Model Generation:
Eighth Generation (1980-1986) and Ninth Generation (1987-1997)
Production Years Covered:
1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995
Vin Decode Notes:
Manual would contain VIN decoding information specific to these model years, allowing identification of engine, transmission, body style, and assembly plant.
Target Audience:
Do-it-yourselfer (DIY) and experienced mechanics
Value Proposition:
Inexpensive way to keep vehicle working properly, provides essential repair and service information.
Illustration Detail:
Hundreds of photos and illustrations, enlarged inset views for detailed part examination.
Instructional Style:
Numbered instructions, detailed substeps, clear formatting for quick information retrieval (bold figure numbers).
Navigability:
Numbered table of contents for fast access to information.
Engine Service Repair:
Comprehensive coverage including diagnostics, disassembly, assembly, and overhaul for all applicable engines.
Transmission Service Repair:
Detailed procedures for manual and automatic transmissions, including diagnostics, component replacement, and fluid services.
Brake System:
In-depth coverage of hydraulic and mechanical components, including ABS (if equipped on later models), brake fluid service, and component replacement.
Wiring Diagram:
Detailed wiring diagrams for electrical systems, crucial for diagnosing faults.
Electrical System:
Coverage of starting, charging, lighting, ignition, and accessory electrical systems.
Suspension:
Procedures for front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, and related diagnostics.
Periodic Lubrication:
Scheduled lubrication points, fluid types, and capacities for various vehicle components.
Steering:
Service and repair of steering gear, power steering system, and alignment procedures.
Cooling System:
Maintenance and repair of radiator, water pump, thermostat, and associated components.
Fuel Injection:
Detailed information on fuel injection systems, including diagnostics and component servicing.
Fuel System:
Coverage of fuel pumps, lines, tanks, and carburetor systems (on earlier models).
Emission System:
Information on emission control devices and related diagnostics.
Heater Air Conditioner:
Service and repair of HVAC systems, including refrigerant handling.
Engine Control System:
Diagnostics and service procedures for engine control modules (ECMs) and associated sensors/actuators.
Chassis Body:
Information on frame, body panels, doors, and related hardware.
Restraint System:
Details on seat belts and airbags (if applicable to specific models within the range).
Interior:
Procedures for interior trim, seating, and dashboard components.
Differential Drive:
Service and overhaul of rear axle differentials and driveline components.
Axle:
Information on front and rear axles, including hubs and bearings.
General Maintenance:
Regular maintenance tasks, fluid checks, and filter replacements.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic guides for diagnosing and resolving common and complex vehicle issues.
Disassembly Assembly:
Step-by-step instructions for taking apart and reassembling all major vehicle components.
Component Replacement:
Detailed procedures for replacing individual parts and sub-assemblies.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnosis, and diagnostic tool usage.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Combined troubleshooting and electrical service procedures with detailed wiring diagrams.
Depth:
Complete Professional Quality In-Depth Service & Repair
Detail Level:
Step-by-step instructions based on complete disassembly, hundreds of photos and illustrations, detailed substeps, notes, cautions, and warnings.
Engine Options:
Covered engines likely include the 4.2L (256 ci) Inline-6, 5.0L (302 ci) V8, 5.8L (351 ci) V8 (including Windsor and Cleveland variants), 7.5L (460 ci) V8, and diesel options (e.g., 7.3L IDI V8) depending on specific model year and configuration.
Horsepower Torque:
Specific figures vary by engine and model year. For instance, the 460 V8 in later years produced around 230 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, while the 351W might have been in the 180-210 hp range.
Fuel Delivery:
Carbureted systems for earlier models, electronic fuel injection (EFI) for later models, including multi-point fuel injection (MPFI).
Engine Control:
The manual would detail the operation and diagnostics of the engine control system, including sensors (e.g., MAP, TPS, O2, coolant temp) and actuators.
Transmission Types:
Manual transmissions (e.g., NP435, T18, T19, ZF 5-speed) and automatic transmissions (e.g., C6, E4OD) were common.
Transmission Options:
The specific availability of manual vs. automatic, and the specific model of each, varied by engine and trim level.
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) configurations were available, often with different transfer case options.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, depending on engine type and operating conditions (severe vs. normal service).
Engine Oil Type:
Commonly 10W-30 or 10W-40 for gasoline engines, and a specific heavy-duty diesel engine oil (e.g., API CD/CE rated) for diesel variants.
Coolant Type:
Conventional green ethylene glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mixture with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid:
Mercon for automatic transmissions (e.g., E4OD), and specific manual transmission fluid (e.g., GL-4 or GL-5) for manual gearboxes.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Potential issues include aging rubber components (hoses, bushings), exhaust system corrosion, fuel pump issues (especially in EFI systems), and wear on the E4OD transmission (if equipped) under heavy load.
Diesel Engine Specifics:
For the 7.3L IDI diesel, glow plug reliability and injector pump seals can be points of maintenance or repair.
Ford Truck Legacy:
The Ford F-Series, particularly the F-350 heavy-duty truck, represents a long-standing legacy of ruggedness, capability, and reliability in the American automotive market.
Generation Changes:
This period spans the transition from the eighth generation (aerodynamic styling, introduction of fuel injection) to the ninth generation (facelifted eighth generation with updated styling and some mechanical improvements).
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in North America, with key plants like the Kentucky Truck Plant being significant producers.
