Which year is the one for me?
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Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
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Which year is the one for me?
Well, I haven't had a Ford for some time. I've had atleast 4 in the past. For years I've driven that brand that starts w/a "C" (you know, shove-it-or let it lay). But, I don't want the IFS system on the Chevy and push-button 4x4.
I'm looking for a new PU and I don't know what to look for. After looking a bit, It looks like I need '96 or older. I want a 4x4 extra cab short bed 1/2 ton. I want a 302 or 300, w/a manual (a nice HD one, not something light). But, I don't know where to start.
My Chevies have all had 3.73 ratios in them. I liked that ratio, what sort of ratios can I get in a Ford?
Manual 4x4 and manual hubs...is that pretty much the standard set-up?
So, what sort of trans whould I look for? And what years did they come in? Do they make a 5-speed w/a granny gear?
What was the first year for FI?
When did Ford go to multi-port injection? Is it as good as TBI?
When did they go to roller-cams? Are they any better?
Are there any years that are better than others?
I'm looking for a new PU and I don't know what to look for. After looking a bit, It looks like I need '96 or older. I want a 4x4 extra cab short bed 1/2 ton. I want a 302 or 300, w/a manual (a nice HD one, not something light). But, I don't know where to start.
My Chevies have all had 3.73 ratios in them. I liked that ratio, what sort of ratios can I get in a Ford?
Manual 4x4 and manual hubs...is that pretty much the standard set-up?
So, what sort of trans whould I look for? And what years did they come in? Do they make a 5-speed w/a granny gear?
What was the first year for FI?
When did Ford go to multi-port injection? Is it as good as TBI?
When did they go to roller-cams? Are they any better?
Are there any years that are better than others?
Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 52
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From: West Virginia..
I would look around for about a 95 model...long bed, 2 tanks, 5 speed trans, 300 6 cyc engine, or a 302, lock n lock out hubs...I had one a few years ago, it had a 2" body lift, 31/10.50/15s on it...it was painted the prettest color blue Ive ever seen....dont have it anymore due to a accident and insurance company totaled it.....
The engine size, the 300 is a great little engine, but think Id like to have the 302, would be nice to have a little more power when hauling stuff...
But I did have the 300 in mine, the gas mileage didnt seem to get really good with it, and think it was geared a little high but I liked the 5 speed trans...
I now have a 89 F-150 4x4 with a 4 speed trans, in which seems to be geared a little lower and does great for what I use it for...Im running 10.50s on it and get 17-18 mph with it driving to work...but it is a short bed truck and rides a little rougher...its in my signature.....have fun...
The engine size, the 300 is a great little engine, but think Id like to have the 302, would be nice to have a little more power when hauling stuff...
But I did have the 300 in mine, the gas mileage didnt seem to get really good with it, and think it was geared a little high but I liked the 5 speed trans...
I now have a 89 F-150 4x4 with a 4 speed trans, in which seems to be geared a little lower and does great for what I use it for...Im running 10.50s on it and get 17-18 mph with it driving to work...but it is a short bed truck and rides a little rougher...its in my signature.....have fun...
Springer Spaniels Rule
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,445
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From: Milltown, NJ
93-95 they have mass air, or 80-86 cool design, 92-96 they are sleeker and look better, didnt care much for the 8th gen front ends, no offense to the 8th gen owners, also I like no push button with auto hubs.
I LOVE OLD FORD'S
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: daphne al
ive got an 89 302 and it only has like 190 hsp. the 300 is better for towing i.m.o. about the same gas mileage. dont get me wrong i like mine but 190 hsp? really? thats sad. oh well i didnt get it for racing.
April 2010 TOTM Winner
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: Panama City, FL
1987 F-150 XLT 4x4 responds to Stinky in RED below:
----------------------------------------------------
[quote from: Stinky;
Well, I haven't had a Ford for some time. I've had atleast 4 in the past. For years I've driven that brand that starts w/a "C" (you know, shove-it-or let it lay). But, I don't want the IFS system on the Chevy and push-button 4x4.
I'm looking for a new PU and I don't know what to look for. After looking a bit, It looks like I need '96 or older. I want a 4x4 extra cab short bed 1/2 ton. I want a 302 or 300, w/a manual (a nice HD one, not something light). But, I don't know where to start.
The 1996 has the OBD II system and as you know,
the last year of the older F-150 body style.
