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Joe Kenwright29 Sept 2006
ADVICE

Buying a used Ford F-series (1985-92)

Ford's F-series is still the only US pick-up officially sold in Australia. Joe Kenwright looks at the earlier locally assembled versions of a model that continues to defy normal depreciation

The popular locally-assembled F-series pick-up featured an imported unleaded EFI V8 that replaced local six-cylinder and V8 engines from mid-1985. Until 1990, it was the 4940cc/302 Windsor V8 called the 5-litre to distinguish it from the US 4.9/300 in-line six. The pick-up range was first badged as an F100 then F150 from mid-1987 in base and XLT levels.

The fuel-injected 5.8/351 Windsor, similar to the XW GT 351 engine, not the Cleveland, replaced the smaller V8 in 1990. These genuine Australian RHD vehicles ended in 1992 but are highly valued as a used buy when they are so long-lived. Note that local ambulances were based on a government issue 4X2 F250 not widely available to the public during this period.

Prices
Well-worn but tidy 5.0-litre examples appear for $7000 but the good ones start at $10,000. Later 5.8s hover around $15,000 but can hit $25,000 for the very best final low km examples.

Check it Out
Genuine local cars had the same Canadian-made RHD dash from 1981-92. This matched 1980-86 US models but from 1987-91 the US model had a different dash design. Base models had black dash highlights, the XLT had fake wood. Paint, wiring harness, brake booster and brackets were local.

Bench seat not as well padded as US seat but current local Falcon buckets were optional. Cloth trim also matched current Falcon. Local Falcon steering column featured local switchgear and steering wheel. Expensive imported moulded door trims suffer with local sun. Local parts suppliers source good used ones from US.

Standard Kirby Bishop steering box and its chassis mounting are main weak points. Heavy duty replacement is made locally and sourced through F-series specialists. Fatigue cracks in chassis around steering box dictate fabricated reinforcement as replacement section is no longer stocked.

Watch for leaking firewall after sealant seam fails. Lift bonnet and inspect firewall carefully for rust as it's not an easy repair. 

Final 5.0-litre F150 examples built in 1989, some were complianced in 1990 so identifying correct engine is critical during this period. The 5.8 has different block with taller deck height, specific crank, rods and sump. 5.8 heads have larger stud holes and can't be fitted to 5-litre but 5-litre heads can be drilled to fit 5.8.

Later F150 5-litre came with the TK (Toyo Kogyo) Mazda manual gearbox which does the job but the 5.8 with hefty ZF 5-speed manual is a much sturdier combination. Basic three speed auto is the bulletproof C6.

Diff is reasonably tough 8.8 inch unit but will fail through lack of maintenance and overloading. Dirty, broken-down oil is the main culprit.

LPG dual-fuel is common but must be spliced carefully into EFI system otherwise it will give problems. Check that petrol system still works.

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Written byJoe Kenwright
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