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The Features of the 1982 Ford F150
With the country’s attention on fuel prices (caused by a second oil embargo), Ford brought their seventh-generation F-Series trucks to market. The company trumpeted that they were more fuel-efficient, with longer ranges. While Ford continued to offer the light-duty F100 alongside the more hefty F150, it was clear that the F150 was the more popular choice.
The big news in 1982 was the reshuffling of trim levels. The Ranger badge was transferred to a smaller Ford designed to compete with the rise of imports like Datsun (Nissan) and Mitsubishi. The Custom name was dropped for base trim (replaced by Standard) and XL, XLT Lariat, and XLS. The Free-Wheelin package was converted to the sporty XLS trim.
According to CarGurus, the base price of the 1982 Ford F150 started around $7,500k and went up depending on the options. Options included power windows, power locks, air conditioning, tilt steering, and an AM/FM radio with cassette or 8-track. The truck was built with a four-wheel drive option, but most units were 4 x 2s, with an automatic SelectShift transmission Ford had used for years.
Exterior
There were few changes in the body of the F150 in 1982, although the truck looked smaller. The truck continued its commitment to aerodynamics with a sleeker, more streamlined look. The iconic Ford lettering was removed from the hood lip and replaced with the small blue oval Ford would be known for. (It was positioned dead-center in the front grille). The XLS trim offered a blacked-out front and rear bumper.
Ford manufactured the Regular Cab and SuperCab configurations (the four-door Crew Cab would return the next year for the F350). The SuperCab offered 37.4 cubic feet of space, and while Ford claimed that it “would seat a family of six” in its brochure, the truth is that it was barely big enough for a couple of kids. Owners could choose from inward-facing jump seats or a full bench seat that could be folded down for flat-load storage.
Both Styleside and Flareside options were available. While customers could order a 6 ½ bed in the Flareside, the straight Styleside offered a 6 ¾ ‘ short bed or 8’ long bed. Most of the production for 1982 was 4 x 2 Styleside Regular Cabs pickups.
The cargo bed was double-walled galvanized sheet metal primed with zinc polymers to resist rust and corrosion. Ford had front and rear fender liners and an extensive use of wax and auminized wax sealers. Ford continued offering customers a new 36k mile anti-perforation warranty.
Ford offered seventeen exterior paint choices (which most dealers thought was overkill), along with two-tone schemes. (Owners could use Silver Metallic or Wimbledon White as contrasting colors). The Freestylin’ package was reimagined as the XLS trim level, with black bumpers and special striping. A Box cover for the 8’ Styleside bed was also an option.
Engine
Ford maximized space savings for fuel economy by using the 300 cu inline-six as the standard engine for the F150. The V8 engine choices were the 5.0 L 302 and the 5.8 L 351 V8. A majority of the F150s had the V8 engine because customers needed the heavy torque for towing and hauling that the V8s provided.
Transmission
The seventh generation introduced an automatic with overdrive in addition to the 4-speed SelectShift (which most owners opted for). The transmission overdrive design immediately reduced the impact of excessive wear and tear on the V8s, meaning less maintenance and increased longevity. The 3-speed manual transmission was standard and operated from either floor gear shifts or three on the tree. The 4-speed manual was also an option. For 4 x 4s, Ford used the Borg-Warner 1345 Series transfer case.
Suspension
Ford continued to use the Twin I-beam front suspension for 4 x 2 models, with lubed-for-life ball joints and adjustable cambers. Ford used a Twin-beam suspension system with large coil springs for four-wheel drive models.
Interior and Trim Lines
Power steering and brakes were standard features on every 1982 Ford F150, while power windows and locks were still optional. The SuperCab offered optional Captain’s chairs with a center console.
As mentioned, Ford revamped its trim levels in 1982. The Standard trim replaced the word “Custom” on the base trim. It offered a durable vinyl bench seat with black rubber floor mats and a black steering wheel. A standard hood release was a feature added in 1980, which most owners felt was very convenient. The padded dash had black applique around the instrument panel.
The XL trim offered a cloth/vinyl bench seat. In addition, there were deluxe seat belts with bright molding around the door and windows. Aluminum scuff plates replaced the black one from the base trim, although the black steering wheel was the same. The overhead dome light had a switch activated by either door. There was some wood grain on the front dashboard accented the trim line. Color-coordinated flooring stretched beneath the seats.
The XLT Lariat was top tier, with color-keyed vinyl seats. Nice wall-to-wall carpeting covered the floor, and wood grain appliques were on the instrument panel and steering wheel. Extra padding was added to the floor and headliner, and upgraded windshield moldings helped quiet outside noise.
The XLS was designed to offer customers a sporty vehicle like previous Free Wheelin’ packages. The outside of the truck was distinctive with blacked-out bumpers and styled steel wheels. The truck had a cloth and vinyl seat, with brushed aluminum trim on the instrument panel and steering wheel. Color-coordinated carpeting extended from door to door.
There were lots of optional equipment available. While the AM radio was standard, there were options for an AM/FM stereo with a cassette or 8-track tape player. The interior was reminiscent of many of the top cars Ford made.
What Are The Specs For The 1982 Ford F 150?
What Is a 1982 Ford F150 Worth Today?
According to Hagerty, the value of a 1982 F150 in good condition is $9,500, depending on the options. While market values vary, most F150 4x4s are worth more than two-wheel drive models. For a review of free listings of 1982 F-Series trucks and other classic cars for sale, see classiccars.com
