1980 Ford F-Series Trucks Specs

Whereas the sixth-generation F-150 has the distinction of taking Ford to the top of pickup truck sales, the redesigned seventh-generation trucks are credited for keeping the Blue Oval in the number one position.

Helping to maintain this status was Ford's effort to improve fuel economy, and to that end the seventh-generation trucks were actually a bit shorter, narrower, lower, and as a result, lighter than previous models despite having the same wheelbase, interior room and cargo capacity.

Utilizing numerous visual and mechanical enhancements, the seventh-generation F-Series enjoyed a higher level of refinement than its competitors, allowing the venerable pickup to wear many different shoes. In fact, some might say the "mainstreaming" of the pickup truck from a work vehicle to an all-around family vehicle began with the seventh-generation Ford F-Series.

Low Mileage 1980 Ford F350 Video

Here is a video of a very original 1980 F350 Ranger with 86,000 original, documented miles. The video is made by the second owner and is pretty detailed:

What's New For 1980

The debut of the seventh-generation F-Series for the 1980 model carried the redesigns of the1978 and1979 trucks to the next logical step. Sharper edges were Ford's answer to streamlining their pickups, notably in the new square grille with prominent horizontal and vertical bars, complimented by sharper lines on the hood, cab and bed. Those same sharper lines were also found inside, where a new dash design utilized updated gauges that retained the previous-generation feel with a more modern look.

The hood release was relocated inside the cab, the lock cylinder was relocated to the steering column, and better sound deadening (through sound insulation and a double-panel roof) gave the F-Series a more refined, user-friendly interior.

The large single-pane rear side glass on SuperCab models became two smaller, vertical panes per side, smaller body side trim on up-level models contributed to the smoother, squared-off look, and the Ford lettering remained on the hood and tailgate, similar to the previous generation but a bit more prominent. For 1980, Ford started using plastic inner front fender panels as another measure to reduce weight and improve fuel economy.

1980 was also the debut of Ford's Twin-Traction Beam independent front suspension on four-wheel drive models, offering superior off-road flexibility without sacrificing the durability of a solid axle. Ford logged over a million miles at Ford's Arizona Proving Ground when testing the new '80 F-Series.

1980 F-Series Model Lineup

The F-100 soldiered on as the entry-level, full-size truck, available with a Flareside or Styleside bed. Regular Cab, SuperCab, and Crew Cab models were available. Custom remained the base trim level with virtually no options and vinyl floors.

The Ranger, Ranger XLT, and Ranger Lariat trims offered a wide variety of visual and equipment upgrades that ranged from chrome and faux wood trim, full interior carpeting with floor mats, special exterior trim and badging, deluxe wheels, AM/FM stereo with 8-track, and power windows/locks. The popular Freewheeling Appearance Package of the previous-generation also returned for 1980.

1980 F-Series Powertrains

1980 marks the point where manufacturers began referring to engine displacement in terms of liters instead of cubic inches (cid). The 4.9 liter (300 cid) inline six-cylinder served as the base F-Series engine for all models, making 120 horsepower. The optional 5.0 liter (302 cid) made 133 horsepower, while the 5.8 liter (351 cid) produced 136 horsepower.

F-350 trucks offered the high-torque 136-horsepower 6.6 liter (400 cid) engine as an option; the 7.5 liter (460 cid) engine was eliminated from the F-Series lineup though it would return in 1983. Three-on-the-tree and four-speed manual transmissions were entry-level, with a three-speed automatic optional across the lineup. All trucks were available in either two-wheel or four-wheel drive.

1980 Ford F-Series Standard Features

Standard features for '80 Ford Pickups:

• Radial ply tires (F-100/150)
• Maintenance-free battery
• Long 18" windshield wiper blades with dual port washer spray nozzles
• Coolant recovery system
• Rubber-isolated front coil springs (F-100/150)
• Both front and rear springs are now computer-selected (F-100/150)
• Improved steering response with lower overall steering ratio
• Easily removable tailgate (Styleside box)
• New glove box door with horizontal hold position and two cupholder depressions on inside of door
• New antitheft features include:
  • Inside hood release
  • Locking steering column
  • Horizontal sliding door lock buttons
  • Entry shield on door latch
  • Door vent windows with steel pushbutton lock

1980 Ford F-Series Defects / Recalls

Though Ford was utilizing galvanized steel and taking other steps to reduce corrosion, rust was still a problem on these trucks, notably around the fenders and corners of the cab. Recalls for the day were few, though a minor problem with a forward gas tank shield did prompt a recall of approximately 8100 units.

1980 Ford F150 F250 Paint Colors

Available paint colors for 1980 Ford F-Series trucks include:

• Raven Black
• Wimbeldon White
• Candyapple Red
• Silver Metallic
• Light Sand
• Maroon
• Dark Chamois Metallic
• Midnight Blue Metallic
• Medium Blue
• Light Caramel
• Dark Pine Metallic
• Medium Gray Metallic
• Dark Silver Blue Metallic
• Light Medium Pine

Optional "Glamour" colors are:

• Chamois Glow
• Walnut Glow
• Sand Glow.

1980 Ford F-Series Resources

• 1980 Ford F-Series Forum
• 1973-1980 Ford Truck VIN Decoder
• 1980 Ford F-Series Brochure @ OldCarBrochures.com