My Chevies have all had 3.73 ratios in them. I liked that ratio, what sort of ratios can I get in a Ford?
Usually 3.55:1 in 4WD's
Manual 4x4 and manual hubs...is that pretty much the standard set-up?
I think that is rare, because in the 1992-96 F-150's
Automatic Locking Hubs were Standard Equipment,
as well as the 4.9L engine and 5-speed manual overdrive.
So, what sort of trans whould I look for? And what years did they come in? Do they make a 5-speed w/a granny gear?
No, there is not a Compound Low (Granny 1st & Reverse) in a 5-speed,
the 5-speed has an over-drive final gear for better fuel mileage.
The best Manual transmission is the ZF 5-speed and the not as good is the Mazda transmission (MOD)
The Compound Low Manual Transmissions that are in these trucks are the
New Process 435 and Warner T-18A & T19, all are 4-speeds.
What was the first year for FI?
For F-150's it's: 1987 with the 4.9L EFI
I think starting in 1988; all F-150's were EFI.
When did Ford go to multi-port injection? Is it as good as TBI?
I don't know!
When did they go to roller-cams? Are they any better?
I don't know!
Are there any years that are better than others?[End quote from Stinky]
Again, the 1996 F-150 with the On Board Diagnostic II (OBD II),
it's easier to find a problem with the engine, than with the older OBD I system from 1987-95.
All I got!
----------------------------------------------------
[quote from: Stinky;
Well, I haven't had a Ford for some time. I've had atleast 4 in the past. For years I've driven that brand that starts w/a "C" (you know, shove-it-or let it lay). But, I don't want the IFS system on the Chevy and push-button 4x4.
I'm looking for a new PU and I don't know what to look for. After looking a bit, It looks like I need '96 or older. I want a 4x4 extra cab short bed 1/2 ton. I want a 302 or 300, w/a manual (a nice HD one, not something light). But, I don't know where to start.
The 1996 has the OBD II system and as you know,
the last year of the older F-150 body style.
My Chevies have all had 3.73 ratios in them. I liked that ratio, what sort of ratios can I get in a Ford?
Usually 3.55:1 in 4WD's
Manual 4x4 and manual hubs...is that pretty much the standard set-up?
I think that is rare, because in the 1992-96 F-150's
Automatic Locking Hubs were Standard Equipment,
as well as the 4.9L engine and 5-speed manual overdrive.
So, what sort of trans whould I look for? And what years did they come in? Do they make a 5-speed w/a granny gear?
No, there is not a Compound Low (Granny 1st & Reverse) in a 5-speed,
the 5-speed has an over-drive final gear for better fuel mileage.
The best Manual transmission is the ZF 5-speed and the not as good is the Mazda transmission (MOD)
The Compound Low Manual Transmissions that are in these trucks are the
New Process 435 and Warner T-18A & T19, all are 4-speeds.
What was the first year for FI?
For F-150's it's: 1987 with the 4.9L EFI
I think starting in 1988; all F-150's were EFI.
When did Ford go to multi-port injection? Is it as good as TBI?
I don't know!
When did they go to roller-cams? Are they any better?
I don't know!
Are there any years that are better than others?[End quote from Stinky]
Again, the 1996 F-150 with the On Board Diagnostic II (OBD II),
it's easier to find a problem with the engine, than with the older OBD I system from 1987-95.
All I got!
Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
\
First: let me explain that from 1980-1996 (for the F150, 1997 for the F250) there were three generations but similar trucks. 80-86(7th gen, Glass headlights, small turnsignal underneath),87-91(8th gen, Big ugly plastic headlughts, plastic side marker) and 92-96(9th gen,big plastic turnsignal underneath headlight)My Chevies have all had 3.73 ratios in them. I liked that ratio, what sort of ratios can I get in a Ford?
I have a 3.08 in mine. I would google ford axle codes
Manual 4x4 and manual hubs...is that pretty much the standard set-up?
I do not know, but I have seen 94's with manual locking hubs. I have a 2wd so I dont bother studying 4x4.
So, what sort of trans whould I look for? And what years did they come in? Do they make a 5-speed w/a granny gear?
What was the first year for FI?
I THINK 1984 it was an option and 85 became standard for the 302
When did Ford go to multi-port injection? Is it as good as TBI?
