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The frames and bumper mounts changed between 86 and 87. IIRC, the 87's got crumple zones and the bumper mounts changed significantly.
Gary, the brick nose frame horns look like the bullnose ones. It wasn't until 1992+ that got the boxed frame and crumple zone. This has been a headache for bullnose and bricknose guys wanting to put on a reverse shackle kit, as it is only recently that RSK kits are being offered for 80-91 frames with a plate for the inside.
I had to do a little digging to find that RSK = Reverse Shackle Kit.
When looking at bumpers and other parts, I have seen applications for 92-96, which now makes sense. So, if a bumper is listed for 87-91, it should fit back to 80?
I had to do a little digging to find that RSK = Reverse Shackle Kit.
When looking at bumpers and other parts, I have seen applications for 92-96, which now makes sense. So, if a bumper is listed for 87-91, it should fit back to 80?
Well, in the sense that the frame horns are the same, yes. However in 1987 the front fenders became integral with the stock bumper rather than having a bumper that wrapped around the fender sheet metal. If an aftermarket 87-91 bumper was specifically designed to mate with bricknose fenders it could *potentially interfere with the lobe of the bullnose fender that dips below the bumper line. Look carefully at the design before buying.
Well, in the sense that the frame horns are the same, yes. However in 1987 the front fenders became integral with the stock bumper rather than having a bumper that wrapped around the fender sheet metal. If an aftermarket 87-91 bumper was specifically designed to mate with bricknose fenders it could *potentially interfere with the lobe of the bullnose fender that dips below the bumper line. Look carefully at the design before buying.
I looked it over, and yes, prices aren't so bad if you don't mind doing work. I was thinking to go there and hash it out with them, but see they are in Montana, so maybe can swing by as part of the trip to go to the International FTE GTG!
One note; when I went to Ford F150, they cover many year ranges, but stop at 1979 and start again at 1987. Not sure the differences as I thought the bumper mounts should be the same 80-96.
I e-mailed them about the missing 80-86 line, and they repelled that they are updating the website.
I got the new battery yesterday, having exchanged the humongous one for a reasonably-sized one, and got it installed today. It isn't exactly as it will be ultimately because I used the original Powermaster alternator cable which is probably a #6, and I tied it into the standard auxiliary battery solenoid instead of via the fancy Cole-Hersee battery parallel system. But, that just means that the batteries will always be paralleled when the key is on, which will work fine for now. And, the #6 is quite adequate to charge the aux battery from the original 1G alternator.
But, when I pull the engine I'll also install a 3G, make new cables, swap in a voltmeter for the ammeter, rewire the aftermarket voltmeter to show the aux battery's voltage, install the CH parallel system, and maybe even make the fancy LED warning indicator that shows the status of the parallel system. However, for now it is operational.
Gary, when you have it apart, I believe there is a lower profile upper hose, the one on Big Blue is made to clear the dual smoke grinders that were originally installed.
Good idea, Bill. But you may have to remind me when the time comes.
By the way, I meant to say that the T-19 was perfectly suited to towing that minivan the other day. First gear got it rolling like it wasn't there, and each gear was properly placed, with 4th serving nicely for highway use. But light it still begs for a 5th gear.
Gary, just spent some time reading through this thread and then noted that you are in Northeast, OK. Can I ask what town? I live in Wagoner and have an 86 F-150, 4x4 that I bought brand new in 86. I did an aesthetic resto on it a couple years ago but really need to address some of the mechanicals, as he ("Blackie") leaks from everywhere and I'm not too pleased with the steering. Anyway, spent a little bit of time on your website and we seem to share some similar interest. Would like to meet you sometime, look at your truck, and discuss truck stuff!
Gary, just spent some time reading through this thread and then noted that you are in Northeast, OK. Can I ask what town? I live in Wagoner and have an 86 F-150, 4x4 that I bought brand new in 86. I did an aesthetic resto on it a couple years ago but really need to address some of the mechanicals, as he ("Blackie") leaks from everywhere and I'm not too pleased with the steering. Anyway, spent a little bit of time on your website and we seem to share some similar interest. Would like to meet you sometime, look at your truck, and discuss truck stuff!
John - Dave is right, you are in luck! On September 16th this year I'm hosting an all-Ford truck meet in Skiatook.
Having said that, here are some answers to questions that might arise. First, this isn't an FTE get-together. It is open to Ford fans from all forums, and I know of people from at least two other forums that are planning to be there. In fact, it is open to the public, and is being held on our small town's Pioneer Day and on the main drag, so we should have lots of participants as well as casual observers.
Second, it isn't limited to Bullnose trucks, although many of the participants are certainly fans of the Bullnose trucks. In fact, I'm hoping to have trucks from 2017 back to in the 50's there.
Last, we have a bunch of folks from afar planning to come this year, including CA, AZ, CO, KS, TX, MO, and AL. Oh, and Tim Meyer, the Ford engine guru will be there.
John - Dave is right, you are in luck! On September 16th this year I'm hosting an all-Ford truck meet in Skiatook.
Having said that, here are some answers to questions that might arise. First, this isn't an FTE get-together. It is open to Ford fans from all forums, and I know of people from at least two other forums that are planning to be there. In fact, it is open to the public, and is being held on our small town's Pioneer Day and on the main drag, so we should have lots of participants as well as casual observers.
Second, it isn't limited to Bullnose trucks, although many of the participants are certainly fans of the Bullnose trucks. In fact, I'm hoping to have trucks from 2017 back to in the 50's there.
Last, we have a bunch of folks from afar planning to come this year, including CA, AZ, CO, KS, TX, MO, and AL. Oh, and Tim Meyer, the Ford engine guru will be there.
So, please come!
Thanks for the invite, fellas! I'd like to say I could be there but that is the weekend of the wife's birthday and that could be difficult. Maybe I can convince her into stopping by for a bit...lol! Thanks again!
But you may have to remind me when the time comes. 
