<P> In 1959, Ford began in - house production of four - wheel - drive pickups . </P> <P> Ford introduced a dramatically new style of pickup in 1961 with the fourth generation F - Series . Longer and lower than its predecessors, these trucks had increased dimensions and new engine and gearbox choices . Additionally, the 1961--1963 models were constructed as a unibody design with the cab and bed integrated . This proved unpopular and Ford reverted to the traditional separate cab / bed design in 1964 . </P> <P> In 1965, the F - Series was given a significant mid-cycle redesign . A completely new platform, including the "Twin I - Beam" front suspension, was introduced that would be used until 1996 on the F - 150 and until 2016 on the F - 250 / 350 4x2 . Additionally that year, the Ranger name made its first appearance on a Ford pickup; previously a base model of the Edsel, it was now used to denote a high - level styling package for F - Series pickups . </P> <P> Introduced in 1967, the fifth generation F - series pickup was built on the same platform as the 1965 revision of the fourth generation . Dimensions and greenhouse glass were increased, engine options expanded, and plusher trim levels became available during the fifth generation's production run . </P>

When did ford start the twin i beam