Applicable Years:
1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995
Vin Code Engine:
Varies by engine option (refer to manual for specific VIN decoding)
Vin Code Assembly:
Varies by assembly plant (refer to manual for specific VIN decoding)
Segment:
Heavy Duty Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
Owners of Ford F-350 pickup trucks from 1980-1995, DIY mechanics, professional automotive repair shops.
Competitors:
Chevrolet C/K Series (Silverado), Dodge Ram (Power Ram).
Ease Of Use:
Easy to read text sections, step-by-step instructions, suitable for varying skill levels.
Information Availability:
Packed with all necessary information, including manufacturer specifications and technical data.
Accessibility:
Instant download, no waiting, immediate access for repair commencement.
Geographic Coverage:
Primarily North American market specifications, applicable globally where similar configurations exist.
Technical Coverage:
Comprehensive service and repair procedures.
Estimated Page Count:
High (typical for this era of heavy-duty truck service manuals, often exceeding 1000 pages across multiple volumes or sections).
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Printability:
Full Printable
Delivery Method:
Instant Download
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader & WinZip
Operating System Compatibility:
All Versions of Windows & Mac
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system (carbureted and EFI), ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, manual transmission, automatic transmission, transfer case (4x4 models).
Chassis:
Frame, suspension (front and rear solid axles), steering system, brake system (front disc, rear drum), wheels and tires, driveline (propeller shafts, universal joints, axles).
Electrical:
12V electrical system, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system, instrument cluster, dashboard controls, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors if equipped), trailer wiring harness.
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, seats, doors, glass, weatherstripping, bumpers, tailgate, chassis lubrication, corrosion protection.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic procedures for common faults, wiring diagrams for electrical systems.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, lubrication, spark plug replacement, belt tensioning, brake adjustments.
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuilds, brake caliper and wheel cylinder replacement, suspension component replacement, steering linkage repair, exhaust system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.
Disassembly Assembly:
Step-by-step instructions for removing and installing major components, including detailed exploded views.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) where applicable, wear limits.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to major component overhauls and diagnostics. Suitable for DIY mechanics and professional technicians.
Searchable Text:
Implied by PDF format, allows for text searching of topics.
Quality:
High quality, designed for clear reproduction of text and diagrams.
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
Paper:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
Diagram Quality:
Top quality diagrams, highly detailed exploded pictures, comprehensive illustrations.
Engine Options:
Multiple gasoline and diesel engine options throughout the production run. Gasoline: 4.9L (300 cu in) I6, 5.0L (302 cu in) V8, 5.8L (351 cu in) V8, 7.5L (460 cu in) V8. Diesel: 7.3L IDI V8 (Naturally Aspirated and Turbocharged).
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 115-145 HP for 4.9L I6, 150-185 HP for 5.0L V8, 180-230 HP for 5.8L V8, 225-245 HP for 7.5L V8, 170-200 HP for 7.3L IDI Diesel (NA/Turbo).
Torque Range:
Significant torque across all engines, especially diesel and larger V8s, crucial for towing and hauling.
Gasoline Fuel System:
Carbureted (Holley, Motorcraft) for earlier models and some base configurations. Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) introduced and common on later models, particularly for 4.9L and 5.8L engines.
Diesel Fuel System:
Direct Injection (IDI) with Stanadyne or Bosch injection pumps.
Ignition Type:
Distributor-based ignition system with breakerless electronic ignition (Duraspark or similar).
Cooling Type:
Pressurized liquid cooling system with radiator, fan (mechanical or viscous clutch), water pump, and thermostat.
Manual Transmission:
Four-speed and five-speed manual transmissions were common, with various manufacturers and configurations (e.g., NP435, T18, T19, ZF S5-47).
Automatic Transmission:
Ford C6 (heavy-duty 3-speed automatic), AOD (4-speed overdrive automatic, less common on F-350), E4OD (4-speed electronically controlled automatic).
Transfer Case:
Manual shift part-time 4x4 transfer case (e.g., NP205, NP208, BW1345) or manual engagement hubs.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, viscosity typically 75W-90 or 80W-90, depending on transmission and ambient temperature (refer to specific transmission service section).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Type F or Mercon ATF (for C6/AOD), MERCON or MERCON V (for E4OD) – specific type is critical and detailed in the manual.
Wheelbase Options:
Commonly available in 133-inch (regular cab, short bed), 141-inch (regular cab, long bed), and 155-inch (crew cab, long bed) wheelbases. Specific configurations varied by year and trim.
