1986 Ford F150 F-150 (Basic) from North America - Comments

The carburetor became loose on the block, greatly lowering vacuum and mileage. Problem existed for a long time before competent mechanic identified it. I probably drove 20 to 25,000 miles with it that way. Mileage was only 12-13 in city, 15-16 on highway. Simply tightening the carburetor raised vacuum from 17 pounds/feet to 20. Mileage went to 17 city and 23 highway. The mechanic said that this engine is well known for carburetors shaking loose.

The clutch went out at 50,000 miles.

I have had to replace the ignition switch.

Truck has stalled out when driving through lots of wet slush on road. It gets into distributor, as this is too close to the road below.

Water pump went out at around 60,000. The alternator was showing wear also, so the mechanic said it would be a good time to replace it, since he had everything loose in replacing water pump. (Alternator was working fine, however-- just preventative maintenance.)

Other things that I have done would be under the category of expected maintenance. Muffler and tail pipe. Fan belts. Plug wires. Tires. Front brakes replaced once. Original rear brakes still OK as of present. (No noise)

Oil gets changed at 2,000 mile intervals. I use Castrol 10W-40. I have used 2 ounces of Marvel's Mystery Oil for every 5 gallons of gasoline since the truck was new. It starts like a bomb and is smooth running. I hope to see this engine torn down some day, so as to get a look at the inside.

Very smooth and reliable, since I got the carburetor tightened up to the block. If your Ford 4.9 six is not smooth and has poor mileage, see if the carburetor does not twist a bit on the block. That would kill the vacuum. Then, too, you just might have a bad vacuum hose or two.

If you are used to V-8 power, you will find the 6 poor for passing, beyond 50 Miles per hour. It might be hard to keep up with traffic in mountain grades.

Ordering the truck with optional "Handling Package" was a mistake. It came sprung for 700 additional pounds in the rear box. I almost never carried much weight and this caused the truck to ride too stiffly all the time I've had it. Shocks never seem to take effect. My truck was the "Flare Side" version.

I bought this truck used in '99 and I just sold it last week. It ran good for three years and I only had a few problems with it. My clutch did go out at 55,000 miles and my speedometer broke. It always ran smooth at any speed and was very reliable. Watch the alternator, it had to be replaced twice. Over all it was a great truck and I almost cried when I had to sell her.

My ford has been a great truck. I never liked fords until I got one. I have had very few problems with my truck. The only problems I have had have all been wiring problem, but they were nothing bad.

That is the most amazing vehicle I have driven or owned. As an old retired paramedic, I have driven every style, engine, make and model vehicle. I am the second owner, my friend was the first of this 1986 F-150 2x4, LOL. He bought it in 1986 and I in 2002, now it's 2009 and it has 258k.

I have had the same things as above... that carburetor though. It has been the biggest pain with two rebuilds and sticking floats and choke. It's time for smog-always passes, but the carb, vacuum leaks and not driving it are killing that truck and chances of passing. It runs horrible, which is my fault for letting it sit. But pound for pound, this truck is indestructible! All that 300ci's, 4.9L and Four on the floor. I have been so tempted to put a bigger Carb on - then that single that I probably should replace. But who can argue with 24 miles on Hwy. My new Nissan doesn't get that?

People don't believe me, but I keep everything on that truck. It's called the "brown bomber" that faded Ford Brown and now I am fighting minor rust on hood and top here in Ca.? It will pull anything, torque no problem. I love the truck literally even though the tires are worth more, per Kelly? """"Has anyone put a 4 or 2 barrel on their straight six?"""""?

Great Great Truck!