I don't know much of the history, but from the looks of things, she was well cared for. The owner died about two months ago, so I talked the family into selling it to me. Haven't figured out a price yet, but I figure 1500-2000 is fair. I haven't had a chance to drive it yet, but I've started it a few times, it sounds mean!

1985 Ford F-150 XL
I6, 300ci right?
4 speed manual
four wheel drive
No visible rust, I've been over and under this thing quite a bit.
Brand new tires with only 1600 miles on them, found receipt from Les Schwab in the glove box. 31x10.50 on 15s

Was a pacesetter exhaust on these stock?

I'd get better pics, but don't have the keys, and it's fairly cramped in this tiny garage. And right now, it's being used as extra storage.

 

 

As soon as the truck is mine, I'll be taking out the am/fm tape player and putting in my Alpine CDA-9853. And shortly after that, I'll be upgrading the speakers. Also going to be looking at getting a topper for it, not sure if I want to go with a full size one, or just a cover.

 

$1500 is a good price.

Yes, it has the straight-six. Good engine, reliable and long lasting.

Check the t-case shifter. They tend to rust up and not work if not used at least semi-often.

Don't think that exhaust is stock.... The original exhaust probably rotted away years ago and was replaced.

Most likely have the 435 transmission(reverse is far right and down?). The trans code will show "A" on the door sticker(if not, check it and compare the digit to the transmission info thread in that forum) That particular box has a really deep first gear, it's like 6.7:1 or something. As such a lot of those trucks had really short axles, like 3.08 or even 2.73. The axle code will tell you this(there's another thread somewhere for those, do a search)

 

When I had it started a few weeks ago I did shift it into 4-hi and 4-lo, the 4x4 light came on, so I'm going to assume its fine. The trans code is "A". So pretty much 1st gear is definitely just a granny gear, I had a '95 Escort prior to this and 1st gear took me pretty far ;D The axle code is "18". I dont really understand the 'short axles' though. --> 18 — 3.08 non-limited slip (F-150)

 

A "short" axle just means it has a relatively low gearset. 2.73 and 3.08 are considered highway gears, as in they're not good for a whole lot more. They'll deliver good(better?) highway MPG (you might see up to 16mpg freeway) but won't have squat for acceleration and limited towing. Also, it makes the motor work harder around town, somewhat alleviated by the granny gear, which lowers city mpg. The number means 2.73:1, indicating the driveshaft spins 2.73 times for every one revolution of the wheel.

"Tall" gears are higher ratios and are generally preferred. The mpg difference is trivial(were talking a 1mpg difference at the max) but the performance is quite noticeable. Towing capacity also goes up significantly. "tall" refers typically to 3.73 gears or 4.10 gears.

3.55 is a good trade off and still delivers good tow numbers and passing power provided a good motor is in front of them (like the 351 ).

Either way, not a whole lot you can

 

Oh heck yes thats a sweet deal.

3.08's with the torque of the 300 and the gear ratios of the NP435 give you awesome grunt down low and actually not too bad highway cruzing.

I'd be all over buyin' that truck.

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