Ford F-series 7,8,9 Generation Opinions

[momeNt]

Was wondering if anybody had any knowledge about these generations, engine/transmission reliability.

I really like the body style and in the next 1-3 years I want to probably snag one, repaint, reupholster (most are pretty beat up) and use it as a work truck.

Would it be worth my time or would it end up being a money drain trying to maintain a car that that is between 20-30 years old.

7 Seventh generation (1980–1986)
8 Eighth generation (1987-1991)
9 Ninth generation (1992–1996)

 

[franksta]

The 300 cubic inch inline 6 is a tank of a motor. I had an uncle with an 8th generation it had the 300 and a manual trans although I don't know which transmission specifically. He works in construction and towed/hauled all kinds of stuff with it and it lasted forever. He sold it only because he needed an extended cab so he could haul his kids.

I love the 7th generation ones.

 

[momeNt]

The 300 cubic inch inline 6 is a tank of a motor. I had an uncle with an 8th generation it had the 300 and a manual trans although I don't know which transmission specifically. He works in construction and towed/hauled all kinds of stuff with it and it lasted forever. He sold it only because he needed an extended cab so he could haul his kids.

I love the 7th generation ones.

I'm probably leaning more towards 7/8 rather than 9. Love the look and wanted some assurance that the engine will hold up at the age.

Depending on my overall vehicle situation I am hoping to avoid getting an extended cap. Don't want it eating into the bed and lowering the utility of the truck.

 

[phucheneh]

The 300ci six is very sturdy. It's also very anemic and gets pretty bad gas mileage...

I'm not familiar with the generations...where I saw those high numbers, I was thinking newer trucks, and was gonna say FOR THE LOVE OF CHRIST AVOID THEIR POST-7.3L DIESELS LIKE AN AIRBORNE AIDS PLAGUE.

Okay, maybe that's a bit severe...but we're talking earlier than that, anyhow. What years? 80's? You looking for carbed or EFI?

My preference would be towards an EFI 302 or any carbed smallblock. Easy to fix, cheap parts, tons of aftermarket. Gas mileage should be no worse than the six...maybe better.

The big things to look for, to me, would be a rust-free body and general originality...for any obvious butchery you see in the engine bay or interior, there's probably a lot more hiding. Make sure you check the front end out...nothing's hard to fix, really, but you're gonna wanna know about bad tie rods, ball joints, play in wheel bearings, ect...all are things that people commonly drive on for quite a while, oblivious to the danger of something eventually letting go.

Look for fluid around the rear brakes from leaking axle seals, also. Past that, just your standard stuff...check fluids, see how bad the fluid leaks look (less 'if' oil or trans fluid is leaking, but more 'how much'). Make sure you check the heat and A/C (if applicable). Heater cores on '96 and earlier trucks are easy to change, luckily.

 

[momeNt]

The 300ci six is very sturdy. It's also very anemic and gets pretty bad gas mileage...

I'm not familiar with the generations...where I saw those high numbers, I was thinking newer trucks, and was gonna say FOR THE LOVE OF CHRIST AVOID THEIR POST-7.3L DIESELS LIKE AN AIRBORNE AIDS PLAGUE.

Okay, maybe that's a bit severe...but we're talking earlier than that, anyhow. What years? 80's? You looking for carbed or EFI?

My preference would be towards an EFI 302 or any carbed smallblock. Easy to fix, cheap parts, tons of aftermarket. Gas mileage should be no worse than the six...maybe better.

The big things to look for, to me, would be a rust-free body and general originality...for any obvious butchery you see in the engine bay or interior, there's probably a lot more hiding. Make sure you check the front end out...nothing's hard to fix, really, but you're gonna wanna know about bad tie rods, ball joints, play in wheel bearings, ect...all are things that people commonly drive on for quite a while, oblivious to the danger of something eventually letting go.

Look for fluid around the rear brakes from leaking axle seals, also. Past that, just your standard stuff...check fluids, see how bad the fluid leaks look (less 'if' oil or trans fluid is leaking, but more 'how much'). Make sure you check the heat and A/C (if applicable). Heater cores on '96 and earlier trucks are easy to change, luckily.

