What to look for? - Ford Forums

Trav 351 · 08-31-2003, 04:27

Hey guys. I'll soon be in the market for an Fseries. Probably something from late 70s, early 80's. Are they any common problems or things i should check before buying?

351w · 08-31-2003, 11:25

i dont know of any major problems that would change your mind on this purchase. but one question for ya why do you pick a late 70's or early 80's model in this day and age (just curious)
i have an 86 f-150 with 153,000 miles and the thing is a trooper !

big1 · 08-31-2003, 14:39

I think you may have answered your own question there "351W".
The late 70's-early 80's F-serie's truck's were well built truck's. I never much cared for the "M" serie's engine's. They worked well at lower RPM's but when in constent highway use they dended to wear out quickly.
The ever popular 302 with the correct gearing and transmission can work with the best of them, but for my chose I'd have to go with the 351W, you get good torque & HP. reasonable milage, and a better weight distribution than with the "M" serie's engine's.
I prefer the manual transmission over the automatic, but if you find one with the C6 keep it. These transmission's are bulletproof and if something does go wrong with it their cheap to rebuild.
4Wheeler's are plentiful. Be sure and check all position's while driving.
A lot of these truck's were built with twin tank's. Steer clear because they were prone to problem's.

351w · 08-31-2003, 17:41

yea i will have to comment on that tank thing big1 because i have had the rear tank out 2 times and the front tank out once to either patch a hole or replace the sending unit.
but i still would not let that discourage anyone from possibly purchasing these models. they are trulely the next best thing to bulletproof cause you can run the snot outta one on the weekend getaway and it will still like you the next morning when its time to go to work.

89F150 · 08-31-2003, 18:00

Yep you cant go past a 70s or 80s truck, and on the engines, there all good engines but it all depends on what he wants to do with the truck

woo hoo 100 posts

big1 · 08-31-2003, 20:26

You see them everyday around here. All beat up, rusty, look's as thou you'd have to drop'm off a mountain to get 55mph out of them, and BAM they come flying around ya like their on rail's. Ya just can't beat an old FORD!!!

Trav 351 · 09-01-2003, 03:57

Cheers for the info fellas. The reason why i want one from that era is my price range. But also i think their great looking trucks & not to be ****ed with on the road. Thanks again.

351w · 09-01-2003, 12:02

Great looking trucks & not to be ****ed with on the road.

thats a good enough reason for me. As for my 86, well lets just say it eats Red 89's with 302's for breakfast,

along with alot of others on the road.

89F150 · 09-01-2003, 21:32

i'll give you that one 351.
memo to self: whoop 351s a$$ later :s6:

351w · 09-01-2003, 21:50

wow you have been moderated !!
now you gone and done it.

(351w+ watches over his shoulder for the next 2 weeks)lol