1996 Ford F250 4X4

The ninth generation of the Ford F-Series is a lineup of trucks that were produced by Ford from the 1992 to 1998 model years. The final generation of the F-Series to include a complete range of trucks from a half-ton F-150 pickup truck to a medium-duty F-800 commercial truck, this is the third generation of the F-Series body and chassis introduced for 1980. To improve the aerodynamics of the exterior, the front fascia underwent a substantial revision to its design. The Flareside bed design made its return, following a substantial change in its design. In 1996, the tenth-generation F-Series was released (including the F-150) for the 1997 model year. The ninth-generation F-250 and F-350 remained in production through the 1997 and 1998 model years, respectively.[2] For 1999, the heavier-duty model lines were replaced by Ford Super Duty trucks, a brand also adopted for Ford medium-duty trucks. Design history 1994 F-150 Flareside with an extended cab 1994 F-150 Flareside SuperCab 1992 F-150 Custom 1996 F-250 XL 4×4 In the interest of aerodynamics, the lines of the hood, front fenders, and grille were rounded off for 1992. Along with the larger grille, the headlights were enlarged (with the turn signals again moving below). Inside, the interior was updated with a redesigned dashboard along with new seats. Extended-cab (SuperCab) models received larger rear side windows. A notable change included the reintroduction of the Flareside bed that returned for production since 1987. Instead of the previous classic-style bed, the Flareside bed was now a narrow-body version of the dual rear-wheel bed; the rear fenders were repositioned to fit the width of the cab. Also, unlike with the classic Flareside bed, dual gas tanks were available with it, but only for 2-wheel-drive models. There are also F-150 badges being replaced by special Flareside badging as seen on the front fenders. The 1994 models brought a slightly updated dashboard and the addition of a standard driver's-side airbag on F-150s and light-duty F-250s only, center high mount stop lamp (CHMSL), brake-shift interlock, and CFC-free air conditioning. New options for 1994 included remote keyless entry with alarm, a compact disc player fitted into the regular stereo system, and a power driver's seat; an electrochromic inside rear view mirror was also offered for 1994 and 1995 as part of a luxury light package. Ford trailed its rival General Motors in combined truck sales for much of the ninth generation, though sales steadily rose each year. About 500,000 F-Series trucks were sold in 1992, but this rose to nearly 800,000 by 1996, allowing Ford to overtake combined sales of Chevrolet and GMC trucks for the first time in a decade. Trims Custom (1992 only) – Included: Cargo box light, tinted glass, argent grille, steel wheels with hubcaps, color-keyed floormats, an AM radio with digital clock and two speakers (which may be deleted for credit), vinyl bench seat, and voltmeter, oil pressure, and temperature gauges. Special (1995–1996; F-150 only) – same as Custom. XL (1992–1997) – Added: argent steel wheels, air conditioning, a cloth bench seat, and a rear bench on the SuperCab only. XLT (1992–1997) – Added: Black rub strip, chrome grille, deep-dish aluminum wheels, carpeted map pockets, an AM/FM stereo with digital clock and two speakers, and a cloth and vinyl bench seat. Nite (1992) – Included: All blacked-out exterior trim, either a pink or blue/purple stripe, and a "Nite" decal on the sides of the cargo box. Was only available in raven black and on F-150 models equipped with a V8 engine. SVT Lightning (1993–1995) – Added (from XLT trim): 5-spoke aluminum rims, an AM/FM stereo with cassette player, digital clock and four speakers, power windows and locks, and air conditioning. Eddie Bauer (1995–1996, F-150 only) – Added (from XLT trim): slotted front bumper, Eddie Bauer floor mats, rear privacy glass (SuperCab models), convertible console seat, power mirrors, two-tone exterior paint, and forged aluminum deep-dish wheels. The monochromatic "Nite" package introduced in 1990 continued but was dropped at the end of the 1992 model year. As before, it featured an all-black exterior with either a pink or blue/purple stripe and "Nite" decal on the sides of the cargo box. For 1993, the Custom model was dropped, as the XL became the new base model. Following the lead of the Aerostar, Bronco, and Explorer, the Eddie Bauer trim line—featuring plusher trim and increased standard features—was introduced for 1995. Also in 1993, the SVT Lightning was introduced, slotting itself in between the Chevrolet 454SS and GMC Syclone. Ford Special Vehicles Team upgraded the Lightning from the regular F-Series with heavier-duty components, including a beefier frame, suspension, and brakes; a 240 hp version of the 5.8L V8; and the E4OD overdrive transmission normally paired with the 7.3L diesel and 460 7.5L V8 options.