Ford F250 Truck

The F-2 and F-250 Everyday Pickup

After sacrificing time to manufacture vehicles in support of the U.S. in WWII, Ford began producing the F-Series in 1948 as the company's first post-war vehicle. Wanting to make trucks a bit more accessible for the everyday man, it introduced the Ford Bonus-Built, and models ranged from the light-duty F-1 to the heavy-duty F-8. Each was named in regards to their strength and capacities. The most common included the F-1 (half-ton), F-2 (three-quarter-ton), and F-3 (heavy-duty three-quarter-ton) models, while higher models were constructed for heavy lifting and bigger weight capacity.  There were two engine choices for the F-1, F-2, and F-3, each built with a 3.7L flathead 6 with 95 horsepower or a 3.9L flathead V8 with 100 horsepower.

The series underwent its first redesign in 1953. The most noticeable difference was the monikers. The F-1 and F-2 changed to the F-100 and F-250, and the F-3 became a 1 ton F-350. But apart from the names, other amenities included an increase in glass pane size, automatic transmission for the F-100, a more rounded style on the body, and a new Y-block engine that boosted the horsepower up to 137 for the F-250.

Some Key Additions to the F-250's Generations

With a new label that would stick for many decades to come, the F-250 continued to improve its arsenal of features. The third generation began in 1957, and the F-Series brought a wider front end and cab, a flareside bed option, and four-wheel drive. The F-250's horsepower increased to 186 on the Y-block V8, yet it was the ‘60s where the F-250 made history. In 1965, the F-250 Crew Cab became Ford's first four-door pickup. It offered a new Twin I-Beam coil spring suspension and horsepower bumped up from 150 to 170. There was also a new Premium V8 engine that offered 208 horsepower. By the end of the ‘60s, the F-250 offered a Ranger series trim, rear-wheel or four-wheel drive, and an FE V8 capable of 255 horsepower.

The ‘70s brought some changes to accommodate government restrictions. Horsepower had to be lowered, but an exclusive 460 V8 with 200 horsepower was offered in the F-250. It also got a new Spicer front axle, rectangular lights, and a luxurious Lariat trim. Many of the F-250's changes have stayed up to par throughout its life, and throughout the years it's had exclusive additions. Some of these include its first diesel engine, automatic hub locks, a 7.3L Power Stroke turbodiesel engine, a SuperCab, and a Super Duty and Heavy Duty version.

The F-250 comes with several variations - such as the XL, XLT, Lariat, Platinum, and King Ranch - letting consumers choose their preference: luxury or rugged functionality. Constantly evolving to please customers, the Ford F-Series now offers "military grade" aluminum alloys, providing drivers with a truck more balanced between strength and speed while also making the vehicle more fuel-efficient. The F-250 now comes with a 6.2L Flex Fuel V8 engine or a 6.7L Power Stroke V8 diesel engine, a chrome grille, power heated mirrors, and aluminum wheels depending on the trim. Even today, the F-250 continues to be a great upgrade from the F-150 that can handle any heavy duty work thrown its way.