The 1946–1948 Ford, Mercury and Lincoln range covered passenger vehicles through to light, one-ton and heavy-duty commercial trucks. Built on a shared post-war platform, these vehicles varied significantly in engine performance, chassis dimensions, load capacity and mechanical configuration.This guide presents factory specification data covering engines, weights, dimensions, capacities and commercial vehicle configurations, providing a reliable reference for restoration and workshop use.
Common Questions About 1946–1948 Ford Specifications
What engine is in a 1946–1948 Ford V8?
The 1946–1948 Ford uses a 239 cubic inch Flathead V8 engine producing 100 horsepower at 3,800 rpm and 180 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm.
What engines were available in 1946–1948 Ford car and trucks, Mercury and Lincoln vehicles?
Available engines included a 226 cubic inch inline 6-cylinder, a 239 cubic inch Flathead V8, and a Lincoln 292–305 cubic inch V12 depending on model.
What is the wheelbase of 1946–1948 Ford, Mercury and Lincoln vehicles?
Ford passenger cars use a 114-inch wheelbase, Mercury models use 118 inches, and Lincoln models use 125 inches, with trucks ranging from 101 to 194 inches.
What is the fuel capacity of 1946–1948 Ford V8 vehicles?
Fuel capacity ranges from 17 gallons in passenger cars to 22 gallons in cab-over-engine trucks depending on model.
What is the weight of a 1946 Ford or Mercury V8 vehicle?
Passenger vehicles range from approximately 3,007 lbs to 3,980 lbs, while commercial trucks range from 2,855 lbs to over 5,300 lbs depending on configuration.
Model Range & Wheelbase Specifications
Passenger Vehicles
- Ford passenger cars — 114 in.
- Mercury passenger cars — 118 in.
- Lincoln passenger cars — 125 in.
Commercial Vehicles
- Light duty trucks — 114 in.
- One-ton trucks — 122 in.
- Heavy duty trucks — 134 in., 158 in., 194 in.
- Cab-over-engine trucks — 101 in., 134 in., 158 in.
Engine Specifications
6-Cylinder Engine
- Type — L-head inline
- Displacement — 226 cu. in.
- Bore — 3.30 in.
- Stroke — 4.40 in.
- Power — 90 hp @ 3,300 rpm
- Torque — 180 lb-ft @ 1,200 rpm
- Compression ratio — 6.7:1
- Valve clearance — 0.013–0.015 in.
- Compression pressure — 105–125 lbs
Ford Flathead V8
- Displacement — 239 cu. in.
- Bore — 3.187 in.
- Stroke — 3.75 in.
- Power — 100 hp @ 3,800 rpm
- Torque — 180 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm
- Compression ratio — 6.75:1
- Compression pressure — 105–125 lbs
Lincoln V12
- Displacement — 292–305 cu. in.
- Bore — 2.875–2.937 in.
- Stroke — 3.75 in.
- Power — 120–130 hp @ 3,600 rpm
- Torque — 210–235 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm
- Compression ratio — 7.2:1
Vehicle Weights
Ford
- 5-Window Coupe — 3,007 lbs
- Tudor Sedan — 3,157 lbs
- Fordor Sedan — 3,207 lbs
- Station Wagon — 3,457 lbs
Mercury
- Sedan Coupe — 3,190 lbs
- Tudor Sedan — 3,240 lbs
- Fordor Sedan — 3,270 lbs
Lincoln
- Club Coupe — 3,880 lbs
- Fordor Sedan — 3,980 lbs
Commercial Vehicle Weights
- Pick-up — 2,855 lbs
- Stake — 2,955 lbs
- Panel Delivery — 3,117 lbs
- Heavy duty chassis — up to 5,355 lbs
Tire Sizes & Load Ratings
- Ford — 6.00 × 16
- Mercury — 6.50 × 15
- Lincoln — 7.00 × 15
Truck load capacity ranges from 4,300 lbs to 15,000 lbs depending on configuration.
Chassis Dimensions
Tread Width
- Ford/Mercury — 58.0 in. front / 60.0 in. rear
- Lincoln — 59.0 in. front / 60.68 in. rear
- Heavy trucks — up to 65.0 in. rear
Capacities
- Fuel tank — 17 to 22 gallons
- Engine oil — 5 quarts
Cooling System
- 6-cylinder — 14.5 quarts
- V8 — 22 quarts
- V12 — 27 quarts
Drivetrain & Systems
- Transmission — 3-speed (passenger), up to 4-speed (trucks)
- Brakes — Hydraulic drum
- Electrical system — 6-volt
- Steering — Worm and roller
The Importance of Specifications
These factory specifications provide critical data for restoration accuracy, servicing and correct identification across Ford’s post-war vehicle range.
While this guide helps trouble shoot common problems and remedies, the 1946-1948 Ford, Mercury and Lincoln V8 Workshop Manual available from Car Manuals Direct includes all the original specifications, adjustment, torque settings and repair procedures used by Ford, Mercury and Lincoln mechanics.
Safety, Copyright and Source Notice
Safety Disclaimer
Working on motor vehicles involves hazards. Always follow correct procedures and consult a qualified technician.
Source
Information compiled from period factory service literature.
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