87-91 vs. 92-96 differences
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87-91 vs. 92-96 differences
Ok, so, another dumb set of questions:
1. What, besides some re-designed sheetmetal on the front end, are the differences-if any- between the '87-91 and the 92-96 F series trucks?
2. Are there any real differences?
3. IF one had their choice, which would be a better truck to buy?
4. Also, when did they change the air induction from whateveritwas to MAF?
(I'm looking for some type of F250 with at least a 351, all the way up to a diesel, and a 5 speed, with 4x4.)
Thanks.
1. What, besides some re-designed sheetmetal on the front end, are the differences-if any- between the '87-91 and the 92-96 F series trucks?
2. Are there any real differences?
3. IF one had their choice, which would be a better truck to buy?
4. Also, when did they change the air induction from whateveritwas to MAF?
(I'm looking for some type of F250 with at least a 351, all the way up to a diesel, and a 5 speed, with 4x4.)
Thanks.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 6,473
Likes: 4
From: Lafayette, IN
Basically, most of the differences are from the steering wheel forward. A little bit of change to the computer system and sensors (3-digit trouble codes in '92+). MAF showed up in '94, I think, on 302 engines in CA, then '95 elsewhere. The 351 got it in '95 or '96 also, but only in the F150, IIRC. '92 also saw a move to the digital PSOM, with the wheel speed sensor in the rear pumpkin taking on speedometer/odometer duty as well.
I don't think you can really go wrong with anything '92+, but MAF is definitely considered desirable. Not too many bugs in these trucks by the mid-90's, other than the cruise control brake switch issue, and some had a fuel tank crossflow problem. The cruise control is still under recall, but the crossflow has expired--fixed by replacing the leaky pump or by adding a check valve on the fuel return line.
Jason
I don't think you can really go wrong with anything '92+, but MAF is definitely considered desirable. Not too many bugs in these trucks by the mid-90's, other than the cruise control brake switch issue, and some had a fuel tank crossflow problem. The cruise control is still under recall, but the crossflow has expired--fixed by replacing the leaky pump or by adding a check valve on the fuel return line.
Jason
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,603
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From: St Louis
From what I have read here, I have to agree that MAF was only F150 and the bronco, but the 97 model year F250 and F350 5.8L(351) may have had the MAF. The Turbo diesel with a 5spd in the 3/4 and 1 tons are probably the most diserable of the heavy duty trucks. The differences between the 91 and 92 model years are sheetmetal and computer controls, with the 96 model year having the government mandated OBD-II system with prior years having OBD-I which was a proprietary system of the OEM manufacturer of the vehicle.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 6,473
Likes: 4
From: Lafayette, IN
Jason
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Senior User
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The biggest difference, is the 87-91 are butt ugly LOL. those 92 on up look so much nicer and I have this 89.
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Posting Guru
Joined: May 2007
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From: North Reading Mass
Along with the chances above, the fuel pump system was changed eliminating the seperate frame mounted high pressure pump in (92?). I always liked the looks of the 80-86 trucks and didn't care for the 89-91 restyle. The 92 to 96 is probably the best truck made if you actually use it as a truck. My 92 work truck has been abused most of its life but the 300 starts in the coldest temps and though its the oldest its the one called for tough jobs. Actually it was the reason I bought my 94 and now my 95.
regards and good luck
rikard
regards and good luck
rikard
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,557
Likes: 44
From: Concord, NC
The 87-91 trucks appearance has actually grown on me since owning one.
The in-tank high pressure fuel pumps began in '90 before the model update. Wiring is a good bit different in the newer trucks, but incremental changes had been made during the 87-91 time frame.
The normally aspirated IDI diesel was available through 94 I believe (might be wrong). A turbo IDI diesel was available beginning in 92 or 93, and the powerstroke, DI turbo was introduced mid-94. The powerstroke was the only diesel that was direct injected and computer controlled.
MAF was hit-or-miss depending on geography beginning in '94, with all F150's and Broncos being OBD-II MAF in '96 as others have already stated, with a few mass air (OBD-II) F250-up in existance somewhere (saw a mass air 460 picture on here a while back).
The in-tank high pressure fuel pumps began in '90 before the model update. Wiring is a good bit different in the newer trucks, but incremental changes had been made during the 87-91 time frame.
The normally aspirated IDI diesel was available through 94 I believe (might be wrong). A turbo IDI diesel was available beginning in 92 or 93, and the powerstroke, DI turbo was introduced mid-94. The powerstroke was the only diesel that was direct injected and computer controlled.
MAF was hit-or-miss depending on geography beginning in '94, with all F150's and Broncos being OBD-II MAF in '96 as others have already stated, with a few mass air (OBD-II) F250-up in existance somewhere (saw a mass air 460 picture on here a while back).
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 1
From: St Louis
The best truck to buy is the one you like, for the price you are willing to pay, and does what you need it to do when you ask it to do it (That is the best truck to buy). My preference is the 87-91 front end trucks, the later ones never really grew on me, then the 78 and 79 model year, then the 67-72 models, finally the 59's and earlier. I also perfer trucks with the least amount of electrical components needed to run incase one of those POS electrical components decide to give up the ghost, but still have the ease to go into the local qwiky-auto-parts-mart to get a replacement that is still produced today, or at least has parts in large quanities remaining.
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 88
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From: Falling Waters WV
The 87-91 is my favorite after owning all three diffrent body styles. Now i just need to to find me a 91 F-350 regular cab 460 5 spd.