Here we go again
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Senior User
Joined: May 2005
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From: SW Kansas
Here we go again
Well, I had to get rid of my 80 and 83 trucks months ago, and have been without a truck in the meantime. Had my eye on a truck for months, and they finally told me I could have it. 85 XL Explorer shortbed, FI 302 automatic. Has tilt, cruise and a/c. Runs very good, gave $1200.
Minor/not so minor issues-cruise doesn't work, some rust over the rear wheel wells, and while the brakes work and it stops straight, the pedal goes waaaay down. I like the combination of the FI and options in a shortbed, don't see too many of them around here, and so far needs very little mechanically. Pics coming, it was dark by the time I got it home.
Minor/not so minor issues-cruise doesn't work, some rust over the rear wheel wells, and while the brakes work and it stops straight, the pedal goes waaaay down. I like the combination of the FI and options in a shortbed, don't see too many of them around here, and so far needs very little mechanically. Pics coming, it was dark by the time I got it home.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: South Jersey
wow, sounds just like my truck.
the brake pedal thing is the rear brakes being out of adjustment. they are supposed to self adjust when you apply the brake after reversing but these thigns are old and probably frozen. Pop off the rear wheel and drum and turn the tightening cylinder a few clicks and they'll tighten that pedal right up.
the brake pedal thing is the rear brakes being out of adjustment. they are supposed to self adjust when you apply the brake after reversing but these thigns are old and probably frozen. Pop off the rear wheel and drum and turn the tightening cylinder a few clicks and they'll tighten that pedal right up.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Northern California
You don't have to remove the wheel or drum to adjust the brakes. Just remove the rubber cap from the other side of the brake backing plate, and use a brake adjustment tool, or a couple of flat screwdrivers (if in a pinch) to adjust them.
I would check the rear brakes anyway for leaky wheel cylinders, inspect and replace the brake shoes if needed, and lubricate the mechanisims with brake grease etc... That does require the removal of the wheel and drums.
I would check the rear brakes anyway for leaky wheel cylinders, inspect and replace the brake shoes if needed, and lubricate the mechanisims with brake grease etc... That does require the removal of the wheel and drums.
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From: SW Kansas
Discovered it has interval wipers (nice option), dual tanks, the clock works, it has the map lights on the dome light, the brakes seem to be getting better the more I drive it. One thing that's bugging me is the gear position indicator doesn't work. But, truck drives nice, almost everything works, and the FI 5.0 is running perfect, mileage isn't too bad either, haven't figured it, but I drive 50 miles a day and haven't had to fill it every day.
Wondering how many FI trucks they made in 85?
Wondering how many FI trucks they made in 85?
Last edited by ctubutis; Jan 15, 2013 at 07:38 AM. Reason: Remove overly-large pictures
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Fleet Mechanic
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That 5.0 EFI is running good huh? I'd fix that smoking problem if I were you. 
Just yankin' the chain man.
That's a really nice truck! The EFI was an option in 85 and the standard to come on the 5.0 was a feedback carb in that year.
I've always liked the Blue/White and the Brown/Tan trucks.
No 4x4?
Just yankin' the chain man.
That's a really nice truck! The EFI was an option in 85 and the standard to come on the 5.0 was a feedback carb in that year.
I've always liked the Blue/White and the Brown/Tan trucks.
No 4x4?
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From: SW Kansas
My kids won't let me use my computer, I had to post the pics from my phones browser, not easy...
l googled it a bit, but couldn't find production numbers, I did see the Explorer thread, so wondering about the rarity of the combination of Explorer, short bed, and FI. I certainly haven't seen many.
When the weather warms ups I'm going to replace the missing emblems, see how bad the rust really is, and troubleshoot the cruise control. Was rereading a bunch of threads and have some good ideas for some little projects to do. At least I can drive it in the meantime. It's fun to drive, the 5.0 will smoke the tires with a little throttle. Accidently, of course.
l googled it a bit, but couldn't find production numbers, I did see the Explorer thread, so wondering about the rarity of the combination of Explorer, short bed, and FI. I certainly haven't seen many.When the weather warms ups I'm going to replace the missing emblems, see how bad the rust really is, and troubleshoot the cruise control. Was rereading a bunch of threads and have some good ideas for some little projects to do. At least I can drive it in the meantime. It's fun to drive, the 5.0 will smoke the tires with a little throttle. Accidently, of course.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2011
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I can't remember when Ford dropped the explorer package. It was either 85 or 86 I think. So, not only do you have a short bed Explorer, you've got a late model one that also has a 302 with fuel injection, and a few nice options as well. I think you've got a pretty hard to find truck, myself.
Just the fact that it's short bed alone is something. The old Ford short beds around here are a chore to find. I was lucky I got one that was 4x4 and short bed, with a straight 6 and the granny 4 speed. The 4x4 and straight 6 with a carburetor make my truck hard to find around where I'm at.
Just the fact that it's short bed alone is something. The old Ford short beds around here are a chore to find. I was lucky I got one that was 4x4 and short bed, with a straight 6 and the granny 4 speed. The 4x4 and straight 6 with a carburetor make my truck hard to find around where I'm at.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Northern California
1986 was the Last year of the "Explorer Special" Packages on the F-series.
The 1985 pictured is missing it's lower stripes. It looks like it was resprayed at one time, or the stripes removed with a heat gun or hair dryer method...
The Eddie Bauer limited Editions essentially took the Explorers place in 1987, although both Explorers and Eddie Bauers could be had in 1985 and 1986.
The 1985 pictured is missing it's lower stripes. It looks like it was resprayed at one time, or the stripes removed with a heat gun or hair dryer method...
The Eddie Bauer limited Editions essentially took the Explorers place in 1987, although both Explorers and Eddie Bauers could be had in 1985 and 1986.
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Some of our best (most knowledgeable & helpful) guys here are still on dialup, do you think you can get the computer from the kids and fix those?
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