What engine is in a 1968 Ford F250?
The 1968 Ford F-250 did not have a single standard engine. It offered several powerplants, with the 300 cubic-inch inline-six commonly serving as the base option and multiple V8s available depending on the truck’s trim and configuration.
In practice, buyers could choose from inline-six and V8 configurations in the F-250 lineup of that year. The exact engine in a given truck can be identified by the engine code, stamping, or documentation accompanying the vehicle, and it can vary by market, package, and dealer installation.
Engine options for the 1968 Ford F-250
Here is a concise overview of the engines that Ford typically offered for the 1968 F-250, noting that individual vehicles may differ based on original order and regional availability.
- 300 cubic inch inline-six (4.9 L) — the standard and most common base engine for many F-Series trucks in the late 1960s.
- 360 cubic inch V8 (5.9 L) — a widely used V8 option that provided additional torque for work duties.
- 390 cubic inch V8 (6.4 L) — a larger V8 choice for heavier towing and payload needs.
Engine availability varied by production run, regional market, and dealer option packages, so the exact powerplant on a specific truck could differ from another example of the same model year.
Identifying the engine in your 1968 F-250
To confirm the exact engine in a particular 1968 F-250, use these verification methods:
- Check the engine block stamping or an identification plate on the engine or radiator area, which often lists the displacement and a factory code.
- Review the vehicle’s VIN, build sheet, or original dealer documentation to cross-check the engine option with Ford’s records for that truck.
- Inspect engine components and markings (such as valve covers and intake manifolds) for displacement codes that align with Ford’s 1960s nomenclature.
Accurate engine identification helps with parts compatibility, restoration accuracy, and maintenance planning for classic F-Series pickups.
Engine codes and markings
During the 1960s Ford used specific engine codes and markings to distinguish between inline-sixes and V8 displacements. When in doubt, cross-reference the visible engine code with Ford’s service literature from the era or consult a vintage Ford parts catalog to confirm the exact displacement and engine family for your truck.
Summary
For a 1968 Ford F-250, there isn’t a single engine. The truck could be equipped with a 300 cubic-inch inline-six or one of several V8 options in the 360–390 cubic-inch range, depending on the original order and regional availability. To determine the exact powerplant on a specific vehicle, check engine codes, block stamping, and documentation, or consult Ford’s historical records or a knowledgeable restoration specialist.
Which F-250 to stay away from?
You should generally avoid the 2006, 2008, 2011, and 2017 Ford F-250 models due to common issues like the "death wobble," transmission problems, and other electrical and brake failures. Other models to approach with caution include the 2003-2007 F-250 with the 6.0L Power Stroke engine due to potential engine problems, and the 2008-2010 F-250 with the 6.4L engine, which has known EGR cooler issues.
Model years to avoid
- 2006: Known for stalling, power steering loss, and brake issues, along with the death wobble.
- 2008: Has serious brake problems and the death wobble.
- 2011: Often experiences transmission issues, rough shifting, and the death wobble.
- 2017: Plagued by the "death wobble" and other suspension/steering problems.
- 2017-2019: Specifically mentioned as being susceptible to the "death wobble".
- 2003-2007 (with 6.0L Power Stroke engine): Prone to head gasket and oil cooler failures in stock form.
- 2008-2010 (with 6.4L Power Stroke engine): Has common EGR cooler failures that can lead to coolant loss and overheating.
General issues to be aware of
- Death Wobble: This is a recurring problem in several model years, especially 2008, 2011, and 2017, and is related to suspension and steering components.
- Transmission Problems: Rough shifting and unexpected gear changes have been reported in certain years, notably 2011.
- Engine Issues: Specific diesel engines have known problems. The 6.0L and 6.4L engines are especially notorious for requiring significant maintenance or bulletproofing to be reliable.
- Brake Failures: Some models have reported brake problems, including sudden failure and issues with the brake booster.
How much horsepower does a 1968 Ford 302 have?
In 1968, a standard 302 V8 engine had 210 horsepower with a 2-barrel carburetor, while a 4-barrel carburetor version produced 230 horsepower. A high-performance, limited-production version, known as the Shelby GT350 high-rise intake version, had a higher output of 315 horsepower.
You can watch this video to learn more about the 1968 Ford Mustang with a 302 engine: 52sPilgrim MotorSportsYouTube · Apr 15, 2021
- Standard (2V): 210 horsepower with a 2-barrel carburetor.
- Four-Barrel (4V): 230 horsepower with a 4-barrel carburetor.
- Shelby GT350 (High-Rise Intake): 315 horsepower, which was a special, high-performance variant.
How much is a 1968 Ford F250 worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $26,265 for a 1968 Ford F-250 3/4 Ton in good condition with average spec. The highest selling price of a 1968 Ford F-250 3/4 Ton at auction over the last three years was $74,550.
What engines were available in the 1968 F-250?
The 1968 Ford F-250 offered a choice of four engines: the standard 240 cubic-inch inline-six, an optional 300 cubic-inch inline-six, and two new V8 options for that year, the 360 and 390 cubic-inch V8s.
- 240 CID inline-six: The standard engine option.
- 300 CID inline-six: An optional and more powerful six-cylinder engine.
- 360 CID V8: A new V8 option for 1968, offering increased performance.
- 390 CID V8: The other new and more powerful V8 option available for 1968.
