Hi all,

It's my first post here, and sorry for starting another yet one of these threads. I have had a search around here and elsewhere and can't find much information.

I'm looking at buying a 1992 F150 Flareside, 2WD, about 90,000 miles on it so far, single owner, appears in good condition all round.

I'm wondering if there are any common issues to look out for with this particular year/era. Is there anything I should look closely at before buying it (common spots for rust to start maybe), and might I expect any common problems down the line?

I don't have a great deal of knowledge or experience, so would appreciate any help or advice you all might have.

Many thanks!

 

Look for rot around the fender wells, spring hangers and other suspension areas. The radius arm bushings are known to age and crack.

Then look for the usual engine smoke, leaks, trans fluid condition, etc.

 

Thanks, much appreciated!

1992 being fairly close to when they started using fuel injection ('87 or '88 I think?), were there any issues there or is that system pretty solid?

 

General solid.

 

Depnding where you are, they can be VERY rusty

 

Good to know, thanks. I'm actually in New Zealand. This truck was from California originally, so hopefully that will be in its favor rust-wise.

Some photos here if you're interested: Ford F150 Flareside 1992 | Trade Me

 

Great looking truck! Glad to see NZ doesn't seem to have the same absolutely inane laws as Australia where you have to ruin every truck you import by converting it to RHD.

 

New Zealand is like that too. A little more lenient perhaps. If it's older than 20 years or otherwise considered 'collectable' I think they are okay with it.

 

I guess you bought it. link no good

 

Hmm, strange. Try this:

Ford F150 Flareside 1992 | Trade Me

 

Nice Flareside, I have a mint 93 Flareside it's plum iris with 61,000 miles, 2WD, 4.9 and 5 speed manual trans. There doesn't seem to be many around anymore. I saw the asking price on the truck....they must sell for more money there. But I'm not sure what the currency exchange rate is in New Zealand.

 

By the time they get down here with all the shipping/customs duties/taxes/vehicle inspections it starts to drive up the price. But cars (and most things) are expensive here compared to the U.S.

I'm also going to have a look at this in the next few days: Ford F150 4x4 1989 | Trade Me

The 4.9L 6 is probably more practical here in New Zealand where gas costs more. Any thoughts/preferences when comparing the two? Pretty similar trucks in terms of build and reliability?

 

I would take the 92 EVERY TIME over the 89
The 300 is no gas miser and the 351 is WAY more powerful

 

That '89 seems really basic. Crank windows, 300 4.9L I6 and the 4-speed manual. If it's the non-OD 4-speed manual, it will be busy at highway speeds, and if it's the 4-speed OD transmission, it will be more of a dog than the 4.9 already is.

The '92 has a nicer interior, nicer wheels, more options (A/C, power windows/locks) a better engine and a better transmission. I vote the '92 as well. It's a lot more truck.

 

Thanks for the input folks, good to know there's an obvious choice..