I started this topic in the general discussion forum, but on advice, I'm reposting here with a few tweaks (though it bridges over to the classic forum as well, I'll resist the urge to pollute multiple forums with the same question/discussion):

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I'm looking to buy a solid beater work truck, and I've been looking hard at several mid to late 80's F150s. They tend to have pretty good availability in my price range (on-the-road truck without major issues under $1000) and seem to be a good fit for my needs - durable & reliable enough to haul the occasional load of firewood / construction material, and a good 4wd backup when needed. I don't expect to drive more than 1-2000 miles a year, so gas milage isn't at the top of my list, and the truck will be used pretty much exclusively on the weekends - I know that it will sit several weeks at a time without use.

The best thing I've seen of late is an 86, inline 6, auto, 4x4. The inline 6 seems to be the right engine for my needs (speak up if you disagree); I'd prefer a manual shift, but will accept the auto. With a truck this age, I'm willing to accept a fair amount of character, but I'd like a reliable workhorse, and I'm not a mechanic (always willing to learn a little bit, though). Any thoughts on this truck?

As I continue to look, are there significant durability/reliability changes in the 7th/8th/9th generation changes? Are there model year changes that I should be looking out for within the generations? Are there issues that I should be aware of, or particular problems that I should be looking out for? I'm in the northeast, so rust is on everything that I see, and something that I pay a lot of attention to. And obviously, the standard used car questions apply (regular maintenance, how used, why selling, etc).

Any insight is appreciated!

 

Maybe you should come down south and have a look at our rust buckets! But seriously, if you say the truck will likely sit for weeks at a time, I would definitely lean toward the 4.9. And don't let high mileage scare you off with this engine if you find one that has been kept up. Regular oil changes, tune ups, etc. The heads on my XL with over 245K now, have never been off. I looked at many a 8th/9th gen. truck before I found one. Good luck.

 

I'm from WVa, so I know what you're talking about (the bed on my high-school driver - a 1980's era toyota hiluxe - near rusted off, but that was as much a problem with the build rather than the conditions), but I find that the rusting is more prevalent, and probably worse, here in upstate NY.

 

take a road trip and buy one from further south!