1987 Ford Truck XL 4.9 EFI straight six
Summary:
Great engine, but too many small problems are aggravating
Faults:
Rear main seal leaking oil
Fuel filter clogs up regularly
Threw 2 serpentine belts in a month
Auxiliary fuel tank switch/solenoid broken
Front shocks needed replacement
All rubber bushings need to be replaced
Air filter cover is broken
Charcoal canister broken
Doors don't close properly due to worn hinge bushings
Missing key for doors
Parking brake sticking
Seat belts don't retract
Rear slider window latch broken
Gas gauge broken
Heater function (eg: defrost/vent/floor) switch broken
Radio backlight burnt out
Right speaker cuts in and out.
General Comments:
I purchased this truck in May 2008 as a work vehicle, paying only $900 Cdn. As the truck had relatively low mileage, a solid engine and gearbox, and no body rust, I felt this was a good deal. However I'm starting to regret my purchase.
The truck was clearly not well maintained. There's little in the cab that actually works as it should, with many little plastic bits missing. Most annoying is the fuel problem. The previous owner replaced the box with a wooden flat deck, but made no provision for the fuel filler hose, which has to be held at an awkward angle while refueling. In addition, it's almost impossible to prevent the dirt caked on the bottom of the deck from falling into the hose, which I suspect is causing the truck to lose power and stall, and the truck's owner to curse involuntarily!
I recently took the truck on a road trip. I was unhappily surprised to find that the truck burns a ridiculous amount of gas... I calculated 13 mpg highway! I gotta sell this beast and get a Ranger... If I can't find out why it's so thirsty.
I love the way the truck feels on the road... replacing the stock shocks with Monroe Reflex shocks made it handle like a new truck!!! And the torquey engine combined with the 4 speed has enough power for every hill, no matter the load. But with gas prices reaching $1.50 a liter, I simply can't afford to drive it daily.
As is, I probably overpaid for the truck by at least $400.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 20th July, 2008
24th Jan 2002, 23:41
OK, this guy is full of crap about this truck. First of all, the 3.8 V-6 was used in the Ford F-series of trucks from 1980 to 1986. Other than that, the transmission troubles he reported do sound credible.