Halfway through its model cycle, the sixth-generation Ford F-Series became the best-selling truck in the United States in 1977.

Though minor adjustments in size could be made to the model line, preserving payload capability was a key consideration, along with retaining and upgrading design features that consumers had found popular in the previous generation.

While the previous generation phased in plastic fender liners in 1977, Ford further researched corrosion reduction, designing the cab and bed to reduce the amount of trapped road grime.

[3] As part of several functional upgrades, the vehicle received a column-mount ignition switch and an interior-mount hood release.

[2] While the 4-door crew cab was dropped from the line, two new versions of the F-350 were introduced, including a "Six-wheeler" dual-rear wheel option and the first F-350 4x4.

After standardizing them on two-wheel drive trucks the year before, Ford made radial-ply tires on all F-Series pickups.

[8] For 1983, Ford returned the four-door crew cab to the model line (last seen since 1979), offering it only for the single rear-wheel F-350.

[9] As the model line was largely overshadowed by both the F-150 and the smaller Ranger (with some versions nearly matching it in payload capability), 1983 was the final year for the long-running F-100 pickup truck.

[11] As an option on higher-trim vehicles, Ford introduced a brushed-aluminum overlay trim panel for the rear tailgate, mounted flush between the taillamps.

To streamline production, all vehicles received a full set of instruments (with only the tachometer remaining optional).

[4] During its production, the seventh generation would see multiple revisions to the powertrain line, also marking several firsts for the F-Series.

[15][10] For 1981, Ford introduced a 4.2L V8 (a smaller-displacement 4.9L) as an option (exclusive to the F-100 4x2); the 115-hp engine was the smallest-displacement V8 offered on a modern American pickup truck.

[16] The column-shifted manual transmission was in its final year; the second-to-last American vehicle with the design (ending in 1987 with Chevrolet/GMC R-Series pickup trucks).

These trucks were leaf sprung and used a single gas shock with no coil springs and radius arms like on the F-150.

With the exception of the F-100, four-wheel drive was offered for all versions of the seventh-generation F-Series during its production (marking the introduction of the F-350 4x4).

[20] Through its entire production, the model line used either the New Process Gear NP208F or transfer cases sourced from Borg-Warner.

Carrying over only the two-spoke steering wheel from the previous generation, the seventh-generation F-Series underwent multiple upgrades to the interior as part of the redesign.

On higher-trim models, the dashboard received a full set of instruments (including a tachometer for the first time).

Though no longer using a distinct wheelbase, the Camper Special retained its heavy-duty and functional option features and was offered in combination with Trailer Towing package and Six-Wheeler pickup truck.

The Ranger name was moved from F-Series to the 1983 compact pickup (introduced early 1982), with Ford also dropping the long-running Custom name.

Adopting design elements from the heavier Class 7-8 Ford L-series, the medium-duty (Class 6-7) trucks received a trapezoidal front grille; in a major design change, separate front fenders made their return (for the first time since 1957).

With the exception of powertrain revisions, this generation of the medium-duty F-Series was produced nearly unchanged through its 19-year model run.

For 1995, the tilting hood was restyled with a new grille and turn signals (the interior of the cab remained nearly unchanged from 1980).

Competing against the Chevrolet K5 Blazer and the Dodge RamCharger, the Bronco was again bodied as a two-door wagon with a lift-off rear hardtop.

Offered with part-time four-wheel drive, the Bronco shared its powertrains with the F-150 4x4, including the 4.9L I6, 4.9L (5.0L) V8, and 5.8L V8, pairing the engines with manual and automatic transmissions.

[citation needed] Additionally, the Deutz 913-series engines (4, 5 and 6 cylinder) for aftermarket were offered from 1983 to 1987 for all models, including medium duty trucks.

[33] Developed for right-hand drive, Australian-produced F-Series trucks sourced their dashboards from Ford Canada.