Looking at a 1987 f150 4x4, 4.9L, 4 speed, duel tanks.

Any common magor issues with these?
It has duel shocks in front is this common? Why?
Both tanks read way over full, why? Owner says they stay that way until almost empty then the go to empty. Sending unit?

Anything to be aware of while testing 4x4 and/or manual trans?

Any advice is appreciated!

 

The dual tanks have a very common issue with the reservoir / valve controller on the frame rail. This is not a difficult fix and sooner or later all of these old trucks have the same failure. On mine I chose to eliminate one tank to simplify things but fixing the dual tank system is pretty straightforward. Of course if you want dual tanks you have dual sending units & fuel pumps, each tank has a low pressure fuel pump that feeds the dual function reservoir on the frame rail. Then that feeds a high pressure pump that supplies the fuel rail. It can run into several hundred dollars to fix everything and that is why I chose to just use one tank.

Dual shocks on the front is common, and a plus. It's called the quad shock package. Many people never replace the shocks and still drive on the original. Nothing to worry about here.

The 4x4 is straightforward on these trucks. Test it on something other than concrete, you want the front tires to be able to slip as you turn.

 

Thanks 87 XL!


I've read a lot about these engines being pretty tough and long lasting. Any issues to be aware of?


I'm going to look at it for the second time and want to know what to look for to avoid paying for a truck and then having to pay for a major repair. Started up fine, shifted fine, seemed to run out good. Today I want to try 4x4, get it up to at least 60mph and in the process try some electrical stuff on the inside.

Is there a special process for shifting into 4 low? Shifter in neutral? Foot on brake?

Thanks

 

It should have directions on the sun visor. Mine says to put it in N and then pull the shifter to 4L. Also, 2H to 4H is straight back towards you. Neutral and 4 low you have to pull to the left and back

 

Thanks Tuck Guy 99

I thought I had given up on buying the truck so I was half heartedly trying the transfer case shifting. Hubs weren't even locked in I just wanted to see if the transfer case shifted smoothly. I didn't try very hard at all but couldn't seem to get it in 4 low. I was pulling straight back.

I will check it again pulling to the left.

 

Glad to be of help. For the record, my sig truck would go in 4hi but not n or 4lo when I bought it. If it won't do it at a stand still, try it while moving SLOWLY! No more than about 5 mph tops. This worked for mine so maybe you'll have the same luck

 

and not going into 4 low is not a deal breaker.
i don't think i have put my 88 in 4 low 5 times over the past 26 years and 494,000 miles