Did ford make a heavy half in 1978?

I have a 1978 F150 Supercab 4X4 and recently I was lookiing to put new shocks on it. I ordered the standard shocks from Rough Country. When they arrived they were the incorrect configuration for my pickup. The technician I was talking to thought maybe there were some changes to the mounting brackets on my truck, but the look original. He then took my VIN number and called me back the next day. He stated that toward the end of the production year in 1978 - Ford tried the idea of a heavy half (he says around 150 vehicles) and that my VIN numbers corresponds with that story. Any ideas? or is this guy full of it!!!

Thanks,
Mike

 

F-150s are heavy halfs. A F-100 is a true half ton. The reason for the shock differnece is he probably sent you a set for a standard F-150. A standard cab F-150 has coil springs up front, while F-150 Supercabs have leaf springs and different shocks. They are based on the F-250 platform.

 

The shocks he sent me were for a 1978 F150 Supercab 4X4, which were different from the standard cab part numbers....

Mike

 

What part numbers did they send to you? I should be able to tell you the difference.

Steve S.
To many to list.

 

I cant remember the parts numbers, it has been 4 months now. But, this technician confirmed this with his manager, whom I talked to also.

 

For Rough Country, the part numbers I have are as folows. For the 8000 series shock you need the 8124 and for the 9000 series you need 9124. I do not have the listing for the 5100 series shock. The shock should have a stud on top and bottom unlike the F-150 shock that will have a stud on top and an eye loop on the bottom.

Steve S.
To many to list.