Hello. I am planning on buying a used Ford F-150 next year. I am trying to find out what models, types and options were available during the 1988 - 1996 years. I am wanting to find out information on engine types, tranmission types, regular cab vs. Super Cab, bed length, color avilability and airbag availability.

I once saw a web page that stated there were x number of 1987 Ford Thunderbirds made, x number of 2.3L, y number of V6, z number of V8, LX model, TurboCoupe, Sport, plain, driftwood, dark midnight metallic clearcoat, etc. This would be very helpful if such information were available on the trucks.

For example, if I said, "it has to be dark green", someone may know, "they didn't start making dark green until 19xx". Then I will know I have to look for a 19xx or newer truck. If I said, "I HAVE to have an airbag", someone could say "1994 or higher", etc.

Thank you

 

Airbags I know are 93-94+. 92's didn't have them. The models go 87-91, then 92-96. Most of the parts are interchangable. Styling differences are that the side window on the supercabs are different, whole front style of the truck is different, but just the sheetmetal on the front nose. The bastic parts of the truck are mostly the same, axles, engines, frames, things like that. Smaller stuff is different. There's a zillion color combo's available for all these years. I think it might be easier for you to tell us what you're looking for, and we can steer you in the right direction. You can get 6 3/4 ft bed or 8 foot bed. Dual fuel tanks are usually found on the supercabs or 8 footers. Short bed/reg cabs I don't think had the dual tanks. Engines are a I-6 300ci which is the standard engine. Very torquely, very dependable and very durable. Next is the 5.0L 302ci which doesn't have much low end power, it's pretty much above 2500 RPM, not the best truck motor, but still decent and durable/dependable. Next is the 5.8L 351 which was only available with an automatic. Powerful motor, pretty dependable. All of these motors get pretty close to the same gas mileage. Many transmissions available. They are all good transmissions, just depends on if you want automatic, auto with OD, Manual, Manual with OD. The 92+ all had ODs with either transmission.

 

Hello. Thank you very much for the information. When I seriously start looking for a truck (money in hand), the year model will be determined by how much money I have. I won't get one earlier than a 1988, and I don't think I will be able to afford one newer than a '96. It MUST have a Super Cab, automatic transmission and be 2X4. At least a driver's side airbag, dark green or dark blue would be great. I don't know if I should get a 6-cylinder or an 8 cylinder (if I have a choice). I don't see myself ever towing anything. The main reason to get a truck is to haul a dirt bike or two. I may also haul small lumber or soil for landscaping (not farm) projects.

Does half-ton pickup mean I can carry 1,000 pounds combination of people in front and stuff in the bed? I don't see myself ever needing more capability than that, if that is what that means.

Again, thank you very much. I currently have an '87 T-Bird and though it has a spacious trunk, it won't haul a dirt bike.

 

Here's some discussion on payload capacity:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...hreadid=113083 ( or search under nitrousAl 4/20/03)

also https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...ad+%2Bcapacity

Sounds like you will be OK at 1000lbs. without a hitch or trailer, though, and don't forget tires.

There's also a $35 book -Catalogue of American Trucks (Barnes & Noble) which has a lot of info on colors, options, etc.), but you might just want to check your local market for used trucks and take the best pick.

-rlp

 

Depending on the configuration of the particular truck, you can generally haul much more than the "1/2 ton" or "3/4 ton" moniker. The sticker in the driver's door jamb will have a maximum gross weight listed. All you need to do then is figure out how much the truck itself weighs, and subtract it from the GVWR.

 

The 2 numbers that begin with "F" and "T" under the sideways "L" are the front and total reserve axle capacities. The "T" number is your payload in pounds.