1988 Ford F150 XL 5.8l

Summary:

Great truck, dependable

Faults:

I had a few things go wrong.

Heater hose had a slit in it, causing it to over heat and the engine seized up. Was able to get it free after pulling spark plugs and putting oil in each port, letting it sit and manually turning the crankshaft over about a week; it was good to go.

Someone had put pine needles and dirt in my tanks, causing the injectors to be clogged, and after dropping the tanks and cleaning out lines, and replacing the filters and cleaning out the injectors, all was good.

But then the power steering was bad due to old age; replaced all the internal parts of the steering box, and well truthfully all is good.

The air works and the heat works, and I've gotta say for 320,000 miles it's rolling better than the news rides out there.

5.8L 351 Windsor 2wd automatic V8 Ford F-150 with straight pipe; it's OK in my book.

General Comments:

I'm just overall happy with it; it's still going good. Stick to the basic changes and tune ups, and it will be OK.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 18th June, 2023

1988 Ford F150 XLT Lariat 5.0L V8 Windsor

Summary:

Bad boys drive bad toys

Faults:

88,000 miles and it doesn't want to die, EVER!

Only problem with the truck is the front end. The previous owner got in a wreck and the bumper hit the front tire while driving.

General Comments:

This is an amazing truck! With 2wd, I can go almost anywhere.

Gas mileage isn't the greatest at 12-16 mpg, but I love my truck and will always be with Ford, since they're the only truck that can stop a C-130 when it's landing! Don't believe me? Check out Youtube Ford commercial Mike Rowe.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th December, 2009

18th Dec 2009, 16:52

There's no such thing as a 5-litre "Windsor" engine, the 351 Windsor is what you're thinking of. The 5.0 is just a 302. Both are excellent engines, as is the 4.9 straight 6 which is basically indestructible. Seems with the great engine choices, you can't go wrong with a Ford truck of that generation!

19th Dec 2009, 04:46

Umm, 88,000 miles isn't really a lot is it? If any of my Volvo's gave me any grief before 188,000 miles I'd be surprised!

In reply to 19th Dec 2009, 04:46

24th Sep 2017, 22:38

I agree.

In reply to 18th Dec 2009, 16:52

24th May 2022, 10:05

The Ford 350 Windsor or Cleveland engine is a 5.7 liter.

In reply to 24th May 2022, 10:05

9th Nov 2024, 10:00

The Ford 351 Windsor and Cleveland engines are both 5.8 liters. If you're going to correct someone, at least do it with the correct facts. Also of note, Ford 90 -degree small block V-8 engines from July '61 thru Dec 2000 were called "Windsor V-8's" collectively, from 221 cu in thru the 351W. Obviously the 351 Cleveland is NOT included, as it is a physically larger engine (called the "335 engine") than its Windsor counterpart. It's also where the 351M/400 came from as well as the 400 (actually 402 cu in).

1988 Ford F150 Lariat XLT 5.8 V8

Summary:

Great 1st truck for beginning drivers!

Faults:

I had to change my brakes and rotors after my emergency brakes would not let go. So I had to drive down the highway while my rear brake pads were grinding away.

I had to change my battery after 2 months of winter, but that was just because of the cold.

Changed my radiator after it was leaking, expensive to fix fof an 18 year old (almost $300 to fix).

No ABS, so my front brakes would lock up and I would lose all control of the truck. That's where "pumping the brakes" came in handy.

Not that good on people room. Can only fit 3 in the single cab.

Need to change the transmission even at 83,000 miles. Sometimes when I put it into Drive, the truck thinks it's in neutral and I would have to press on the gas to kick in.

My gas is horrible on the highway, but it might be caused by my transmission.

Engine is knocking for some reason, then it turns into a tick and then there is no tick at all. Smooth sailing. It's so weird.

Other than that, it's been a very good truck to me.

General Comments:

My 5.8 V8 has LOTS of power that can beat anyone off the stop light. There goes my gas though.

Cloth seats make the comfort great.

My heat in the winters are great.

It's only rear-wheel drive, so it gets pretty wiggly in the snow. Fun to drive though.

Great truck to buy for a beginning drivers. I love this truck! Safe and reliable. Just needs more space for people.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th May, 2009

27th Sep 2009, 20:21

Update: I posted this page about my 1988 Ford F150, and my truck had a knocking engine, transmission slipping, but it still was going like the Energizer Bunny. Even though I traded in my Ford truck for a Chevy car (car had better gas mileage), I loved that truck and cried when I let it go. I would buy another Ford truck if I could afford it. This really was a great truck!

2nd Nov 2009, 23:47

I have owned 3 Ford F's. They were all very dependable. Well worth the money, as with any car just keep your oil changed and treat it well and they last forever. My favorite was a 1988 F-150 short wheel base, two tone, white with red down the side, tinted windows chrome bed rails, steps and rims. Sharp big white letter tires, leather seat, and 5 speed in the floor. I had my truck looking just like I wanted it until unfortunately a man crashed into me, it slammed the other side of my truck into a lightpole. My truck done a 360 spin, and was “TOTALLED”. Thank God we wasn't hurt bad, but BETSY “my truck”was ruined. I now own a 2001 FORD EXPLORER, but only because I couldn't find another truck just like Betsy. My next vehicle will be a FORD F-150!

8th Oct 2010, 16:01

I have a Ford F-150 XL. It's a great truck with lots of power.

The problems it has are weird, but the usual for any truck that has survived the crusher for this long. This includes leaking oil, the headlights stopped working, and the ground can be seen through the driver's side floor (only in one small spot, so it's not a safety hazard).

I got the truck for 300 bucks from a friend, and with the repairs added onto the price, it will be a fairly reliable and cheap truck overall.

If anyone out there finds another deal like this, don't pass on it. Trust me, even though it's a little tough on gas, it's a great truck to zip around in from point A to B.

If you take care of it, and do the proper maintenance regularly when needed, a 1988 Ford F-150 will take care of you.