X2 on most of the info above
I've driven most versions of the Ford pick ups and the 94 and 95 were my best. Easy to work on and cheap to fix. Very few repairs require special tools and the electronics are pretty good.
When it comes to the 300 EFI is much better than the stock carb models in performance but a little tougher to work on. My main reason for buying the 94 than the 95 was they had the 300. Both of my trucks with the 300 have gone past 200k.
My favorite for looks was the 80-86. I did have a couple of 87-91 company trucks and I liked the interiors better than the 80-86 or the 92-96 but not the fuel systems or the flat face.
I like many others feel that the 302 belongs in a car but my 83 F150 ran great with one and it was pretty quick with the right mods and gears. I found the V8s tougher to work on.
I'm very old school and like manual transmissions and even though I've had 4wd I prefer 2wd trucks.
BTW I got a great deal on my truck because it was a 2wd 6 cylinder manual. The big selling point for me was the truck was very clean and had no rust. Paid $1500 four years ago.
Regards
rikard

 

what year truck was the 300 4spd 4x4???

 

Ok so I've been doing ALOT of looking and I was hopin you guys could help me out with a pros and cons list for auto vs manual tranny. I've found lots of good priced trucks that have automatic and I don't really know if I should be turned off by it. And I'm in the Cleveland area.
Thanks guys

 

4-speed overdrive auto tranny (we're talking about the 4-speed overdrive which is electronically controlled):

- anybody can drive it
- better in rush-hour traffic and in cities with steep hills at intersections
- no engine braking while in overdrive, have to shift down to 'D'
- less control over gear selection
- Pricey to get rebuilt ($2-4K)
- Can damage while towing in the wrong gear, and also if the proper cooler is not used (not that an automatic is not a good choice for towing, just that it is somewhat easier to damage than a manual tranny while towing)

The 3-speed auto (C6) is pretty much bulletproof (no electronic controls either), but it doesn't have overdrive so your highway mileage will suffer.

Manual transmission:

- 1st gear is too low to use on the road unless you have a heavy trailer
- 4 speed manual doesn't have overdrive
- 5 speed overdrive will get the best fuel economy
- Has engine braking in every gear
- Letting somebody borrow it who doesn't know how to drive a manual can quickly ruin your clutch!
- No auto tranny to rebuild, but you have to eventually replace clutch & throwout bearing, and manual transmission parts do wear out as well (bearings, synchros)

It comes down to personal choice, there is no right answer for everybody. If I was starting out, I'd look for a 300-6 cylinder with either the 4 or 5-speed manual transmission.

 

I'd personally look for a older 4.9L 4spd just for sheer reliability. Other wise I would definatly look into a f250 4.9 with the HD ZF-542 5spd.

If you find a 4spd automatic you like... Definatly ask for records on the tranny (services, fluid changes, rebuilds,etc). I really would hate buying a truck and then getting stuck with a $2000 rebuild bill. Noticed I said 4spd... If you find a non-overdrive 3spd C6... don't worry about it they are bullet proof and super cheap to rebuild if you ever need to.

The New Process 4spd manual trannys are all pretty bullet proof as well. They aren't the cheapest or the most expensive to work on but they are pretty easy if you want a DIY project. The also came with a granny low for pulling big loads.

The M50D is the light duty Mazda 5spd and is pretty good for half ton trucks. Do NOT buy a 3/4 or 1ton truck with a M50D in it. It will be abused and at the end of its life most likely. M50D's have been known to have some problems but are cheap to buy used and fairly cheap to rebuild too. (at least cheaper than a AOD or E40D 4spd automatic)

The ZF s542 is the big bad Heavy Duty 5spd. Rugged and takes a really good beating and keeps on ticking... ZF's are a little more expensive to fix b/c they require some specialty tools to fix if broken. Parts are more expensive than a M50D also. They are a great tranny giving you 5spds for highway driving and a granny low for pulling heavy loads (otherwise you can use 2nd gear to get the truck rolling from a stop). That being said these 5spds are still cheaper to fix than a AOD or E40D and really don't require much work past a fluid change. A F250 with a 351w or 4.9L with a 5spd ZF is the best all around truck I think. Payloads are similar to the current F150s (which btw the new F150s are really 3/4ton trucks) all componest easy to work on and the frame can handle a plow pretty easy. Gas isn't going to kill you like a 460 and the motors are pretty easy to work on as well.

 

I'll throw in a quick 2 cents, though I'm coming to this thread a little late. Most folks have given you some great info and I agree with just about everything said. The 300/4-speed combo is almost bulletproof and will serve you well. But as a beginner, IMO, I would say learn with a carbureted truck before jumping into EFI.

If you open your search up a little to include the 76-79 F100/F150s or 78-79 Broncos you will find some of the best trucks ever made. They are simple, there just isn't much to go wrong with them, and are a great platform to learn basic mechanics on. You can still find nice running trucks for under a grand. With the price of everything vintage going up now a days most of the cherry examples are going for big bucks. But that means you can buy a rough truck, play with it for a while and then sell it for even money or a small profit. Plus, parts are very plentiful and relatively cheap.

You can look at 80-86 trucks and Broncos too. You get more emissions equipment under the hood and more plastic in the interior but still a solid, simple rig.

The 87-96s have been covered so you know what you're looking for there.

The bottom line is you can't really go wrong with a Ford truck. They have always been the best vehicles on the road. And you found us. There is a ton a knowledge on this forum and we are more than happy to help you with any problem.

 

Yep, I realize old thread is old. But, there's a lot of good info in here. Wanted to thank everyone for it. Figured I'd save some server space and come here to get some opinions on this truck I'm looking at:

88 f-150 2wd. Mazda 5sp. Not sure on rear end.
130k. Stock. Cosmetically it needs a couple weekends. Mechanicals are solid, clean. Has some factory hose clamps. Looks like it was a DD or weekend suburb truck.
I currently drive an old benz. curb weight over 5k, i6 w/ 3spd auto. no overdrive. Getting 15mpg on 93 is loosing it's appeal. Too large for a single guy, too short to haul.

I'm looking fro the following: somewhere around my current mpg. I drive 13.2 mi on the highway 8x a week for class. Other than that some around town. No heavy hauling. Loads of leaves, lawn equip, bed full of lumber or drywall. Probably the heaviest I'd ever get is a load of paver stone or hauling off a tree I cut up.

What's everybody think.

 

What's the asking price on the truck?

I wouldn't spend more than $1500 on it, from the sounds of it.

 

$1k. Thinking I'll get it for 7-8. What about it makes you weary?

 

At that price it's not too much higher than its scrap value so I'd say go for it. What engine does it have?

 

300 i6 efi, no a/c.

 

Sounds good to me! Simple, reliable, easy to work on - what's not to like?

 

Yeah at that price... not much.

 

Well this is a little late....

I just have to chime in...

I have an 88 F-150 4WD I6 C6 (3 Speed Auto) and a 3.55 rear end. I get 9mpg on the highway...

If you want mileage id have to steer you away from this truck.. Best case you will get probably 14 or so. Mileage can be better depending on vehicle but also based on gearing and transmission. If you want the truck thats great... But your last paragraph caught me.