What engines were put in the Bumpside Ford?

The Bumpside Ford pickups, produced from 1953 to 1956, were typically powered by Ford’s durable flathead V8 or the economical Mileage Maker inline-six, with some late-model or higher-trim examples receiving the newer Y-block V8. In short: two core engine families dominated early on, with a mid-1950s shift bringing a more modern V8 option to select models.

Across the mid-1950s, Ford’s Bumpside pickups represented a transitional era for American light trucks. The lineup leaned on familiar, proven powertrains, while gradually integrating more modern overhead-valve designs as Ford sought to balance performance and economy for a diverse buyer base. This article examines the main engine options that powered these iconic trucks and how the choices evolved during the Bumpside years.

Core engine families

Below are the primary engine families users could encounter in the Bumpside line. Each powered a broad swath of configurations, from base work trucks to higher-trim or fleet-focused models.

• Flathead Ford V8 — the longstanding, reliable V8 option that powered many early Bumpside pickups and remained common in lower- to mid-trim levels.


• Inline-six Mileage Maker — Ford’s economical straight-six option, frequently chosen for base or mid-range trucks seeking better fuel economy.


• Y-block V8 — a more modern overhead-valve V8 introduced during the mid-1950s and offered on some higher-trim or specially equipped Bumpside trucks.

In practice, most fleets and family buyers encountering a Bumpside pickup from this era would likely be choosing between the traditional Flathead V8 or the Mileage Maker inline-six, with the Y-block V8 appearing as a rarer, higher-option choice as Ford rolled out the newer design.

Year-by-year tendencies

The following snapshot reflects general tendencies across the 1953–1956 Bumpside run. Availability could vary by market, body style, and dealer inventory.

• 1953–1954 models — Flathead V8 and Mileage Maker inline-six were the standard, widely available powertrains for most configurations. The inline-six often served as the more economical baseline option, while the V8 offered stronger performance for heavier workloads.


• 1955–1956 models — Ford began expanding access to the Y-block V8 in some trucks, particularly in higher trims or through optional equipment packages. The Flathead V8 and Mileage Maker inline-six remained common, but the mid-decade introduction of the Y-block provided a modern alternative for buyers seeking improved power delivery and compatibility with newer automotive trends.

For restorers and collectors, the engine in a Bumpside can often be identified by the intake manifold, emissions-era markings, and period-correct accessories. Because engine availability could differ by year and market, matching the correct powertrain to a specific truck year can require careful verification of VINs, engine stamps, and build sheets.

Restoration and identification notes

When researching or restoring a Bumpside Ford, it’s important to verify the exact engine configuration, as Ford’s catalogs show several overlapping options for these years. Documentation from the dealer era, maintenance manuals, and restoration guides can help confirm whether a particular truck originally came with a flathead V8, a Mileage Maker inline-six, or a Y-block V8 option.

Summary

In the Bumpside era, Ford offered two broad powertrains as the backbone of the pickups: the flathead V8 and the Mileage Maker inline-six, with the mid-1950s introduction of the Y-block V8 offering a modern alternative on select builds. This combination reflected Ford’s approach to balancing durability, economy, and newer technology during a transitional period in American light-truck history.

Final takeaway

For enthusiasts and restorers, understanding these engine options helps date and authenticate Bumpside F-Series trucks. The most common configurations are the traditional Flathead V8 and the Mileage Maker inline-six, with the Y-block V8 appearing in later, higher-specifications. This mix captures the essence of Ford’s strategy during the mid-1950s transition in the pickup market.

What Ford engine to stay away from?

Ford engines to avoid include the 6.0L and 6.4L Power Stroke diesels, which had numerous issues like EGR cooler failures and injector problems, and the 5.4L Triton V8 known for spark plug and timing chain problems. Other engines to be cautious of are the 3.8L V6 due to head gasket failures and certain EcoBoost engines, especially early 1.0L and 1.6L models, which have faced issues like premature timing belt wear and overheating. 
You can watch this video to learn about some of the worst Ford engines ever made: 59sCar WisdomsYouTube · May 2, 2025
Engines with high failure rates 

• 6.0L and 6.4L Power Stroke diesel engines: These engines (2003-2007 and 2008-2010, respectively) are notorious for expensive problems, including head gasket failures, injector issues, and turbocharger failures. 
• 5.4L Triton V8: This engine (1997-2010) is infamous for spark plugs breaking during removal and cam phaser/timing chain issues. 
• 3.8L SX V6: From 1982 to 2008, this engine had issues with weak head bolts causing head gasket failures, and early versions were prone to coolant leaks. 

This video discusses the 5.4L Triton V8 in detail: 53sSeats & WheelsYouTube · Aug 10, 2025
Problematic EcoBoost engines

• 1.0L EcoBoost (early versions): Early models used a rubber timing belt in hot engine oil, which could degrade and clog the oil pickup, leading to oil starvation and engine damage. 
• 1.6L EcoBoost: This engine has been associated with overheating and coolant leaks. 
• 3.5L EcoBoost: Problems can include carbon buildup, premature timing chain wear, and water pump failures. 
• 2.7L EcoBoost: Early models (around 2016-2017) experienced issues with defective valve guides, excessive oil consumption, and leaking plastic oil pans. 

You can watch this video for more information about EcoBoost engine issues: 1mExoticCar PlayPlaceYouTube · Nov 15, 2025

What is the difference between Dentside Ford and Bumpside Ford?

"Bumpside" and "dentside" are nicknames for two generations of Ford F-Series trucks (1967-1972 and 1973-1979, respectively), distinguished primarily by their body style and chassis. The key differences are the body's side feature, which is a convex "bump" on the bumpside and a concave "dent" on the dentside. Dentsides also have a wider chassis and more robust standard features like front anti-sway bars, while bumpsides have a sleeker muscle car-era design.
 
Body style and design

• Bumpside (1967-1972): Characterized by a protruding, convex body line along the side, giving it a more rounded, traditional look.
• Dentside (1973-1979): Features a distinctive, concave "dent" or indentation in the side panels, with a more angular, modern appearance. 

Chassis and engineering

• Bumpside (1967-1972): Had a narrower rear framerail spacing of 34 inches and a front anti-sway bar was not standard, only available on F350 and some F250 models.
• Dentside (1973-1979): Features a wider 38-inch rear framerail spacing, a slightly longer wheelbase, and a standard front anti-sway bar, which makes them mechanically more modern in some aspects. 

Other considerations

• Corrosion resistance: Dentsides had better factory corrosion resistance, meaning more have survived in good condition. 
• Interior and features: Bumpsides often have a more spartan interior with a classic horizontal speedometer and large steering wheel, while dentsides introduced more modern features and safety measures. 
• Engine options: Dentsides offered more powerful V8 engine options compared to the bumpside models. 

You can watch this video to learn about the origins of the "dentside" nickname: 30sDentside DepotYouTube · Mar 7, 2024

Which Ford has the 7.3 Godzilla?

Out. Catch me when I fall. Oh this road is tore up right here tore up welcome back into the dirt head shed this week we're doing a long-term review on my 2020 Ford F350. This is a DY it's four-wheel.

What engines were put in Bumpside Fords?

Under the hood, Bumpside F-Series trucks came equipped with a variety of motor options, ranging from frugal inline-sixes to powerful V8 engines for Ford trucks. This ensured there was a Bumpside to suit every need and preference, whether it was hauling cargo, cruising the highway, or venturing off-road.