I'm in need of an extended cab pickup, and the late '80's to early '90's Fords seem to fit my budget of $3-4k. Is there anywhere on this site or elsewhere that could give me a year-to-year rundown of models, features, specs, etc.? Perhaps the collective wisdom of this board could help me determine what I'm really looking for--here's what (I think) I need:

-No major trailer towing planned, but the ability to tow my dad's 4000 lb boat occasionally without undue stress would be good.
-Home Depot runs - lumber, mulch, etc.
-Commuting 7 mile round trip to work 2-3 days a week
-Kid hauling, so back seat is necessary
-Camping trips -- keep in mind this is flat North Texas, not Moab or Colorado

Any ideas on what I should be looking for or trying to avoid?

Thanks,

Brad

 

Any 87-96 f150 will do, only minor differences in running gear. Later years have more electronics (trannys mostly, and MAF in 94-96 5.0L engines. I would say that we have a mixed opinion on having a 5.0L in the trucks. Some like it, some think its way underpowered for a truck. Lots of people seems have the opnion that the 351w EFI mated to a C6 tranny in a 4x4 is the way to go (88-90), But some prefer the E4OD for the overdrive. The 460c.i.d is a great engine also if you have a bulk purchase discount at the gas station. Lots of power, Low MPG's. 91-ups have the more preferable, ( and more comfortable) interior and the 92-96 truck have the upgraded exterior which seems also to be perferred.

Do searches here on FTE for any of the things above and you will get many different opinions.

I, myself, also like the 351w, C6, 4x4 ext cab trucks, an '88 to be exact.

happy hunting.

Oh, I'll get flammed if I don't mention this. There is one more engine available in the F150, The 300-I6. It is a great engine for hualing and towing, but not much of a highway engine. All the power is between 1200 and 3500 rpms, after that it just kinda goes flat. Most durable and reliable engine ford ever made though. Good in town truck. decent gas milage with a 5 speed. OK with an auto. Many 300-6 owners have well over 200,000 miles with out a rebuild. some have made it to 300,000.

Have fun and drive the different trucks, you'll find a combo that suits you.

 

What's the consensus on the 300 cu 6-cylinder? It seems like there are a ton of those out there. Does it have adequate power for the occasional towing and hauling?

Cheers,

Brad

 

both myself and my father own the f150 series of trucks he owns a 87 f150 supercab 302 engine with long bed and i own a 95 f150 supercab 302 engine with short bed. they have both been used to tow 4000+ lbs and have done so very well his has the old manual overdrive AOD tranny and I have the 4R70W which is an upgrade of the E40D and both our vehicles have over 160000 miles on then. my truck has more electronics and is controled more by the computer than his he gets better fuel economy than i do I get 15.4 miles to a gallon of gas and he gets 17.2 and he has had a rebuild. so that could be why. I have been in and around a truck with the 4.9 or aka 300 ci they are fine but do have their limits.