The fifth generationof the Ford F-Series is a line of pickup trucks and commercial trucks that were produced by Ford from the 1967 to 1972 model years. Built on the same platform as the fourth generation F-series trucks, the fifth generation had sharper styling lines, a larger cab and greenhouse, and expanded engine options. Three trim levels were available during the production of the fifth generation F-series, though the names were changed in 1970. The "Base" trim became the "Custom" and the "Custom Cab" became the "Sport Custom" joining "Ranger" as optional levels of equipment and trim. Late in production the Ranger trim level was upgraded with the additional "Ranger XLT" option.
Year by year changes
1967: Introduction of fifth-generation F-Series in 1966 for the 1967 model year. Cab is wider than predecessor and frame is heavier. Grille, exterior trim, interior cab fittings and engine choices are unique to this year. Trim levels are "Base", "Custom Cab", and "Ranger".
1968: As federal regulations required all automotive manufacturers to install side marker reflectors or lights, Ford redesigned the hood emblems to incorporate reflectors as well as added reflectors to the rear of the bed. Interior fittings changed due to new safety standards. New versions of the FE-Series engine added. First year of factory-installed air conditioning.
1969: New grille design, new 302 Windsor V8 engine option.
1970: Mid-cycle update with many detail changes including a completely new grille including wraparound front turn signals, exterior trim changes, and new side marker lights. "Sport Custom" trim replaces "Custom Cab", and "Ranger XLT" added as top trim level.
A new engine choice to the local market is introduced in that year: the diesel engine, which was a Perkins 3.3 L l4 engine with 120 hp SAE at 3,000 RPM. Also, another change are the alternator, replacing the dynamo.
Mexico
The new 335 cu in V8 engine was introduced as a new engine option, only in medium duty trucks. This engine was designed by Mexican Ford engineers and was relative of the Windsor family and was based in the 351 and 302 ones, with a stronger crankshaft and elongated stroke. The 335 had a Holley 2-barrel carburetor and had an output of 200 hp at 4,000 RPM. This engine co-existed with the 289 cu in V8 up to 1972.
1971: New grille inserts, steering wheel design, and colors. AM/FM radios are added as an option.
1972: Final year of production. Minor detail changes and power brakes become a new option on upper level trim options.
Special models
After 1968, Ford discontinued the "Low GVWR" versions. Still available was the Camper Special option along with the new Explorer Special, Contractor's Special , Farm and Ranch Special , and Heavy-Duty Special . These special models had various levels of options factory installed to appeal to different target groups.
Argentina
The fifth-generation F-Series was introduced in Argentina in 1968, where it remained in production until circa 1973. Was made in the following models: F-100, F-350 the medium duty truck F-600 and the F-700. It remained almost on par with the US range, without major chronological mismatches, in terms of the renewal of the range. The local make Igarreta, provides some interesting versions with custom configurations for private companies and also for the Argentine State.
The fifth-generation F-Series was introduced in Brazil in 1972, where it remained in production until circa 1992. It received a series of changes and updates over the two decades of production, eventually being fitted with a 4-cylinder MWM 3.9 liter Diesel engine available in both naturally-aspirated and turbocharged versions in a local equivalent to the F-250 badged as F-1000, also available with a 6-cylinder 3.4 liter engine both in gasoline and dedicated-ethanol versions, while the F-100 retained the gasoline-powered Y-Block 272 V8 and the Georgia OHC 2.3L 4-cyl in both gasoline and dedicated-ethanol versions. It was the last Ford truck manufactured in the Ipiranga plant which closed soon after the truck's discontinuation. Brazilian F-100 and F-1000 were only available with a single cab and 2-wheel drive, but a number of local specialists custom-built double cabs, and Engesa provided an aftermarket 4-wheel drive conversion.
Canada
In Canada the Explorer Special was a trim level that sat between the base model truck and Custom Cab. It used the Custom Cab trim and grill but didn't include things like a bed light or sometimes even a radio.
Styleside on F-100 and F-250. 6.5' and 8' lengths. Flareside on all models, 6.5', 8' and 9' lengths. Platform stakes on F-250 and F-350 in 9' and 12' lengths.
Cab options:
Standard cab on all models. Crew cab with seating for six and four doors optional on F-250 and F-350.
Engines
NOTE: hp ratings sourced from original ford truck dealer brochures
Medium-Duty F-series
The heavier duty models continued to be built on the fifth generation chassis even after the lighter-duty models were replaced. In 1977, the lightest F-500 was discontinued, leaving the F-600 as the lightest of the medium-duties. It was built until the introduction of the seventh generation F-series in late 1979.
