I'm considering the purchase of a 91 F150 shortbed 4x4. 6 cylinder, 5 speed. Only has 80K on the truck. Asking $3500
What are the pros and cons of this model/year.
What should I look for when inspecting/test driving.
Any help is appreciated.

 

well pros 300 straght 6 is a good durable motor con a little lacking in the HP dept. and you can't do much to help it either pro slightly better fule Eco. than the 302. how big are the tires stock should be 235 75 any thing over 33 10.5 is tooo much for that drivetrain look for sloop in the stearing wheel if there is alot of play in the stearing wheel then there could be a whole heap of problems tith the front end that has been abused and not maintained listen for screaching noises from the tranny make sure the 4 wheel drive works properly an easy way is to put it in 4H and turn sharp in a parking lot you should hear the front tires squaling and hopping to test the clutch put it in 2nd gear and gas it if it dies or studders until you get it up to speed then you are ok a bad clutch would let the flywheel spin and burn the clutch plate untill it got up to speed I use to sell cars take a lil note pad with you and write down every thing you see hear and feel and if you still are willing to buy the vehicle in the condition it is in use them to get the seller to come off the price keep in mind that it is an older and normal ware and tare is going to exist you have to deturmin if it is excessive or not and if yo are not machinicly inclined take someone whom is with you i had a body shop teacher tell me one day an ounce of previntion is worth a pound of cure

 

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anyway, the advice here is real good. as far as specific issues to look for, the 5-speed put into that model truck is a notoriously weak unit. if there is any evidence that the truck has been used to tow anything substantial (like a class III or greater hitch or a trailer brake controller) leave it alone. on the test drive, pay attention to how the transmission shifts. if it's difficult to get into gear, it's no good.

other than that, i'd check the rearend gear ratio. if it's anything numerically lower than 3.55:1, the truck is gonna be a real dog, esp. with that engine/tranny combo. only downside is the engine is screaming going at any decent highway speed.

Mike

 

rust, i bet the number one killer of cars in america. pay close attention to the drivers side frame. if its rusty to the point that things are chipping off leave it alone. other than that like they said great engine, not much hp to it but it def puts out its share of torque, i think factory standards is 275 ft/lbs

 

All of these are great advice. Unless its in excellent shape I'd try and bring them down on the price. As long as it all looks good,the mileage is really low for that many years on the truck-odds are an older gentleman probably owned it( is it a private sale or a dealer?) Ask for any service records they may have(i.e. oil changes, New clutch etc.)

 

I just got a 91 in jan of this year F150 4x4 longbed at,ac,cruse,tilt,pw,pdlocks,302v8,topper,remote starter,89,000 miles for $1500.00.there is some rust(typical ford)over rear wheels and back quarters,but runs pretty solid.Unless this truck is perfect I would jew them down.

 

Thanks all for the advice.

 

It took you nearly SEVEN years to come back to this thread!? Did you buy the truck???