I have a choice between a 1983, and a 1995, both are in good shape, both are i-6 with standard trans, one is a 4speed auto overdrive, the 95 is a 5 speed , where first acts like a granny. one is carbuerated, the other fuel injected. yet on the govt sites, it rates the 83 at 18 to 22 mpg, and the 95 at 16 to 20. How is this possible? I thought fuel injected was allways better than carb? Also, one is more computer friendly, with newer stuff, so again, with all mechanicals, working, and in good shape, which would you get?
thanks

 

What are the prices?

Myself I would go with the '95. JMO

 

I think I'd take the 95 also.

 

I would also buy the 1995. The mileage is going to depend on what gearing the trucks have what condition the motors are in. The 95 will probably get better mileage no matter what the site says. Which one has more miles than the other? The 95 isn't nearly as old as the 83, so it will probably treat you a little better in the repair department. Either way you go, you are getting a very reliable and tough Ford truck, so there really isn't a bad decision.

 

the 83 is 1500. the 95 is 2000, but I can talk 200 off of that...

 

Get the '95, carbs are history, unless you like to F-around with them.

 

I'd go for the '95 also. But, I doubt that the 5-speed has a granny low, unless the truck is an F250 and has the ZF 5-speed in it. More likely is that it is an F150 and has the Mazda 5-speed, which is light duty and first gear is a normal start ratio.

Jason

 

go for the 95.

look underneath for rust.

 

I'd have to go for the '95 as well, unless you really want to go with a carburetor. Depending on condition, it sounds like you can get a better deal on the '95 anyway.

 

Well said depends what the truck is used for if its a daily driver you might want the EFI for more reliability

 

I had an 83 shorty with the 302 and AOD. Great truck, but had to keep an eye on the carb and electronic ignition module. Lasted 220k and was 21 years old.
Since then. I've had a 94 F150 reg cab shorty 300 5 spd 3.55 gears and a 95 sc with the 300 5spd 3.08 gears. Both of these trucks were much easier to live with than the 83.
BTW the 3.55s made my 94 feel like 1st was a "mini" granny gear. The 3.08s make for nice highway cruising but reverse is a bit tall. If I have to regear I'll look for something in between.
My vote is for the 95 unless the 83 is in excellent condition.
regards
rikard

 

I'd take the 95'.

 

the 83 looks just like the red one in the pic, but all primered, and it has an
ext. cab... the 95 has an ext cab as well...

 

either one would act more as a backup for my car, when it goes into the shop, and for crap weather conditions, and to go a hunting of course...

 

I would take the 95, I like the look a little better. I also prefer the efi over the carbed engines.