I bought a new work truck, its a 96 F150 4X4 XL, its got ps, pb, auto trans, cruise, tilt, A/C, push button 4X4, cassette deck, and rubber floor mats(no carpet!) it doesn't have power windows/locks, is this why its classified a XL and not a XLT? and also it has dual shocks in the front, steering stabilizer and heavier springs all around compared to two other 96 F150 4x4 i no of, would this be a special order or is it a heavy half ton like they used to classify some of the older chevy trucks?

 

There really wasn't a heavy half ton Ford until 97. Its more likely the previous owner trying to upgrade the suspension. My guess is that given where you're at and what the truck has on it, it used to run a snow plow. The dual shocks are a dead give away that its aftermarket since Ford only puts single shocks on their trucks including the heavy duty trucks they made.

Yes that truck is just an XL, though it does have the interior decor group. This adds the AC, cruise, tilt, and cassette. XLT adds power windows and locks, carpet interior, and lumbar seats. Those features can be deleted but the truck is still badged as an XLT.

 

I respectively have to disagree with PS on the dual front shocks on Ford 4x4's of that era.....

I see them all the time on Ford trucks prior to 1997 and after 1988 or so (whenever they went to that 'goofy' looking, flat front end until 1991)......

My dad had a '89 Bronco and it had the dual front shocks. Another person I know has a '96 F150 and it has them too......

Seems to only be the 4x4's and not sure what option group you had to have to get them??

As far as the "heavy half", that was a Chevy thing if I remember, and not sure what it was, but the only thing I can think of is that the GVWR/GAWR were probably higher then the "standard" half tons... Like PS said, the new Fords have this option now. It was the F250 "light duty" in 97-99 and before the '04's was the "7700" payload option.

Check your trucks GVWR and if it's more then #6750, then I guess you can consider it a "heavy half"......

 

I agree with MitchF150. Ihad them on one of my F150s. At that time it was considered a heavy duty suspension, mainly as a snow plow prep package. If I remember correctly the only difference was the front suspension, no difference in the rear.

 

Hmmm..........I guess I've never seen a dual shock F150 from the factory before. My dads 91 and all other 80-96 F series trucks I've seen have only been single shocks.

 

My Dad's '94 F150 has dual front shocks and heavy duty rear leafs. He bought it new and hasn't modified anything.