Positioning:
The Ford LTD Crown Victoria in 1987 was positioned as a full-size, rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan, often favored by fleet buyers and those seeking comfortable, durable transportation.
Competitors:
Competed with other full-size sedans of the era such as the Chevrolet Caprice Classic, Buick Electra, Oldsmobile 98, and Chrysler Fifth Avenue.
Vehicle Attributes:
Spacious interior, comfortable ride, robust construction, powerful V8 engine options, rear-wheel drive dynamics.
Value To Owner:
Provides comprehensive, factory-accurate information for DIY maintenance and repair, enabling owners to save money and maintain their vehicle effectively. Facilitates understanding of complex systems.
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Lube, Ignition, Starting, Charging, Emission Control, Intake/Exhaust/Cooling, Automatic Transmission, Manual Transmission (if applicable), Transfer Case (if applicable)
Chassis:
Drive Shaft, Differential, Axle, Suspension, Steering Column, Power Steering, Brake Control, Brakes, Parking Brake, Tire & Wheel
Electrical And Body:
Electrical System, Wiring Schematics, Instrument Panel, Meter, Audio/Visual, Horn, Wiper & Washer, Door Locks, Cruise Control, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), Seat Belts, Engine Immobilizer, Air Conditioning, Interior and Exterior Trim, Glass, Mirrors, Engine Hood/Doors
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, component testing
Repair And Rebuild:
Complete step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Depth:
Factory-level detail for dealership technicians, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete powertrain and chassis overhauls, including in-depth electrical diagnostics and wiring diagrams.
Engine Code:
5.0L (302 cu in) V8 (HO variant often available)
Bore X Stroke:
4.00 in x 3.00 in (101.6 mm x 76.2 mm)
Horsepower:
Approx. 150-165 hp (depending on specific engine tune/options)
Torque:
Approx. 240-250 lb-ft
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Cooling System Type:
Pressurized Liquid Cooling
Oil Capacity:
5 US quarts (4.7 liters) with filter change
Ignition System:
Electronic Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Duraspark ignition system
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (AOD - Automatic Overdrive)
Transmission Type:
None typically offered for this model year and platform as standard.
Overdrive Gear:
Yes (4th gear provides overdrive for improved fuel economy)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Mercon (or equivalent ATF)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 11.2 US quarts (10.6 liters) total capacity (pan drop refill approx. 5 quarts)
Length:
Approx. 204.4 inches (5192 mm)
Width:
Approx. 77.2 inches (1961 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.3 inches (1405 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 114.4 inches (2906 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,700 - 4,000 lbs (1678 - 1814 kg) depending on equipment
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4,780 lbs (2168 kg)
Crash Test Data:
As per NHTSA standards of the era. Comprehensive data for this specific year may require referencing original government reports.
Braking System:
Front Disc, Rear Drum Brakes. Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available.
Steering:
Power recirculating ball steering.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag not standard in 1987. Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) mention in manual implies potential for driver airbag as an option or a precursor to future standards.
Seat Belts:
Standard front and rear seat belts. Manual covers seat belt maintenance and operation.
Audio System:
Typically AM/FM radio, optional cassette player. Manual covers head unit removal, speaker replacement, and wiring for audio components.
Cruise Control:
Optional cruise control system; manual details its operation, troubleshooting, and repair.
Not Applicable:
No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB ports. Focus is on mechanical and basic electrical systems.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (refer to manual for exact specification based on driving conditions).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles or as per manual's severe service schedule.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on spark plug type used.
Engine Oil Type:
API Service SF or SG, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for ambient temperature viscosity recommendations).
Coolant Type:
Permanent type antifreeze (ethylene glycol based), typically 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Suspension components (ball joints, tie rods, bushings), cooling system (radiator, water pump), exhaust system, transmission seals, and potential for rust in certain climates.
Electrical Issues:
Age-related degradation of wiring insulation, sensor failures, and dashboard electrical gremlins can occur.
Importance Of Manual:
Crucial for owners of older vehicles like the 1987 Crown Victoria to follow the manual's recommended maintenance schedule to prevent costly repairs and ensure longevity.
Ford Full Size Sedans:
Ford has a long history of producing large, comfortable sedans dating back to the early 20th century, with the Crown Victoria lineage tracing back through models like the Fairlane, Galaxie, and LTD.
Fifth Generation Panther:
The 1987 model is part of the Fox-body based Panther platform's second major revision, featuring updated styling, aerodynamics, and mechanical refinements from the previous generation.
Manufacturing Location:
Assembled primarily in the United States (e.g., St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada; Chicago, Illinois; Wixom, Michigan).
Production Years Platform:
Panther platform production ran from 1979 to 2012, with the Crown Victoria nameplate utilized for a significant portion of this period.
