Considering 86 F150....

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Oct 8, 2001 | 01:39 PM

RacinRex

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New User

Joined: Oct 2001

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Considering 86 F150....

Hey all, sorry to be the typical new guy but here it is. I'm living in Upstate NY, my name is Jim and I'm in need of a truck. I have found an 86 F150 4x4 with a 302 for a very affordable price. What are the things I should look out for in this model year. I'm sure if this is anything like some of the other internet automotive message boards then you guys/gals will be able to boggle me with trivial stuff that sets this year apart and all kinds of information on the little stuff that makes it worth buying or passing up.

I saw snow last night and none of my current vehichles like snow so please boggle me :-)!!!!

Thanks, Jim

Oct 8, 2001 | 11:52 PM

restorit

Laughing Gas

Joined: Jul 2001

Posts: 1,019

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From: Bismarck, ND

Considering 86 F150....

Lots of older posts on this subject..... nothing too particular to this model; these were good trucks. (You may try paging back though the archives). If it's an '86, it should be EFI. I would try the basics..... crank the passenger side mirror down to where you can see the tailpipe (assuming it's a side exit). Look for smoke when you start it and get on the throttle. Check everything to see what works. If the truck has a/c, of course check it. See if the truck will idle with the a/c on. Listen for odd noises. Ask what's been replaced..... the TFI (electronic ignition module) is a commonly replaced item on these, as are the electric fuel pumps (there'll be one in the tank, and one on the frame.) With 125,000 to, say, 150,000 miles these will likely be needing to be changed out if they're still original (just estimates). As with any 15-year old truck, you will need to be prepared to change out smaller items as needed. The good news is, the aftermarket is full of parts for these! And, the better it runs and drives, the more it was likely cared for and the more maintenance it's likely had.

Oct 9, 2001 | 05:56 PM

canadianfordman

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Joined: Dec 2000

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From: Campbell River, BC Canada

Considering 86 F150....

I have the same truck. Mine has 4 speed automatic which sometimes scares me a little bit but it still goes fine. The truck has 300,000km on it and the engine won't quit. The body was shot when I bought it three years ago and I am still doing occasional stuff to fix it up. I never have spent very much on the running gear of the truck and it still seems pretty good. The transfer Case works quite well and has an excellent 4-LO. I put a set of new 31x10.5r15's on it and it goes almost anywhere I want it too. Last year it snowed a foot and a half in one day and I had no problem going anywhere. I can't really say anything bad about these trucks except the body's don't last.

Hope this helps you out a bit.
Canadian Fordman