Hello-
I'm looking at a 1990 F-150 XL to purchase but the payload is the deciding factor since I'm purchasing to haul stuff. I cannot find any info online for this truck as far as the payload or the GVWR and the sticker inside the door of the truck is missing as well. I've even called a few Ford dealers thinking they could look it up by the VIN but they tell me their systems only go back to 2000.
The truck seems to be in great condition for its age...low mileage, clean, etc and it's for sale at a very decent price so I'd like to purchase ASAP but don't want to be stuck with a truck thats not going to carry what I need it to.
If anyone could help me, it would be much appreciated. THANK YOU =)

Here's more specific info on the vehicle-
Model: F150 Custom / Special Edition / XL / XLT Lariat
Engine: 5.0L V8 EFI
Style / Body: Supercab 2D

 

I don't know the payload amount but I did own one of these once. I put all sorts of things in it that were pretty heavy. A yard of topsoil is over 2500 pounds and that certainly lowered the back end. I wouldn't drive too far with that much in the back.

I feel a safe load in the back of an f150 is about 1000-1500 pounds for long distance travel.

 

Ford provides two specs for these trucks to determine cargo and towing capacity. It is dependent on the vehicle curb weight, engine, transmission, and axle ratio options.

GVWR(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). The vehicle curb weight plus the cargo weight.
GCWR(Gross Combined Weight Rating). The vehicle + cargo weight plus the trailer weight.

The GVWR is found on the drivers door decal and most 1/2 ton trucks are in the 5200-6200lb range. Curb weight ranges from about 4300lbs for a 2wd reg cab to about 5000lbs for an extended cab 4x4, so figuring out the cargo capacity is as simple as subtracting the curb weight from the GVWR.

Figuring out towing capacity works the same way just subtract the curb weight of the truck from the GCWR. The 1990 owners manual specs the GCWR like this..

5.0 engine and manual trans:
- 3.08 gears = 6450lbs GCWR. That means trailer towing capacity could range from 0-2700lbs depending upon the weight of the truck + cargo. If the truck weighs 5000lbs and you have 1500lbs of junk in the bed you can't safely tow any size trailer.
- 3.55 gears = 7800lbs GCWR. Trailer weight up to 4000lbs
- 4.10 gears = 10,000lbs GCWR. Trailer weight up to 4000lbs Note: This doesn't add up so I believe the Mazda M5 found in most 1/2 tons is the limiting factory here.

5.0 and auto trans:
- 3.08 gears = 9000lb GCWR. Trailer weight up to 5000lbs
- 3.55 gears = 11,500lbs GCWR. Trailer weight up to 7700lbs
- 4.10 gears = 12,500lbs GCWR. Trailer weight up to 8000lbs