A very good all around truck
The interior has a lot of wear.
Other than that, it runs great.
I am very happy with this truck, it has never been rebuilt.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 13th April, 2003
This was the truck that wouldn't die
Ran badly when handed down to me - 3-4 mpg, no power. Rebuilt the carburetor, and that was almost like putting a new engine in - much more power, mileage up to 12-13 MPG.
Rebuilt entire brake system (master cylinder, power brake booster, front calipers + rotors, rear pistons + drums) as most of the parts were either leaking or just worn out.
Had to replace the solenoid that switched between the dual gas tanks once.
Had a tendency to run hot in the summer (temp guage would sit at about 3/4) - had original radiator, though.
Steering was extremely loose, but controllable.
Had an appetite for starters - every 6 months I'd have to replace it.
Ford's (in) famous DuraSpark II ignition system - had to replace the control module every 6 months as well (new ones were only $15, always carry a spare if you own a car with this system).
Heater core ruptured around 280k?
Transmission finally went out around 300k.
Engine always leaked LOTS of oil from the rear main seal - running straight 60 weight oil would usually lose a quart every day. 10W30 would empty the oil pan within 30 minutes.
This was my first car, given to me by my dad. Consider the abuse a 16 year old puts a car through - it definitely lived up to "Built Ford Tough".
It still ran "OK" when I sold it - the a/c even still worked! It had been poorly maintained before I got it (but the paint shined like it'd just come off the showroom floor), and it still put up with my abuse.
The engine had been run dry (no oil) twice - and the oil light didn't work. Both times it started knocking and running hot, and both times I pulled over, walked to the nearest store, got 6 quarts of oil, dumped it in, and started it back up. It just refused to die.
The only time it left me stranded is when the original DuraSpark electronic ignition module died while going down the road - I always carried a spare one after that. It still looked brand new inside and out when I sold it, except for 1 very small tear in the side of the bench seat.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 29th November, 2002
5 years ago I bought a 1980 F150 Ranger XLT 302 carbed from a guy off Craigslist for $800. We met at the smog shop and it failed. After a new catalytic convertor, and new belts, hoses, cap, plugs, wires, still no luck... The EGR was the ticket. Passed 3 times in 5 years since.
All I can say is this truck has earned my respect. Just quit recently after 275,000, and found 3 dead holes. No idea how long it ran on 7 or 6 cylinders. Ran beautifully for 4 years, just gas and now and then, and check the coolant. Just installed new 302, paint, tires, rims, now will work on the suspension.
"It will always get you home".
A worthy investment
Replaced kingpin at 150,000 miles.
Replaced starter and clutch three times.
This truck is a prime example of a long-living truck. My father gave me this truck during high school and I have been driving it ever since. What a reliable and smooth running truck!
In addition to driving this truck routinely to haul heavy loads or just go to work, I have driven it on Western U.S. camping trips each summer that log in excess of 7500 miles in two weeks.
I have only broken down once, and that was at a gas station when the starter quit.
I would be loath to buy another brand of truck since I have had such a good experience with the F-150. Of course, the usual small problems come up once in awhile, but this truck has so much engine compartment room and is so easy to work on that most problems are a snap.
The truck has always averaged 15-18 mpg and did reach 21 mpg when new.
The miles per dollar spent can't be beat on this truck.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 25th November, 2002
27th Aug 2011, 13:12
That is great to hear. I have a friend who has a 1980 F-150 with a 302 and around 280 thousand miles on it. He doesn't check the oil unless the truck starts knocking, then he puts used oil back in it; it refuses to die.
I've owned 7 or 8 Ford trucks, 1976 to 86 models, gas and diesel, and never had any major problems. My favorite is my 1980 F-150, 4 wheel drive, 300 c.i.d, 4 speed, with 323 thousand miles. It gets used on the farm everyday, still runs great, and carries 40 pound of oil pressure warm. Wish you could still buy trucks like that brand new.