Looking to buy
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Elder User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 756
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From: central illinois
Looking to buy
I need some help with finding the right truck. I use to own a 1981 F150 Custom. I put a 351w into it, had a c6. I loved it with the Traction Lock 9" rear axel. Now I'm in a 96 Z71 5.0L auto. It's a great truck but I miss my Ford. So i bought a 80 F100 stepside. 302 4spd. Well it has a bad vibration and needs more work then what I can give it. So now I'm looking again.
What I want is an F150 V8 Manual trans, with a good rear axel. I love those tracktion lock units!!!!! Not picky if it's extedcab, 4x4, or bed size. I'ld prefer to have the 5.8L I like the extra power. Ok my question is.... What transmisions are the best, Transfer case in case i find a 4x4 and rear axel. What codes do I need to look for. I just want to have a good solid truck and not worry about parts that are prone to problems or being weak. I am looking between the years of 87-96 in hopes of decent economy. It will be my DD. Any help at all will be greatly apreciated. I am also not throwing out the 80-86 trucks. Also is there any years in wich the fuel injection system wasn't responseive to motor upgrades??
thanks for any help.
John
What I want is an F150 V8 Manual trans, with a good rear axel. I love those tracktion lock units!!!!! Not picky if it's extedcab, 4x4, or bed size. I'ld prefer to have the 5.8L I like the extra power. Ok my question is.... What transmisions are the best, Transfer case in case i find a 4x4 and rear axel. What codes do I need to look for. I just want to have a good solid truck and not worry about parts that are prone to problems or being weak. I am looking between the years of 87-96 in hopes of decent economy. It will be my DD. Any help at all will be greatly apreciated. I am also not throwing out the 80-86 trucks. Also is there any years in wich the fuel injection system wasn't responseive to motor upgrades??
thanks for any help.
John
Fleet Owner
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,786
Likes: 1,751
From: Kentucky
I prefer the 92-96 models myself. The later years also come with the Mass Air Flow engine control system instead of the Speed Density version the earlier models had. Either system can be made to work with some mods, the SD based system is very sensitive to camshaft changes. Most people prefer the MAF setup when trying to add go-fast goodies.
As far as transmissions go any of them work well with proper maintenance. My current ride is a 1992 F350 4x4 w/5.8L engine and E4OD transmissions. It runs strong at 154k miles.
As far as transmissions go any of them work well with proper maintenance. My current ride is a 1992 F350 4x4 w/5.8L engine and E4OD transmissions. It runs strong at 154k miles.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 756
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From: central illinois
Thankyou for the reply, I was wondering if i was forgotten. lol How is your truck for power?? I am thinking I may go up to a F250 if the price is right. It is harder then I thought it would be to find one with a manual trans. Most are automatic or 300 6cyl, with a manual.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 221
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From: Michigan
you can never go wrong with a 300. ive got a 300 with a manual 5 speed, and its still got some ***** left. i have 210500 miles, and it still runs awesome. just about every 4.9 ive seen has over 200000 miles and runs good. theres not that many performance parts for them, but im not complaining.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,786
Likes: 1,751
From: Kentucky
My F350 does okay for the size truck it is. I have owned 2 "93 Gen1 Lightnings so this one ton feels like a slug in comparison. In all fairness this truck is a lot heavier. I made some small upgrades such as a full 3" exhaust and a high flow converter. A good tune up and bumping the timing up a little has helped as well.
I get about 10 MPGs city driving and a best of 13 MPG running 65 MPH on the flat highways around here. My L's did a little better. I do some hauling from time to time so I went for the F350. I like the solid front Dana 60 axle much better than the IFS on the F150/250. If I get in the mood to look for another truck I would like a 4x4 crew cab shortbed F250 then swap in a solid Dana 60 up front.
I get about 10 MPGs city driving and a best of 13 MPG running 65 MPH on the flat highways around here. My L's did a little better. I do some hauling from time to time so I went for the F350. I like the solid front Dana 60 axle much better than the IFS on the F150/250. If I get in the mood to look for another truck I would like a 4x4 crew cab shortbed F250 then swap in a solid Dana 60 up front.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 756
Likes: 1
From: central illinois
you can never go wrong with a 300. ive got a 300 with a manual 5 speed, and its still got some ***** left. i have 210500 miles, and it still runs awesome. just about every 4.9 ive seen has over 200000 miles and runs good. theres not that many performance parts for them, but im not complaining.
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