'87 or '88 Model Changes for F-150/250/350 - Ford Forums

dave ward · 01-23-2004, 01:36

Sometime after the '86 model year, either '87 or '88, there were model changes that caused most parts listings to be grouped into either 80-86 or
87-96 (or 88-96) periods. These changes prevent 100% parts interchangeability between the two eras. Can someone suggest a location for a complete listing of the '87 or '88 changes? If there is no complete list, I'd appreciate feedback on this: I'm particularly interested in body style and chassis changes, as compared to driveline changes. Among other things, I'm trying to confirm that the body styles from the early era compared to the later era are the same if you look at them from the firewall back, but different ahead of the firewall.

laminge · 01-23-2004, 04:24

Dave

Welcome to the site, sorry that I carnt help but i am sure someone may be able too!

89F150 · 01-24-2004, 05:03

Im not to sure but i believe the 80- 96 F150 parts are pretty much all interchagable. Thats where my knowledge runs out.

351w · 01-24-2004, 14:03

dave,
i am not sure of what you are looking to hear but this is what i know, maybe it will help.
up to 86 they were pretty much the same, in 87 there were a few changes but the drivelines etc should be similar.
mostly the changes were cosmetic and it was not until 97 that there were significant changes made to the design.

dave ward · 01-26-2004, 09:29

351w
Thanks for the feedback. I guess what I'm really after is two things:

o a sales brochure or a specs list for the year of the changes, even cosmetic. Something happened in either 87 or 88, otherwise the parts listings in all my favorite auto parts stores would be from 80-96.
o an answer to this simple question: can I put a front fender from an '86 on an '89???

Thanks again. Dave

89F150 · 01-29-2004, 02:44

I'm not to sure but i wouldn't want to put an 86 front on my 89.
There an ugly beast, isn't that right 351!! I might want the engine of a certain 86 though.

351w · 02-08-2004, 19:23

i am not positive but i think the bumper is the same on an 86 - 89 the only diff i know was the style of the bumper in 86 the had 2 push block type of things on them and in 89 they were just the single piece bumper.
i think the mountin locations and the size was identicle.

watch it 89,

Ford brownie · 05-06-2004, 11:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by 89F150

I'm not to sure but i wouldn't want to put an 86 front on my 89.
There an ugly beast, isn't that right 351!! I might want the engine of a certain 86 though.

What the heck are you talking about the 80-86 years had some classic body lines and they look awesome with a crome grill and headlight covers

1986 f-150 saddle brown 44,000 original miles rust free

89F150 · 05-07-2004, 05:53

Ford Brownie: I was refering to 351w. He has or had a 86 F150 and i was just playing around with him. It was just a little bit of fun. I too believe they're a great looking vehicle. Do you have any pictures of yours. It sound like a good truck.

jakeq19 · 05-17-2004, 23:28

Brownie I feel your pain. I have a hell of a time with my '87 F-250. There were a lot of little changes like the tailgate handle and more cosmetic things like that. Most of the other mechanical is still pretty much the same. If you learn anything please pass it on and I will do likewise.