Fords EFI kicks the crap out of GM's. I am more familiar with the 9th gen F150's, but I assume the EFI was the same from 1984-1993. Regardless, for the 302, Ford used bank firing FI from 92-93(I assume all of the earlier models as well), and Sequential EFI from 94-96, mass air flow sensors, and OBDII computers in 1996. The 94-96 302's get better MPG, and have about 20 more HP. They also have third brake lights and the non pollutant AC.
When did they go to roller-cams? Are they any better?
Are there any years that are better than others?
In addition to the FI stuff, 1994 featured drivers airbags standard. My 1993 has a cooler steering wheel though...
First: let me explain that from 1980-1996 (for the F150, 1997 for the F250) there were three generations but similar trucks. 80-86(7th gen, Glass headlights, small turnsignal underneath),87-91(8th gen, Big ugly plastic headlughts, plastic side marker) and 92-96(9th gen,big plastic turnsignal underneath headlight)My Chevies have all had 3.73 ratios in them. I liked that ratio, what sort of ratios can I get in a Ford?
I have a 3.08 in mine. I would google ford axle codes
Manual 4x4 and manual hubs...is that pretty much the standard set-up?
I do not know, but I have seen 94's with manual locking hubs. I have a 2wd so I dont bother studying 4x4.
So, what sort of trans whould I look for? And what years did they come in? Do they make a 5-speed w/a granny gear?
What was the first year for FI?
I THINK 1984 it was an option and 85 became standard for the 302
When did Ford go to multi-port injection? Is it as good as TBI?
Fords EFI kicks the crap out of GM's. I am more familiar with the 9th gen F150's, but I assume the EFI was the same from 1984-1993. Regardless, for the 302, Ford used bank firing FI from 92-93(I assume all of the earlier models as well), and Sequential EFI from 94-96, mass air flow sensors, and OBDII computers in 1996. The 94-96 302's get better MPG, and have about 20 more HP. They also have third brake lights and the non pollutant AC.
When did they go to roller-cams? Are they any better?
Are there any years that are better than others?
In addition to the FI stuff, 1994 featured drivers airbags standard. My 1993 has a cooler steering wheel though...
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 491
Likes: 4
But the OBD-II systems seem to be harder to mod. They generally have two O2 sensors, which makes exhaust work more expensive and ads to complexity.
Any 9th Gen OBD-I truck with some modification would fit what you want. I ain't seen too many SuperCabs with a manual though. The 300 is a much better truck engine than the 302. I have a 302 and it's a dog in a truck, it likes high-revs. 300 is a torque motor and generally gets better mileage.
Any 9th Gen OBD-I truck with some modification would fit what you want. I ain't seen too many SuperCabs with a manual though. The 300 is a much better truck engine than the 302. I have a 302 and it's a dog in a truck, it likes high-revs. 300 is a torque motor and generally gets better mileage.
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If you want the 5 speed with granny first, you need to be looking for an F250. I agree with the other have said about the 302 (this coming from someone who has a 302 in his own truck) make sure engine search for either a 300 (for a good low end torque engine) or a 351Windsor (for good low end grunt but still able to wind it out)...they all get roughly the same mileage. Beware, not all F250's came with the ZF 5 speed, a few slipped by with the M5OD-R2's. I'd keep my search between 93-96.
Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 52
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From: West Virginia..
Wow, didnt know all this about the 302 engine....
Ive never owned one myself...
This truck I have now is the 3rd one Ive owned with the 300 in it....
But Ive always wanted to go to a 302, until Ive read here about them, thanks guys good info...
Ive never owned one myself...
This truck I have now is the 3rd one Ive owned with the 300 in it....
But Ive always wanted to go to a 302, until Ive read here about them, thanks guys good info...
Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 75
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Hey guys. I have a 1994 4x4 with the 300. This is my first ford and definately like it alot. If you take care of them they will last forever. I have 286000km on mine and it doesnt smoke at all or have any engine ticks and such. I have the 5-speed and i think its the mazda one. the only mods i have are a toolbox and 31.5" tires. Im pretty sure i have 4.10 gears and fairly sure i have limited slip in the rear cause once one tire starts to spin they equalize in a couple seconds. it also has manual warn hubs. I have never owned a 302 obviously but in my chevy experiance lower cubic inch small blocks are better suited to cars. I have a 305 in the wifes 81 camaro and that thing goes damn fast. And loves to rev.