1989 F-150 Common Problems

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Jan 11, 2006 | 05:40 PM

302 F-150

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1989 F-150 Common Problems

Hello everyone,

I am looking to buy a 1989 F-150 XLT 4x4 with the 302 and an automatic transmission. What are some common problems on these trucks or anything in particular that i shood look for before buying? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Jan 12, 2006 | 10:29 PM

kinnja

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Quote:

Originally Posted by 302 F-150

Well, here is a couple that seem common to me, but they are both problems I've had/have with my truck.

1. Hard to start or won't start after its warmed up. A bad starter seems to be the most common cause, but it might be hard to figure out if its not the starter. I haven't been stuck since I replaced my starter though. I haven't even needed to wait for it to cool down.

2. The gears in the window lift motors go out. It is easy and cheap to replace the gears or the motor even though holes need to be drilled or cut in order to get to the screws holding the motor in place. There are dimples marking the spots.

I have a '90 f150 351w, its a good truck. I would recommend it to anybody.

Jan 12, 2006 | 10:55 PM

jb1390

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make sure both fuel pumps work. These trucks have fuel pumps down in the tanks, and on my parent's 91 both of them have gone within the past 4 years. It is a pain to replace them, you don't have to be real mechanically adept, but the tanks are bulky. Check the alignment on it too, make sure it tracks straight. Is it 4x4? If it is, check that out too, that stuff can cost a lot of money to fix if it isn't working right. It's a good truck, with a good engine with the experience I have had with it.

Jan 12, 2006 | 10:58 PM

jb1390

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sry, just noticed you said it was 4x4. Make sure the u joints are tight, and ball joints (do these trucks use ball joints to hold the front wheels?) If there is someplace you can get it to test the 4x4 otherwise if you jack up one wheel, put all the 4x4 engaged, and try to tun the wheel. If the wheel doesn't turn, the 4x4 is all connected. To do ball joints and u joints on my 250 would have cost upwards of 1000 dollars. I guess I am just talking from stuff I have gone through on mine ( I have an 89 250, my parents have a 91 150)

Jan 12, 2006 | 10:59 PM

jb1390

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one more thing, how much money are you spending for the truck?

Jan 13, 2006 | 09:32 AM

302 F-150

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He is asking $1900 for the truck

Jan 13, 2006 | 10:05 AM

jb1390

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for a 4x4, if everything is in good shape, that sounds like a really good deal.

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Jan 13, 2006 | 05:27 PM

raysvan

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From: Tennessee

Make sure you check out the steering and that is not loose. Also make sure the power steering pump is working and not disconnected.

Jan 14, 2006 | 08:35 AM

#10

rusty90f1504x4

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check frame around spring hangers and around shockmounts for cracking

Jan 15, 2006 | 10:02 AM

#11

netminder

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If you do pull the trigger, make sure you bookmark this web site. Praying helps as well.

Jan 15, 2006 | 10:43 AM

#12

shift1313

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depending on mileage and what the truck was used for 1900 is a good deal. Be leary of trucks that towed boats and backed into the water. usually they will rust out the rear of the frame pretty bad not to mention the tanks straps, tanks, cross memebers and rear shackles. Ball joints up front, tie rods and drag link usually wear out on these trucks and the radius arm bushings. Pretty much crawl under the front end and look for anything rubber and check the condition. Grab the steering linkage and see if you can rotate it by hand. Jack one wheel up and lift it up and down(how the suspension would travel) to check the ball joints. turn it left and right to check the steering linkage. This will pinpoint any play. Grab a hold of the front and rear driveshafts and rotate them to check for play in the gears. other then that check the electronics, locks and windows etc and any check engine lights. Pull the oil and trans dipsticks and check condition of the fluids.

Jan 16, 2006 | 05:52 PM

#13

Mike052

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Check the cab mounts, box cross members and brake line flex hoses, All were rotted out on my '88.

Jan 17, 2006 | 01:15 PM

#14

Tyler Puntney

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From: Emmet

You said it has an auto trans......if it is an overdrive tranny and was used for pulling, beware. The AOD was a ****ty trans for pulling. they didnt hold up very well.