If this has been previously discussed, please put this down as a problem I've inherited. But, I was just looking at the front of the new LMC catalog that has a bit of a description re the changes year-by-year and thought that having something like that would be very helpful. But, it could go far, FAR beyond what LMC has to include things like:

• When one engine was phased in and another out
• When certain options were available
• The changes from, say, the 1G alternator to a 2G
• Differences in transmissions available,
• etc

What are your thoughts? We'd need to have a keeper for that, someone who really knows the stuff, but he could take suggestions from the rest of us on content.

 

Only issue I can see is who would be the authority on what is factual and what is incorrect?

 

I tried Asking admin to make a Wikipedia like
Section, maybe if there was more interest.

We should poll FTE.

This would be for all trucks though.

 

It would have to be people who both know a LOT about these trucks as well as somone who knows what he doesn't know. Several people come to mind, although I'm not sure I should mention any "names" at the moment.

Or, maybe we could do it by years with an agreed format. Know anyone knowledgeable about the 1980 trucks?

I don't think should be an all-FTE thing or we'll not get it off the ground. I'm thinking each forum should do their own. And, while it would be wiki-like, I'm thinking we would want one person in charge instead of letting anyone, or even several, for that matter. Perhaps individuals would forward suggestions to the person responsible, with documentation if needed.

 

Would this be something like part interchange, or something more along the lines of general purpose?

General Purpose:
1980-1981: Ford letters on hood, Custom, Ranger, Ranger XLT, Ranger Lariat etc...
1982 was the change of grilles to the Blue oval type, Base, XL, XLT, Lariat etc...

Parts interchange:
1980-1981 Slide-lock door locks
1981-1986 Push/pull type locks
1980 Headlamp switch
1981-1986 headlamps switch
1981-1986 Power windows/ Doors locks/ Mirrors etc...

As for authority on what was accurate and what wasn't, I would suggest to rely on the Parts books, wiring diagrams, owners manuals and the Brochures as guidelines.

 

Very good question! I was originally thinking the GP approach, but can see a use for PI as well. Maybe we need more input.

And, I would agree the documentation should rule, but there are mistakes in at least the master parts catalog, if not elsewhere. So, I could see countering a mistaken document if we had proof.

 

The vacuum selectors in these trucks seemed to have changed at some point. I was looking for one for my 1982 (w/ factory AC) and I found a 1986 (w/ factory AC) and it was different. Unless that was my imagination.

 

Good example. They did change and you need the vacuum lines that go with them.

 

Yes, there are a few mistakes in the parts books. Infact my older printing of the parts book, contradicts certain things in the latest printing and visa versa.

Why I would use all of the resources avaliable as guidlines.

 

About 25 years ago, Fourwheeler magazine did an F Series special.

I forget what anniversary it was for the F Series, but they had a year to year

outline of about 25 trucks and all the noticeable changes Ford had made.

It ended up at the current year that magazine was produced.

It was an all Ford issue that included a lot of the new technology of the day

including a writeup of the new Rancho F150/Bronco suspension that

started a wave of imitators.

 

Ok, what if we did the more simple one first, the general purpose one? Then, if that goes well maybe move on to the parts interchange one? And, there may be some spill-over, such as it might be that to help someone determine if he has an 80 vs an 81 the description has to explain which each had.

Or, maybe I should say it differently: What if the purpose of the first one is as a spotter's guide? IOW, to help us know the differences between the years, what changed each year, or what changed mid-year.

Does any of that make any sense? Or, is there a better purpose?

 

That might be a good starting point. Can you dig one up?

 

I threw my copy away (STUPID) it was an awesome magazine.

Iʻll try contacting FW mag to see if there is a way to get some kind of

back copy. IT DID have a spotters guide. Maybe we can get some response

in the GA forum. I hope someone still has their copy.

You are right about starting small, it just might capture the interest of

ADMIN.

1980 to 1981 sounds like a start.

A format would be good for other forums to follow- can you imagine

the 87-96 model years? So many changes to cover there.

 

So help the man who gets to write the 1980 section.

 

I have someone in mind for that. Actually, I'm wondering about some kind of a team. What about someone to do the 80-81 trucks, and someone else to do the rest?