Bed Lengths:
Available in 6.5-foot (short bed) and 8-foot (long bed) configurations.
Gvwr Range:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) typically ranging from 8,000 lbs up to 10,000 lbs or more, depending on chassis and axle configurations, signifying heavy-duty capability.
Curb Weight:
Varies significantly based on cab configuration, drivetrain, and engine, generally starting around 5,000 lbs.
Crash Test Data:
Limited formal crash test ratings compared to modern vehicles. Focus on inherent structural integrity of heavy-duty truck design.
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Power assist standard on most models. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) became available on rear wheels for later model years (e.g., 1990s).
Seat Belts:
Lap and shoulder belts for front occupants, lap belts for rear occupants (if applicable).
Rollover Protection:
Not a primary design feature of this era of pickup trucks; emphasis on robust frame and suspension.
Audio System:
AM/FM radio, often with cassette player. Optional premium sound systems. Speaker placement varied by cab configuration.
Cruise Control:
Optional on many models, typically vacuum-actuated or early electronic systems.
ABS:
Rear-wheel ABS became available on some models in the latter part of the production run.
Towing Features:
Provision for trailer wiring harnesses, heavy-duty hitch options.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months for gasoline engines, depending on operating conditions. Diesel engines often recommended longer intervals, 5,000-7,500 miles, with specific filter requirements.
Transmission Service:
Automatic transmission fluid and filter changes every 30,000-50,000 miles. Manual transmission fluid inspection and potential change at similar intervals or as needed.
Cooling System Service:
Coolant flush and replacement every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years. Inspection of hoses and clamps at each service.
Chassis Lubrication:
Grease points on suspension and driveline typically require lubrication every 5,000-10,000 miles.
Engine Oil Gasoline:
API SF or SG service classification. Viscosity: 5W-30, 10W-30, or 10W-40 depending on climate and specific engine recommendation (e.g., 5.8L often preferred 10W-40).
Engine Oil Diesel:
API CD or CE service classification, often with higher detergency. Viscosity: 15W-40 common, or 10W-30 for colder climates.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Specific color or type might be recommended by Ford for certain years/engines.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Typically Type 'H' or MERCON ATF (check specific application).
Engine Common Problems:
Carburetor issues (fuel mixture, idle), intake manifold gasket leaks, exhaust manifold cracks (especially on V8s), timing gear wear (IDI diesel), glow plug issues (IDI diesel), oil leaks (rear main seal, valve covers).
Transmission Common Problems:
Automatic transmission clutch pack wear, torque converter issues, E4OD electronic control problems, manual transmission synchro wear or clutch release bearing issues.
Chassis Common Problems:
Rust (frame, body panels, cab corners), worn ball joints and tie rod ends, leaf spring fatigue, U-joint wear, brake component wear (calipers, drums, rotors).
Electrical Common Problems:
Alternator failures, voltage regulator issues, starter motor problems, wiring harness degradation, dashboard indicator light failures, power window/lock motor failures.
Ford Truck Lineage:
The F-Series is Ford's longest-running nameplate, with a long history of utility and capability dating back to 1948. The F-350 represents the heavy-duty end of this lineage.
Generation:
This period covers the 8th generation (1980-1986) and the 9th generation (1987-1996) of the Ford F-Series trucks. The F-350 maintained its position as the top heavy-duty offering.
Key Changes 1980-1986:
Introduction of a completely new body style in 1980, featuring more aerodynamic lines, independent front suspension (Twin-Traction Beam) for 4x4 models, and updated interiors. Introduction of the 7.5L 460 V8.
Key Changes 1987-1996:
A significant facelift occurred in 1987 with redesigned front-end styling (grille, headlights), improved aerodynamics, and an updated dashboard and interior. Electronic fuel injection became more prevalent. The 7.3L IDI diesel and later the turbocharged version were key additions. The 9th generation saw minor styling updates and further refinements in powertrains.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in North America at various Ford assembly plants (e.g., Kansas City, Louisville).
Truck Of The Year:
Ford F-Series trucks have historically received numerous 'Truck of the Year' awards from various automotive publications and organizations throughout their production history.
Consumer Reports:
Ford F-Series generally rated well for capability and durability, though individual year/engine/transmission combinations may have varied in reliability rankings.
Heavy Duty Standards:
Designed to meet heavy-duty truck standards for towing, hauling, and durability.
