Sixth generation (1980–1998)[edit]

For 1980, the B-Series was redesigned for the first time since 1967 production. Again sharing model commonality with the medium-duty F-Series, the model line saw significant external design changes; in place of the long-running full-width hood, Ford shifted to a narrower hoodline combined with separate fenders. In another change, the grille shifted its design influence from F-Series light trucks to the L-Series "Louisville" heavy trucks.

In production across 19 model years, this is the longest-produced version of the B-Series; for 1995, the model line received a redesign of the hood.

1980–1994[edit]

1980–1994 B-series Diesel located in the UK
For 1980, the sixth-generation B-Series was derived from the F-700, F-800, and F-8000 (diesel). As a cowled chassis (produced without a cab) with no interior, the B-Series was produced with a revised dashboard from the previous generation. For 1984, the medium-duty F-Series and B-Series adopted the Ford Blue Oval emblem, replacing the "FORD" lettering in the center of the grille; other revisions were made to cowl badging. As an option, a tilt-forward hood was introduced alongside the standard rear-hinged hood; on the B-series, the tilting hood would become standard by the end of the 1980s.
Engines
For its 1980 launch, the sixth-generation was offered with three engines. Alongside the 6.1L (370) gasoline V8 and the Caterpillar 3208 V8 diesel (Ford B-8000), a Detroit Diesel four-stroke 8.2L V8 was introduced as an option. For 1982, Ford introduced a 7.0L gasoline engine as an option.

During the 1980s and early 1990s, the engine offerings would undergo several revisions. For 1985, as part of a joint venture with New Holland, Ford introduced a 6.6L and 7.8L inline-6 diesel sourced from Brazil. For 1991, the Caterpillar 3208 and Detroit Diesel V8s were withdrawn (following the discontinuation of the latter); it would also serve as the final year for the 6.1L gasoline V8. For 1992, Ford introduced Cummins 6BT and C8.3 diesels; for 1993, they would replace the Ford-New Holland diesels entirely.
Gasoline

• 370 cu in (6.1 L) Ford 385/Lima V8 (1980–1991)
• 429 cu in (7.0 L) Ford 385/Lima V8 (1982–1994)

Diesel

• 8.2 L Detroit Diesel "Fuel Pincher" V8 (1980–1990)
• 6.6 L and 7.8 L Ford-New Holland I6 (1985–1992)
• 5.9 L Cummins 5.9 6BT I6 (1992–1998)
• 10.4 L Caterpillar "3208" V8 (1983–1990)
• 8.3 L Cummins "C8.3" I6 diesel (1992–1994)