Hi, I just bought a 1985 Ford F150 Lariat Explorer pick up. Can anybody give me some info on this truck? I was told only 7 of these trucks are registered in the US. Thanks!

 

How would any state know which is a Lariat?

I suggest you go on ebay and buy a nice '85 F Series sales brochure for less than $10....it would be a nice start with familiarization.

Good luck with your new truck.

 

Well, mine's not a Lariat, it's just an F-150 XL Explorer 4x4. From what I gather, the Explorer package was just a "heavy duty" version of the regular truck. Mine came with the better rear axle (Ford 9") with 3.50 gears, dual shocks on each front wheel, a 351W engine mated to a C6 auto, and automatic front wheel hubs.

Also has dual gas tanks, cruise, A/C, and a few other options, but just the cloth seat, rubber floor mats, manual windows and locks, etc. I believe the XLT Lariat was the same truck, but with a few more bells and whistles (like a silver insert in the tailgate, power options, and better interior). Most of the XLT's I've seen also had dual tone paint and more chrome trim, where mine's just one solid color with pinstripes.

They both came with a variety of different rims, from standard steel w/hubcaps all the way up to some really nice looking turbine aluminum alloys. Mine came with the steel "wagon wheel" ralleys with the chrome trim rings and centercaps.

Aside from that, I can't think of much in the differences off the top of my head, but I'm sure someone else will come along with more details. Hope this helps!

 

The Ford 9 inch was the standard axle for all trucks till they came out with the 8.8 rear. The dual shocks usually came with a rear sway bar. That was a handling option. From the info below, it looks like the explorer was a number of options grouped together and sold at one special price.

Here's some info on the explorer option.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/m...-explorer.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...&albumid=16651

 

I have a 96 XLT with all the options. When did they do away with the Lariat name ??

4X4, duad shock front setup, front and rear sway bar setup, dual tanks, cloth bench, carpeting, Alloy rims, Power windows, Locks, Tilt wheel, Cruise, Factory bedliner, Factory sliding rear window, Tailgate insert, etc.

Been my baby for 7 years now and I just rolled over 125,000 this past weekend on my inline 6.

 

They still make the Lariat. It's all that plus woodgrain and leather.

 

Yeah just in 92-96 they didnt have a lariat im sure of it all i see is XL Custom (92 only) XLT and Eddie Bauer not like 87-91 XLT Lariat and such then in 1997 i see trucks with lariat packages

 

Where did you get that info from? I have an 85 f150 xlt lariat with the explorer package and I have a hard time believing you and and I have 2 of the 7 total in the us. Either way, mine has been a good truck so far and you will love yours too.


Cheers!!!

 

I also have a 1985 F150 XLT Lariat with the Explorer package. I am sure there are more than seven.

 

They are limited edition, and were only made a few months out of the year. They are not featured in the sales brochure, they have their own brochure, but there was a lot more than just 7 made.

 

Any idea where i can find a Explorer brochure for one?

 

They pop up on e-bay from time to time.

I got both my 1981 sales brochure, and my 1981 Explorer Pickups Brochure off of e-bay.

 

Ok, thanks! I will have to keep my eyes open for one.

 

I recently bought a 1985 f150 XLT Explorer 300i6 , just wanted to gain any knowledge possible

 

What does it look like under the hood? A bunch of stuff plugged and disconnected? Your engine was computer controlled. If it's all original and runs good, great. If it has been messed with and doesn't run very well, you have options. All the 300 sixes from around 1984-up were like this till they went to fuel injection.