(Ford Trucks: The Eighth Generation is part of a series of posts on the history of the Ford F-Series. To read this series from the beginning, click here for Ford Trucks: The First Generation.)

The eighth generation of the Ford F-Series was a time of major technological innovation for Ford. While previous generations focused on increased trim options, design alterations and other cosmetic changes, 1987 to 1991 was when Ford pickup trucks moved into the future. The design was streamlined somewhat — the flareside box was dropped, for example — but the basic look of the eighties Ford stayed the same.

The Ford F-Series was the first truck in the industry to offer rear antilock brakes as a standard feature in 1987, and the manual transmission was updated to five speeds in 1988. The 4,9 liter came with standard fuel injection technology in 1987, followed by the 5.8 liter and the 7.5 liter. By 1988, no Ford F-Series truck offered a carbureted engine.

Improvements to four wheel drive technology were making waves with the F-Series in the late eighties and early nineties. Additional automatic locking hubs were included in the F-150 in 1989, and they were included on the rest of the series by 1991. The F-Super Duty was released during this period and was a popular choice for wreckers, tow truck operators, moving companies and even ambulances. This version of the truck was released as an “incomplete vehicle” as it had no bed — an aftermarket bed was selected based on what the truck would be used for.

When you’re in the market for your own Ford F-Series truck, stop by Sunset Ford to take a new truck out for a test drive. You can check out the Sunset Ford website for information on new inventory and current specials.