1987 Ford F-150 XL 4X4

Description

Growing up in the '80s, trucks like this 1987 Ford F150 4x4 were super popular, but not many folks took care of them. Today, finding a nice one is a very pleasant surprise, particularly with Ford's famous 5.0 under the hood, which makes this pickup feel more like a Mustang with a big trunk than an industrial-strength hauler. This one has been fully restored to a level not often seen with this generation of Ford trucks, and we absolutely love it.

If you had serious work to do, you bought a long bed and maybe a bigger truck, meaning that this F150 short bed/regular cab pickup has led a nice, aided by the fact that it's never left the warm south. As a result, the restoration brought it to excellent condition. The bright red respray shines up nicely and as a regular cab/short bed model, it has pleasing proportions that give it a sporty look. The bed is protected by a professionally applied spray-in bed liner that covers the top of the bed, so you can still take it to Home Depot on weekends and bring home the big stuff. The front end is as familiar as your own mother's face given the longevity of these trucks, and the chrome on the grille and bumpers is in excellent shape.

There's more evidence of this truck's easy life inside, where you'll find a comfortable tan cloth interior that's more luxury than working class. The factory upholstery is in very good condition, typical of the era's durable fabrics and it isn't as dated as you'd think for the mid-80s. The gauges are legible and clear (including a pair of auxiliary gauges under the dash), the door panels are in nice shape with only a light depression where the driver's elbow might have rested and a few cracks on the dash from the sun, which is probably inevitable in a southern truck. Factory A/C is a welcome addition and it still blows cold, and the stereo has been upgraded to a JVC AM/FM/CD unit that sounds great. Underneath those heavy-duty rubber mats, the factory vinyl mat is original, but holding up well despite a couple tears in a few spots. For warmer days, the vent windows in the doors and sliding rear window make a pleasant breeze in the cab, making this a truck you'll look forward to driving no matter what the weather is doing.

Best of all, there's a fully rebuilt (30k miles ago) 5.0 liter V8 under the hood. With genetic ties directly to the famous Mustang 5.0, comparisons are inevitable, and the truth is, everything that was great about the engine survives in this pickup 100% intact. It's torquey, smooth, and makes great V8 sounds from the twin tailpipes behind Flowmaster mufflers. It's also bulletproof reliable, and thanks to a recent tune up and an aftermarket air filter assembly, it runs superbly. Backed by a slick-shifting 4-speed manual transmission, it's punchy around town and just loafs along at highway speeds, and a 2-speed transfer case means it doesn't mind slow going in the mud. The front and rear differentials were also rebuilt at the time of restoration, so they are ready for long-term use. The engine bay is orderly with signs of regular care, while the chassis is quite original and has nothing to hide, although it isn't shiny perfect anymore. The 6-inch lift kit and shocks give it a great stance and great off-roading abilities that you'll enjoy every chance you get. Sporty aluminum wheels add some flash and wear fat 35x12.50-15 BFGoodrich off-road radials at all four corners.

With handsome good looks, plenty of practicality, and a 5.0 that's just waiting for a few well-chosen mods, this F150 offers an opportunity for lots of fun. You won't find one much cleaner than this. Call today!