i was wondering if there is a guide to tell what year a f150 is just by looking at it stuff like the obvious like the oldstyle 88 then the new style 89-96 but i noticed that pre 93 have glass headlights also did the chrome front grill come out in a certain year on the 89-96 models or is that just an option?

 

Chrome grille is on higher end models, xlt, lariat, etc... Work trucks get the argent grille unless otherwise spec'd. 80-86 square body with square wheel arches. 87-91 grille and headlights same height, headlights square with round wheel arches. 92-96 more angled grille and headlights, 97-current f-150 new style sloped front end taller side profile. 97 f-250 heavy/super duty old body style, light duty looked like f-150. Does that help any. If you want more specifics let me know.

T. Roberts
UFD Local 1147

 

97-98 F150s have a different grill and frt bumper (straight across), 99-03 the grill dips down and the bumper follows that contour. 97 exhaust exits in frt of rear passenger tire. 97-00 Flairsides have the reverse light in the middle of the taillight. 01 and up have the reverse light on the top.

 

If it has the original body , the VIN # from the dash has the year and month code in it if you take it to your dealership . I think they have discontinued the day code as no one would buy Fri. or Mon. vehicles when it was on the door sticker .

 

The 10th digit of the vin is a letter that corrosponds to the model year. A=1980, B=81, so on and so forth.