1966 Ford F-250 Camper Special Specifications
by Chris O'Toole
When you own a Ford, you don't just own a truck. You're driving a staple of American history that dates back to the first mass-produced car, the Model T. Today's Fords combine that history with conventional appearance, but the 1966 Ford F-250 Camper Special is a living remnant of a time when the outdoors weren't so hard to come across. If you're lucky enough to have a '66 F-250, count your blessings and know the specs so you can maintain this classic truck.
Engine
The output of the F-250 is modest by today's standards. While some models feature a V8, most F-250 Camper Specials have a straight-six engine. Expect 150 horsepower if your truck has a 240 V6 and 170 horsepower if it has a 300 V6. At most, the engine has a towing capacity of 3/4-ton. The 4.9-liter engine is 300 cubic inches in area and features seven bearings and timing gears, but no timing belt.
Chassis
The Ford F-250 was designed as a heavier truck for the purpose of the slide-out camper that was popular at the time. To support the camper, the F-250 features a 129-inch wheelbase with 16- by 6.5-inch tires. The standard weight of the truck is about 3,500 pounds but can support a camper of 3,000 pounds or more. Early models featured two-wheel drive, but four-wheel drive was eventually added standard to the truck.
Build
The Ford F-250 was a drastic shift away from the usual truck of the era. It features a twin I beam suspension, supported by coil springs, to assist in the extra weight that the Camper Special hauled. Additionally, Ford introduced a four-door model, which had not been featured on any of its trucks before. Ford continued its tradition of offering a low gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) for the F-250. With the addition of Mustang bucket seats, the truck became the number one compact pickup on the market in 1966.
References
Writer Bio
Chris O'Toole has previously written for several local newspapers in Colorado. He has also served as editor-in-chief of the Fine Print Literary Arts Magazine and was published in "Authors of Tomorrow" in 2008. He has written for more than five years and is working towards degrees in English and journalism.
