Hello, I acquired an 85 F150 on Friday, it is a 2wd 300 i6 with a column shifted three speed. Im going to be honest, I'm a die hard Chevy fanatic, but I must give credit where credit is due. If there is one thing Ford can do, that is build a truck. I've had the truck for four days and I love it. However, there is a few things that I want to know. First, what are the weak points of this truck, that is, what usually breaks, and what can be done to prevent it? Second, I would love to know more about the transmission, is it a top loader? When I research, or try, I only find information about transmissions that were out of production before the truck was built. I'm not too worried about the motor, it runs good and I bought the truck mainly because of the reputation of the 300. Where can I find information about the rear end, I would love to know about the gears and all, but I can't find a tag on the axel, and the door tag is nearly in readable. I know this is alot, I tried the search function, but I didn't seem to get anywhere. I have been a member of a third generation Camaro/ firebird forum a while, so I know it can get annoying when a newbie comes in, and asks the same question that some other new guy asked three days before, and I apologize for this. But if you don't mind, point me in the right direction, I will be grateful for all the help I can get. Oh, I've already signed up for fordsix.com/org/ I forgot what it was. I have the same screen name as I do here. Thanks again.

 

Welcome to FTE, JRock.

Since you talk about being on other forums, I'm kinda surprised to see you NOT read the red Read First stickies.

Begin here, see what you can figure out:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...-projects.html

 

Welcome to FTE.

I joined here not too long ago and you'll find that Ctubutis and a few others are AMAZING when it comes to these old trucks.

Personally, I'd like a copy of all their knowledge in a book. I don't think my Chilton's manual will quite come up to par.

 

Yes, books help!

The Ford factory shop manuals ROCK!

But there are several different ones - body/chassis/electrical, engine, wiring diagrams, emissions, EVTM (electrical & vacuum troubleshooting manual), I think that's about it.

Check eBay and various places that sell this stuff, one of whom is:

Welcome to Lloyd's Automobile Literature

 

I think what you have is the Ford 3.03 transmission, which is the 3spd-version Toploader.
I don't have experience with them - but they have a good reputation (unlike the 4spd overdrive units - SROD etc).

 

And if you can't find it used, you can always buy new direct from the printers...

Service Manuals, Owner Manuals, Wiring Diagrams, Service Bulletins - Helm Incorporated

 

Thanks for the reply, and I did glance through stickies, but I didn't pay as much attention as I should have. The fourth one has a wealth of information, and I looked through a few of the threads. I have already learned a lot.

 

At your urging I ordered the FORD manual from Lloyds Saturday and it arrived today. You are right that it rocks! The book originally was from Casa Ford in El Paso, obviously used but in excellent condition with every page intact. The section on heands and manifold installation will be read with gusto tonight. Thanks for sending me to Lloyds. You get a commision?

 

The "3 on the tree" trans, as previously stated is the Ford type 3.03 3 speed manual all syncromesh.

The rear axle could be an 8.8" integral (has an inspection cover) or the 9" 'drop out' which does not.

If a 9, the rear axle ratio is prolly 3.00-1, if an 8.8, it's prolly 3.55-1.

The 1980/89 Ford Light Truck Parts Catalog is available on a CD from hipoparts.com.

 

No, not at all, I'm just a happy customer.

I found them on eBay when I was looking for manuals for my 1981, got a two-volume set - the primary (thick) shop manual plus the Engine manual, BRAND NEW STILL SHRINK WRAPPED for something like $20.



Got the wiring diagram book also on eBay, from some guy in NYC who no longer had the truck and sold the manual for $5. Like yours, obviously used, but all the pages are there.

The EVTM I got from some place called Dave's Books (Auto/Truck Repair Manuals) in Wisconsin, don't remember what it cost.



As NumberDummy said above, the 80-89 Light Truck Parts Catalog (the source of most of the drawings I post here) is available on CD from www.hipoparts.com for something like $20-$25.

 

Chris, are you aware of Helm's (helminc.com) website?

Helm has printed all of FoMoCo's literature since the 1940's and still has all sorts of manuals available for these trucks.

Waltz over there and take a look-see.

 

Yes, I've been there several times.

But every time I go looking for stuff for my own truck or car (1981 & 1986) they never have it.

So I rarely suggest people go there; quite honestly, I tend to forget about them (because they never seem to have what I'm looking for).

 

It has axle code 18, which according to the guide linked in the sticky, is the code for 3.08 gears. It doesn't have a removable rear cover so I guess its a nine inch. 3.08 is a little high for my taste, but it doesn't seem like its lacking in power so it will do for now.

 

18 = Ford 9" Rear Axle / 3.08-1 / non Limited Slip / 3,750 lbs. Rear Axle Capacity / I wasn't too far off with my 3.00-1 assumption.