to a buzzer, but that seems kind of unlikely.
Dane
1986 F250HD SC XLT Lariat 4x4 460 C6-Sold
1992 Bronco XLT 4x4 351W E4OD
1998 GMC Sierra SLE K1500 350 4L60E
Arizona
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Re: Year-To-Year Differences?

Gary Lewis
Administrator
First, please take a look at the Engine & Driveline tab on Year-To-Year Differences page.  I've gotten a start on the engine availability table - and what a headache that is!  

I started using brochures, and realized that the dealer fact books have MUCH more detail.  So I spent quite a bit of time working through the three I have - '81, '2, & '3.  I think I got them translated correctly, but I need y'all to see if you can understand it.  PLEASE!

And, along the way I learned something that has been a long-lasting "discussion point".  Turns out the 351W was introduced in the pickups and Broncos in California in '81, but only on the light-duty trucks below 8500# GVWR.  Over 8500# in CA the 351M was used.  And, in '81 the 351M was available in 49-State applications from the F150 through the F350, except for the short-bed regular-cab truck.

Anyway, please take a look at the table and see if it works for you.  If not, what needs to change.  I don't want to go further until I know this works.  And, in order for this to really be accurate I'll have to find the other dealer facts books.  (Calling David!)

Grumpin - I'll try to run the chime/buzzer thing to ground in a bit.

Bill - The kingpin thing may have to wait a while as I KNOW that's complex.

All - I'll try to capture the thoughts/ideas on that page and then get back to it as I can to run them to ground.  So keep those cards and letters coming in!

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

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Re: Year-To-Year Differences?

85lebaront2
Administrator
This post was updated on .
Gary, FWIW, the 1990 HD F250 donor vehicle had forged I-beams and ball joints. I discovered that looking for some other pictures today.

Engines/Drivelines looks good so far. Owners manuals may help on some of that as I believe Darth's notes certain packages, like a 6 cyl in the crew cab, but the base engine for the DRW was a 351 in 1986.

Walker's exhaust catalog shows you as correct, single pipe until 2-85, after that the dual inlets run through 1987.
Bill AKA "LOBO" Profile

"Getting old is inevitable, growing up is optional" Darth Vader 1986 F350 460 converted to MAF/SEFI, E4OD 12X3 1/2 rear brakes, traction loc 3:55 gear, 160 amp 3G alternator Wife's 2011 Flex Limited Daily Driver 2009 Flex Limited with factory tow package Project car 1986 Chrysler LeBaron convertible 2.2L Turbo II, modified A413

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