I updated the OP to show following

7 Seventh generation (1980–1986)
8 Eighth generation (1987-1991)
9 Ninth generation (1992–1996)

8th generation is when carbs were phased out completely, I think 88.

 

[phucheneh]

My thought would be to get as new as you can. A little more comfort, less time for somebody to muck around with it. The 92-96's with a 302 and an AOD are a pretty decent truck without any big problem areas that I can think of.

 

[Zenmervolt]

The 300ci six is very sturdy. It's also very anemic and gets pretty bad gas mileage...

I'm not familiar with the generations...where I saw those high numbers, I was thinking newer trucks, and was gonna say FOR THE LOVE OF CHRIST AVOID THEIR POST-7.3L DIESELS LIKE AN AIRBORNE AIDS PLAGUE.

Okay, maybe that's a bit severe...but we're talking earlier than that, anyhow. What years? 80's? You looking for carbed or EFI?

My preference would be towards an EFI 302 or any carbed smallblock. Easy to fix, cheap parts, tons of aftermarket. Gas mileage should be no worse than the six...maybe better.

The big things to look for, to me, would be a rust-free body and general originality...for any obvious butchery you see in the engine bay or interior, there's probably a lot more hiding. Make sure you check the front end out...nothing's hard to fix, really, but you're gonna wanna know about bad tie rods, ball joints, play in wheel bearings, ect...all are things that people commonly drive on for quite a while, oblivious to the danger of something eventually letting go.

Look for fluid around the rear brakes from leaking axle seals, also. Past that, just your standard stuff...check fluids, see how bad the fluid leaks look (less 'if' oil or trans fluid is leaking, but more 'how much'). Make sure you check the heat and A/C (if applicable). Heater cores on '96 and earlier trucks are easy to change, luckily.

This. Though the 300 six with a manual doesn't feel nearly as anemic to me as the models with an automatic. The gas mileage isn't great, but these trucks have the frontal area of a blimp hangar and all the smooth curves of a brick. The six still does marginally better than any of the other engines judging from the ones I've driven and it's pretty much un-killable. For durable engines I really, really love those old straight sixes.

Still, like you say, the '90+ models with the AOD and an EFI 302 are also solid trucks with nothing really to go wrong and any mileage penalty from the 302 would be very small.

Only thing I have to add is to watch out for the twin tanks if you're in an area that uses salt. While the rest of the truck may look fine, the rear tanks had a nasty habit of failing from rust. Just make sure that both tanks work if you're looking at a model with the twin tanks.

ZV

 

[SilthDraeth]

I had a 1990 with a 460, loved it, actually got 16mpg in it. Anyways, ended up selling it to my brother in law after he fucked up a lot of the electrical by having a shadetree mechanic disconnect the toolbox fuel tank in it. And shit started going wrong.

I want to get another 87-91 with a 460.

 

[Turin39789]

Bah. I've been eyeing an 86 with the 5.8 liter 351 windsor locally for a week or two now. It used to belong to someone at the local FD and is complete with fading logos.

Looks like it isn't listed on CL anymore, might have to swing by the lot and ask about it if is still there. Plan was to get a newer supercrew to fit the family, but was working on the wife to pick up the old truck for utility and get a mid sized sedan and come out cheaper than a new supertruck.

 

[Zenmervolt]

I had a 1990 with a 460, loved it, actually got 16mpg in it. Anyways, ended up selling it to my brother in law after he fucked up a lot of the electrical by having a shadetree mechanic disconnect the toolbox fuel tank in it. And shit started going wrong.

I want to get another 87-91 with a 460.

Love the 460. IMO it's arguably the best gasoline truck V8 engine ever made. The thing's a boat anchor, but damned if it doesn't have torque out the wazoo and ridiculous reliability. I'm really impressed with managing 16 mpg with a 460 too, that's not much worse than the ~18 mpg my buddy gets with his '90 with a 302 and the AOD 4-speed.

ZV