I'm looking to buy a Ford F-150 XLT. I've never owned a Ford before and am looking for a good 4x4 vehicle that is also very dependable. I used to own a Jeep YJ and am somewhat familiar with off road options. I saw a 1985 F-150 with a Lift and 35"tires. It sputtered a bit and ran a little rough at first, but it went pretty strong after that. The owner said that it had been sitting for a few months. It was very clean and everything looked good. What else should I look for that may be damaged or go wrong before purchasing this truck?? are these trucks infamous for having a specific thing go wrong? I'm not too impressed by the carb, but what else should I look for??
Thanks in Advance...

 

Obviously any thing you buy used will have the effects of the driver(s) habbits. If you are looking at trucks from the '80s your bound to find things going wrong. From what I know of the pre '97 models, the things to look at are the spring shackles. I've seem them rot off. Also check to see if it has two gas tanks. If it does make sure that the sending unit(?) is functional. Switch it from fron to back to make sure it changes.

You are more likely to find information on the '97 and up trucks here. There is a pretty long list of things that have been issues, but then there is a ton of members here and we here when things go wrong more often when every thing is going great.

There are many people here that can help you so be patient. The more information you can provide about the trucks you're looking at will make it easier for people to help.

Good luck!

By the way, I'm one of the people who has a very good running/driving F150. Just though I'd say that.

 

What motor is in it? th I-6's can get over 400,000 miles on them. Pretty stout little motors in my book.