I posted in the 80-86 section with a similar question about a truck of that vintage. You all have a great resource here - finally had to register so I could ask some questions. So, I'm looking at picking up and older F150 and I'm trying to learn about the too - I have a good handle on the engines that were available, don't know much about trans or T/C, or other mechanical options though. I know 9" rear ends were around, not sure how to check for one though.

I found a 91, it's a reg cab, long bed, 4x4 and manual trans. Haven't gotten ahold of the owner yet, but the sign says need trans - until I talk to him, won't know if it's a clutch or something internal. I imagine some of you around here might know about the more common problems with the manual trannies - thus, my asking.

I found out that the older F-150 can rust bad in the fenders in front of the doors and around the wheel wells, this one has some pretty bad rust allowing daylight through the holes. The interior doesn't look too terrible. I also found out that the spring shackles can rust through and allow the leaf spring to hit the bed. Beyond this stuff, I'm pretty unsure of what areas need a close look when looking at a used F-150.

Any "buyers guide" type of help would be great. If there were different manual trannies available, I wouldn't mind knowing if nothing more than out of interest. Thanks for any input at all.

 

99% of manual trannies in F-150s by 1991 were the Mazda 5 speed. It's an expensive unit to replace, probably about $800 to get a rebuilt one. Most of the time they run out of gear oil and burn up. They do not have the strongest reputation, but if you keep the fluid full, they are at least decent. Nowhere near the strength of a four speed granny low box like you'll find in earlier trucks, though.

After 1986, all F-150's got a 8.8" in the rear, Dana 44 TTB up front. Transfer case will be a BW 1356, a good strong chain driven unit.

You pretty much nailed all the rusty spots. If you do decide to buy it, do a compression check and get an oil pressure gauge on the motor beforehand. Without being able to drive it, you'll miss a lot of problems if there are any.

 

You could also bring it to your local mechanic and have a pre- purchase inspection
done . I was looking at a 1988 f150 about a year ago , drove it looked it over and thought it was in good condition. after thinking about it I had a pre purchase inspection done and found out the trans was going out and had motor problems...
It was well worth the $60.00 before I spent 2000.00 on a truck that needed alot of work...

 

how likely is it to come across a Mazda trans at the bone yard? I know there are risks with that too, but still curious. As for them burning up from low fluid, are they just notoriously leaky or how do they tend to get low on fluid?

Also, just wondering why getting oil pressure read-outs is recommended?

Thanks for the help - you brought up some great info for me - will help out.

 

oil pressure will help diag. any potential internal motor problens...
if its low could mean some possible severe problems ...
most people will agree to you having a pre- purchase inspection done ...Some will even pay for it if you buy it from them...If they refuse to let you get one done I would
not buy it....They may be trying to pass on there problems but are'nt wanting you to know what you are in for....

 

yeah, I agree. The truck is a little ways from a town and I still am not sure if it's driveable at all ot not. Definetly the wisest thing is to have it looked at and I think too often we with any mechanical sense think we can get the skinny on things ourselves which often is not the case. I gotta find out more on it anyway. With the weather turning to crap around here I'm not looking forward to any major repairs cause I have no garage - has to be done in the great out doors. Thanks for the help.