Hi everybody! Brand spanking new to this forum. I dont own a pre 97 truck yet but I am going to be very soon. The reason for this post is to get a feel for problems, pros & cons, and other miscellaneous information regarding the particular truck I am trying to purchase and it's options. Here's what Im looking at. I have been in need of a truck to drive (short distance) to and from work. I also need a vehicle that I can move small sports cars (older mustangs) on a trailer from time to time. With that said what Im looking at (also for the sake that it is very affordable for me) is a 1986 F150 4X4 Reg Cab. with a 351 in it. I believe it's an automatic. Any help with all the info to be had on this truck good or bad, i would love to know! I really want this truck.

 

The only thing I know of is the poor exhaust manifolds on the 351. They tend to leak and most people replace them with after market headers.

 

Howdy and welcome to the basement! n00bs get to take out the trash...

351 of that year is gonna have a carb. Purdy easy to swap a better unit on there.

Tranny choice include the three speed C6 automatic or T-18 four speed manual. Both bulletproof units, but no overdrive is gonna hurt mileage for highway haulin'.

Transfer case would be the NP208, again a solid unit and just takes four quarts of Mercon ATF to make shiftin like new.

Axle out back should be the 8.8 for '86. Eariler years had the 9" with the 351. Up front would be the Dana 44 TTB which gives a good ride and usually behaves if not majorly lifted.

The 80-86 is my favorite body style and trucks of this vintage are purdy dang easy to work on the simple workings and tough components.

Adrianspeeder

 

Welcome! Sounds like a cool rig. Post pics when you get it.

 

welcome

just check it out good. if it has had reasanable care it will be a good truck.


F150 rules
F150 4.9 I6 is the King
Bruce

 

Hey everybody thanks for the welcome! Glad to know I'll be getting into a tank! I did want to lift the truck a bit, but what is usually the highest lift I can manage before the truck starts acting up? It is an automatic so I guess Im gonna be hurtin'on gas mileage, but it's better than paying $350 for having my small projects hauled in from the Mid-west though.

 

The truck does seem to rust in quite a few places though, but the places that really worry me are at the bottom of door on the rocker panel (so to speak) and then on the wheel lips..Im not sure telling from the pictures if it's a lot of surface rust or if it's rotted a good way through...Is there anything I can do with those spots? Because other than that it's not terribly bad.

 

Both the rockers and the upper wheel wells are famous rust areas. The rockers aren't that bad to fix, and you can get sections made for the rear but they have to be welded in. Easier to find a junkyard bed in good shape and protect it before it happens again.

 

great. that makes me feel a lot better about making this purchase too! How much can I lift the truck though before it starts giving me problems?

 

Aaaaalright! I had to pass on the F-150. BUT I did manage to pick up an '81 F-250 4X4 with a 460. :o

Anybody have info on this monster? Ins & outs and such?

 

It will do all th pulling you want and is even more bullet proof. even pulling a trailer you will pass every thing but a gas station.

Good luck you have one strong truck.


Bruce

 

I WAS KINDING THINKING IT WOULD DRINK LIKE NO OTHER! WHAT DO THEY GET 10 MAYBE 11 TO THE GALLON?

LOWER?

IM gonna get picture of it the second it comes off the truck!

 

you will get about 10 but the thing is it will get that running around empty or pulling 12,000 pounds. they are very good for doing lots of work but not to good for just running to the store. but it will always get you there.


Bruce