1968 Ford Pickup Production and Specifications
by DarienCFord continued to produce several trucks in the F Series in 1968 including the F100, F250 and F350 lines, as well as a few other smaller and less popular lines. Each of these lines had several different available trims. The 1968 Ford pickups were part of the 1967 to 1972 generation. Only minor changes were made to design and mechanics of Ford pickups during this time. Ford ignored the trend to make softer looking and more streamlined trucks and continued instead to produce pickup trucks with a boxier and more angular appearance than many of its competitors.
Models and Trims
The 1968 F Series included the F100 1/2-ton with 115-inch wheelbase, the F100 1/2-ton with 131-inch wheelbase, the F250 3/4-ton with 131-inch wheelbase, the F250 Crew Cab 3/4-ton with 149-inch wheelbase, the F350 1-ton with 135-inch wheelbase and the F350 Crew Cab 1-ton with 164.5-inch wheelbase, as well as the Ford Bronco Pickup and the Ford Ranchero, a car/pickup truck hybrid. The Ford Econoline series was discontinued in 1968.
Engines
Ford introduced the 360 CID and 390 CID engines to its truck line in 1968, as well as the 302, which replaced the discontinued 289 HiPo that had been in use from 1964 to 1967. The 302 produced 210 to 230 horsepower, depending on the carburetor. It was available with a two-barrel or four-barrel carburetor, with a two-barrel carburetor being standard from 1969 to 1983. The 302 had a cast-iron crankshaft, forged rods, cast pistons and a hydraulic camshaft.
Suspension
The 1968 Ford pickups used Twin I-Beam Independent Suspension, which was designed to last longer and used two front axles on the front end so that the truck could endure greater abuse. The rear end used Flex-o-Matic suspension that automatically adjusted to the weight of the load the truck was carrying.
Standard Features and Available Options
From 1966 through 1972 Ford continued to focus on making its pickup trucks as comfortable as its cars. Carpeting and a console became available in F100s in 1966. In 1967, Ford began offering trims with bright molding on the body, side and rocker panels. Other available options during this period included a push-button radio, tinted glass, courtesy lights, a SelectAire Conditioner, bucket seats and disc power brakes on the front end.
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