The Features of the 1992 Ford F150
In their sales brochures, Ford trumpeted the new trucks as the “newest F-series in years.” While they might have tried to convince the public that things were different, many components of their new F150 were holdovers from the previous generation.
Overview
Ford sought to make their Ford F150 more aerodynamic. The front grille size dominated, and the hood, fender, and front bumper presented a more rounded appearance. The headlight assembly matched the grille’s spacing, with parking lights/turn signals resting below.
For the 1992 year, the Flareside configuration returned. Ford continued offering the “Nite” package for another year before dropping it in 1993. Engine configurations remained the same as the previous generation, with the 4.9L inline-six still being the standard engine.
The interior of the F150 underwent several changes from previous models. New dash configurations, seating, and amenities highlighted this version.
Trim Levels and Cab Configurations
Ford continued the F150 in three trim levels, Custom, XL, and XLT Lariat. While the Nite package was offered for another year, it consisted of a black XLT Lariat with blue or pink pinstriping along the side. A Sport Appearance package was offered.
The Flareside returned but with extended fenders matching the bulkier width of the cab. The truck was an XLT in five vibrant colors, Iris, Bimini Blue, Electric Red, Silver Metallic (with clearcoat), or non-clear-coated Oxford White. The truck included aluminum wheels and special badging. Ford offered the Flareside with the Nite Package (Raven black with pinstriping along the sides.
The truck continued in Regular and SuperCab configurations, with the choice of a 6 ¾’ or 8’ bed. Two-wheel and four-wheel drive options were available.
Exterior
The most significant change in the new generation of F150 was in the front of the truck. As mentioned, the grille was expanded to cover a larger surface area with chrome cross members increasing in size and two vertically added. The new Ford F150 divided its grill into three sections (the middle being slightly larger than the sides). Ford removed the EFI badging.
The headlight assemblies were increased, with larger parking lights resting beneath. The wraparound style of the previous eighth-gen was carried over, increasing the vehicle’s safety. The chrome bumper had a center black bump strip (also carried over from previous versions). In addition, the side fender wells were extended slightly and rounded to improve the truck’s wind resistance and increase its fuel economy.
The SuperCab side window was increased, and the rear cab window was enlarged to provide more visibility. The Super Cab continued to offer optional Captain’s Chairs with a rear bench seat and deep center console.
The cargo box was the same as the previous generations with its 70” wide stance. While the wheelbase remained the same, the overall length of the truck increased by about three inches. (232” to 235”). The F150 continued to impress with a max payload capacity of 2435 (with a single fuel tank option). The total GVWR remained at a max of 6,250 lbs for both 2WD and 4WD models.
For 1991, Ford added Oxford White (non-clearcoat) to its list of 13 color choices. Interiors were either Scarlet Red, Medium Mocha, Dark Charcoal, or in some rare cases, Crystal Blue.
Engine
Ford continued to offer the same engine lineup as before, with the 4.9L inline-six as the standard and the 5.0L V8 and the 5.8L V8 as options. All engines were EFI (electronic fuel injected).
Transmission
The five-speed manual with overdrive transmission was standard for the F150, with an option for a 4-speed manual, 4-speed automatic (E40D), or 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive (AOD - E).
Ford offered the automatic electric touch drive as an option on 4WD on F150s. Automatic locking hubs were options. Manual locking hubs were standard.
Interior
The interior underwent a significant renovation in 1992. Ford angled the top front of the console back to provide better visibility to the instrument panel and comfort controls. The bottom of the dash sloped away from the driver and passengers providing more legroom.
Ford flattened the steering wheel into a more subtle curve than the sweeping A-shaped wheel it had used. While the Custom and XL trims offered an all-black, vinyl steering wheel, the XLT Lariat’s was leather-wrapped. New power lumbar support was included on the XLT Lariat. A new PowerPoint electrical adapter was standard so customers could “plug in their coffee pots or electric shavers during break time.”
The environmental controls were refashioned (rotary dials rather than sliding bars). Power window and lock controls were set on top of the armrest toward the front to make it convenient. The controls also included a power button to control the outside mirrors (option on XL and XLT).
The Custom trim remained the lowest trim level, but it did come with some added amenities, like a digital clock. The truck as a base was plain Jane, but Ford allowed customers to select plenty of options.
The XL trim level featured a cloth/vinyl bench seat with matching seatbelts. Color-key headliners and floor mats were also included.
The XLT Lariat included color-coordinated cloth seats (a vast upgrade from the other trim levels). Rich color-coordinated carpeting stretched over the flooring, carpeted map pockets were in the doors, and air conditioning was finally standard. Gone were the dark wood-grain accents that had marked the Lariat for many years.
Many other options were available, including dual fuel tanks, an AM/FM stereo with cassette, chrome rear step bumper, and extra insulation in the seats, headliner, and door molding. Captains Chairs with a larger center console (with coin tray) on the SuperCab models were another option.
What Are The Specs For The 1992 Ford F 150?
What Is a 1992 Ford F150 Worth Today?
Hagerty states that a 1992 F150 in good condition is worth $10,200. (Used cars in excellent condition are worth more). For a review of free listings of 1992 F-Series trucks on sale, vehicle history, and consumer reviews, see the classiccars.com website. (Many auction houses have special offers to help entice buyers).