Looking at an 88 F-250 with the 351 windsor in it. What info can you guys give me. It has an auto, and 4x4. I don't know much about the ford small block V8's. I was an inline man, and I know lots about the SBC. The guy said it is a C6, I would've guessed AOD. How reliable is the motor, and what kind of mild warm up could I do? Anything to look out for? Thanks.

 

The motor is extremely reliable if taken care of properly.
you can get a cam intake carb and headers for about the same price of a small block chevy

 

the 351W was one of the best motor IMOP They have a beefy botom end, they'll rev good, they hold together, capable of making good tork, but as with all small block fords they a restrictive on the exhaust ports, they key to SBF performance is breathing, the right cam for for your combinaton, with good heads and the right set up a 351W will get the job done. DW

 

I agree with DW2455, and I love my 88 f150 ext cab 4x4 with C6 and the tough 351W.

The C6 transmission will more than likely outlast the engine, One great, tough, reliable tranny. My truck has 83K on it now. I replaced the tranny pan gasket a couple of weeks ago. I found no metal shavings, very little dirt/grime, and the insides were absolutely clean and shiny, Not too bad for 80K I thought. The manual shift BW1356 (you do have the manual t-case, right) is excellent, but make sure you clean and lube the linkage often, especially after mudding. That mud will make the linkage bind. the only thing that would make mine better is a set of manual locking hubs. The autos have a reputation of going out during heavy offroading or mudding. I have not had a problem with mine, so I have not replaced them yet.

Normal rust around the rear wheel wells and cab corners is to be expected, or on a Ext cab rear wheel wells and rear edges of the ext cab behind the doors.

FYI for the EX-chevy guy: The AOD trans seems to be a rare option on the f-series trucks. The AOD is not known to be a stout tranny and does not put up with alot of abuse with out major modificaitons to the internals. Most f-series you will find with an AOD will be 2WD and high geared rear ends (lower numerically). If you want the overdrive, look for a 91-94 with the E4OD tranny.

To identify the E4OD tranny, the shift pattern on the dash should be P-R-N-OD-2-1 with a OD switch on the end of the gear shift shaft. If you go this route, be warned, the E4OD tranny is known for only lasting 100 to 120K before rebuild behind 4x4's.

Good luck, and welcome to ford trucks. Hope you like your new 'old' truck. I love mine.

 

the E4OD would also require a new computer to control the tranny and not a very reliable one until late 90's. Stick with the C-6, no reason to swap it out. The AOD would work in your rig if you wanted an od tranny . An they can handle quite abit of abuse if maintained. you can get a strong AOD with shift kit and all for around 1200-1500 bucks. you can rebuild the C-6 for half that and be stronger. it all depends on what you want and how much money you want to spend

 

Kemicalburns, He is only looking at a truck to purchase, not modifying one. I agree with you to stay with the C6 but some people want the OD trans. Plus, since he is (hopefully) a ex-chevy guy, I went on to explain the positives and negatives of the truck he was looking at. I also exspanded on the topic of OD transmissions and there apllications in our trucks. I hope I was being helpful.

 

You definately were helpfull, all of you have been. I am, and have ALWAYS been a Ford truck man. I have had an 88, and an 87, both 2wd, one with the 300, one with the 302. The 87 had a NP435, and the 302 had an AOD. I loved the 87 with the 300, but had to sell it (it was about done, anyways). The 88 blew up after 168 thousand miles, and it was donated to charity. The tranny was filter changed once, other than that just baby driven for the 120 before I got it. I know the C6 is argueably the best auto ford made, but I like the overdrive on the AOD, too. I don't know. I would put my life in an older ford, but with the deals on the new 1/2 ton, I am considering that, too for a couple of years before I get a real airline job. I have never liked them (the new 150's) all that much, though (sorry if offensive). It is a manual shifted transfer case, too. The paint is faded, but NO RUST (one of my demands). What do you guys think it is worth? Anything else major to look at? I have never owned a 4wd, but have had plenty of experience working on it.

BTW, I will always be a Chevy CAR man, I will hang on to my 80 Vette FOREVER, I just have it to close to what I want.

Thanks, Guys

 

How many miles? tires in good shape? Interior? To give you an idea, my 88 cost me $2K. It had an engine problem (plugged oil screen) that had to be fixed ($700, included new crank and bearings). The interior is mint, the whole truck only had 80K miles on it. Had the usual rust (live in Illinois, we see all types of weather and lots of salt!) The truck sat for 8 months (summer fall months) outside, so the top of the cab is faded and starting to peal. I thought it was a good deal. After the engine work has been done, I have had no problems with it (knocking on all kinds of wood right now). The tires are 31's and only had 5K on them when I bought it. Hope this helps.

 

something else to check is the front end on that truck. im sure its a ttb front end so inspect all the bushings and make sure the tires dont look like this / \ or like this \ / . if you can afford it have a mechanic take a look before you buy.

later

 

Its a 4x4, it doesn't have TTB. The front is a D44.

For an OD option check out www.gearvendors.com that way you aren't giving up the reliability of the C6 or the fuel mileage of the AOD.
If the truck is in good shape, and runs well, check out KBB for a value with the motor/mileage/and options factored in.



Ok maybe not I just looked at the price for the gearvendor OD unit. $2500

 

hey matt but its not a solid axle D44. its just like the ttb but with leafs instead. Thats what i meant.

 

regarding the od button, my 91 has it on the dash its a 4x4

 

IMHO there is NO BETTER Ford truck engine trans combo than the 351-W/C6. I once owned one, and it was, as they say, "bulletproof". If the vehicle is in fair to good shape, and you plan on doing some serious "trucking", it don't get any better. Give it some TLC and by the book maintenance, and you'll be handing it down to your grandchildren.

And your kids will be saying:

"How come daddy is ALWAYS working on the CAR" or "When CAN we play in the driveway?" (Quoting children who's dads own Chevy's..he he)

 

As far as the tranny stick to the C-6, I took the 1st and 2nd planetaries out of a E4OD and put them in the C-6 case without any modifications, the gears will give you about 11% underdrive in first and second it really helps get the truck off the line.