Hey guys. I spent a bit of time today taking pictures and making a PDF file for those who'd be interested in reading the 1985 Dealer Rapid-Spec Price List and Ordering Guide for F-Series trucks. In it you'll find the available factory exterior color paint chips, option lists, engine info, option coding, what was available for the different trucks F150/F250/F250HD/Explorer package, pricing info, special order equipment, axle ratio codes, and more. There's some very good info in here and I turn to it for research frequently. If there's enough interest, I'll try getting some of my other literature up (none as useful as this file). Hopefully the site I'm hosting the file at works out. If anyone has any trouble downloading it, contact me and I can email you a copy when I get a chance. Enjoy!

1985 Ford Rapid-Spec Price List and Ordering Guide PDF

 

Chump - Thanks! To me that is invaluable. And, it is fascinating to read.

For instance, on Page 10 it says that the 302 EFI made 190 HP @ 3800 while the 351 HO makes only 210 @ an even higher 4000. Further, the 302 gave 285 lbs-ft of torque @ 2400 while the HO gave 302 @ 2800.

So, while some dis the 302 as being a horse power engine, and then only at high revs, it actually gave peak torque at less RPM than the 351. In fact, it gives only 7% less torque and 10% less horse power than the 16% larger engine.

Anyway, THANKS!

 

Downloaded. Thanks mate!

 

No prob guys! I figured some would put the info contained in the file to good use.

 

Hmm, you could order an F150 with a 3.00 or a 3.08 gear.

So basically if you were knowledgable you could pick 3.00 to get a 9 inch or pick 3.08 to get the 8.8" rear axle.

Also, it says they used the New Process transmission in case the Warner was in shortfall.

 

Yeah, the same goes for 3.50/3.55. One was a 9", the other an 8.8".

As for the NP/Warner trans, wouldn't surprise me for one to used in place of the other. There isn't that much difference in how they function, so most buyers wouldn't know the difference.
I suspect the same was true in earlier years for auto trans. Might order expecting a C6, but get an FMX or C4 instead, depending on availability at the time..... They were all just refered to as "Cruise-o-matic" on the spec sheets and window stickers.

 

Thanks for the guide! I already see a color I'd love to paint my truck, bright copper metallic! I am going to have to see if I can find a pic of a truck in that color.

 

thanks for the guide!! maybe you could contact a mod and have this thread made a sticky!!! that way it wont get lost in the other threads

 

Ah, looks like copper metallic was only offered on the econoline for that year!

 

This is epic. I tried to hit you with the rep, but it says I like your posts too much.

 

Did it for you. Don't seem to have the same problem you have. Does that say I don't like anybody's posts?

 

I encountered the same issue. It seems almost everytime I try to rep someone, it keeps telling me to spread the love first.....

 

Thanks for the reps guys! Also, Chris contacted me about adding it to the stickies, so I think we're good to go there. Hope you guys are all keeping cool out there...

 

I just downloaded this manual and found it to be fascinating. I did not really know what the XL package consisted of before reading this. My XL seems to have parts of option packages available to the higher trim levels. Thanks for sharing this!

 

If you really want to be confused, scroll down and look at the over 8500# gvwr ratings, the HO only made 205 hp @ 4000, 295 tq @ 3000 in HD emissions trim, which makes little sense, as over 8500 trucks were subject to much more lenient requirements.

Also note that the 300 is listed as having peak torque at 1200, 1800 and 2000 rpm. All the while there are no induction, exhaust or camshaft changes...