What is an OBS Ford Truck?

In the purest sense, Ford OBS trucks include the 1992-1996 F-150, and the “Aeronose” 1992-1997 Ford F-250 and F-350 platforms (Ford enthusiasts like to nickname their trucks based on front end design!) This is when Ford transitioned from its 9^th generation to 10^th generation truck platforms. The term OBS (meaning Old Body Style) is tied to Ford’s late 1990s transition period, when the F-150 received the New Body Style (NBS), while the F-250 HD and F-350 retained the old body style. In enthusiast circles, OBS became a way to differentiate Old Body Style trucks from the new body style that followed.

Among these classic and highly desirable OBS Ford pickups, the 1994.5-1997 F-250/F-350 platforms with a 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel, and 1993-1995 F-150 Lightning with a 5.8L high output gas engine rank highest on the want list of OBS Ford enthusiasts. Other engines included a 5.0L V8, 7.5L big-block V8 and 4.9L Inline six-cylinder which was known for its legendary reliability thanks to a production run originating in the 1960s. It combined low compression, engine balance and seven main bearings with modern features like fuel injection to create an engine that earned a reputation as “unkillable” among enthusiasts. 

The engines in these Ford OBS trucks also represented that last of the Ford F-150’s gas pushrod engines, as future models had OHC (overhead cam) modular engines. OBS Fords were offered with a regular cab, extended cab (aka SuperCab) and in Crew Cab with four doors. 

Although OBS Ford trucks still used the basic F-Series body and chassis architecture introduced for 1980, the 1992 model year brought meaningful interior updates. The cabin received a redesigned dashboard and instrument panel, revised climate controls with rotary dials, updated seating options including available Captain’s Chairs with power lumbar support, and convenience touches such as a removable mini-console on some regular-cab models and a Power Point electrical accessory outlet on the instrument panel. SuperCab models also received larger rear side windows.

Following the successful run of the “Bricknose” Ford trucks, Ford completely redesigned the front end of OBS F-Series trucks to make them more aerodynamic, hence the “Aeronose” nickname. Ford’s signature “dentside” bodyline (that was introduced in 1973) continued, running the length of the truck, like its predecessors.

While they share a similar silhouette, previous versions of the 1992-1996/7 Ford pickups are technically not considered true OBS trucks by definition, although that does not make them any less desirable to hardcore truck enthusiasts. The generation of Ford trucks prior to the OBS variant ultimately inspired the OBS generation, and were nicknamed the Bricknose Ford (1987-1991), the Bullnose Ford (1980-1986), the Dentside Ford (1973-1979) and the Bumpside Ford (1967-1972). Read on to learn about the Ford trucks that predated OBS F-Series pickups. 

The predecessor to OBS Ford trucks, eighth-generation 1987-1991 Ford trucks was nicknamed the “Bricknose” because of its flat, boxy looking front-end design that featured flush, composite headlights, wraparound front turn signals, and an upright grille. This generation also introduced major interior updates from the previous “Bullnose” Ford trucks, including a completely redesigned dash, full instrument cluster, and a new steering wheel design.

With an aggressive, forward slanting grille design, the 1980-1986 Ford truck gained the “Bullnose” moniker from enthusiasts because of the way it appeared to want to lunge forward from its stance like a bull. Also referred to as the “Slantnose”, the seventh-generation Ford F-Series was originally offered with a standard and extended cab. In 1983 Ford brought the Crew Cab body style to the Bullnose-era offerings with a four-door, six-passenger configuration offered on the F-350. Ford also introduced its Twin-Traction Beam suspension in the Bullnose F-150 4x4, which replaced the previous solid front axle design with an independent front suspension, marking a significant departure from the solid-axle 4x4 trucks common at that time.

Ford’s sixth-generation 1973-1979 F-Series truck earned its “Dentside” nickname from the stamped indentation that ran the length of the vehicle, where the previous generation’s ‘bump’ used to be. The Dentside Ford truck continued to be actively marketed as more than a utility vehicle, and Ford engineered updates to match that claim with a wider stance, improved outward visibility, and thick door seals to quiet the interior. The addition of the SuperCab in 1974 marked an evolution in truck development, offering increased internal storage without having to uplevel to a Crew Cab. In 1975, Ford introduced the F-150 Dentside, and by 1977 it was the best-selling truck in the US.

The 1967-1972 “Bumpside” Ford got its handle from a distinct, outward-protruding convex body line that ran the length of the vehicle. The Bumpside F-Series was the first Ford truck to be marketed as a family vehicle that could be used for hard work but was also comfortable enough to take on long drives, thanks to its Twin I-Beam front suspension in 2WD models, which debuted in 1965. During the Bumpside era, Ford was locked in a close sales battle with Chevrolet, outselling Chevy trucks in select years before the F-Series began its long-running, best-selling truck streak in 1977. 

High quality parts designed to improve the looks and performance of your OBS Ford truck are abundant. Search for the most popular items in the categories below to personalize and enhance your iconic, Old Body Style F-150, F-250, F-350 or Bronco.

Secure cargo and protect your OBS Ford’s bed from elements with one of these best-selling tonneau covers.

Seat Covers

Adding seat covers to your OBS Ford pickup is the perfect way to protect the integrity of original interiors and enhance the look of seats that show severe signs of wear.

Level the ride height of your OBS Ford truck, or gain up to six-inches of lift to improve off-road capability or accommodate larger wheels and tires.

Performance Upgrades

Increase your OBS Ford truck’s performance with horsepower-increasing intakes, exhaust systems, headers and more, and improve stropping power with high-performance brake kits.

Q: What Years of Ford Trucks Are Considered OBS? 

The 1992-1996 Ford F-150, and 1992-1997 Ford F-250 and F-350 are what most enthusiasts consider OBS Ford trucks. While very similar in size and shape, and highly desirable among enthusiasts, previous generation Ford trucks like the Bricknose Ford, Bullnose Ford, Dentside Ford and Bumpside Ford are not considered OBS trucks.

Q: What Are the Most Popular OBS Ford Trucks? 

The 1994.5-1997 Ford F-250/F-350 with a 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel engine, and 1993-1995 F-150 SVT Lightning with a 5.8L high output gas engine, are the most popular trucks. The 7.3-liter Powerstroke in the Old Body Style F-250/F-350 has a reputation for incredible durability, reliability, and upgrade potential, and the OBS Ford Lightning, developed by the Special Vehicle Team at Ford, is Ford’s street performance answer to Chevy’s 454 SS.

Q: Is the Ford Bronco an OBS Truck? 

Yes, the 5^th generation, 1992-1996 Ford Bronco is considered an OBS Ford. In Ford’s own history archives, the 1992-1996 Bronco is referred to as “Original Body Style,” while Ford enthusiasts refer to it as Old Body Style, or OBS. The full-size Bronco shares its basic truck architecture and Aeronose front-end styling with the 1992-1997 Ford F-Series, making it part of the same OBS Ford Family as the 1992-1996 F-150, and 1992-1997 F-250 and F-350 trucks.

Q: What Is the Difference Between OBS and NBS Fords? 

OBS Fords are 9^th generation Ford trucks made from 1992-1996 for the F-150, and 1992 to 1997 for the F-250 and F-350. The 10^th generation Ford trucks are considered New Body Style, or NBS Ford trucks.