1986 Ford F150 XLT Lariat review from North America

Broke rear axle, first 2 weeks after buying it, ended up having to rebuild the entire rear end. All this and with only normal highway driving!

Water pump, and radiator 3 weeks later.

Blew the clutch out 6 months later, so had trans rebuilt and shifts just like new once again.

Seat padding on Drivers Side sagging, inserted foam and cardboard to make up difference.

2 days after installing new clutch, something was definetly wrong. Clutch not working proper, slipping, and hard to engage sometimes. Ended up ripping new one out and replacing once again, all due to improper installation by transmission shop. They ruined the pressure plate, twisting it, and not allowing clutch to engage properly.

Blew heater core one cold winter night, so ended up replacing that.

Speedometer cable broke, didn't replace it for 3 years!

Broke a piston, and basically destroyed engine at 269,000 km. Top of piston was still at the top, but rest was in pieces in pan along with con rod. Dropped in a used (122,000 kms) 87 302, still running strong over 3 years later.

Goes through rear wheel seals like crazy until the last time I had them use LOTS of sealant along with the seals.

Gone through 4 brake calipers, and 4 rear wheel cylinders, along with equal brake shoes and pads.

Needs another set of tires, the gravel roads just chew them up fast. 5 sets in 10 years.

Broke a rear leaf spring, still broken...

Fenders, box, doors and cab corners now rusted out.

Even though its rusted out, I just love my truck! Not giving it up until it completely dies!

Not great gas economy though, best I ever get is 14 mpg, no matter what. Using the 4x4 drops it to about 11.

That would be one one biggest complaint.

I bought it for $5200 in May of 1995, so it owes me nothing that's for sure.

It has never let me down when I needed it, so its my reliable beater that's for sure.