1988 Ford F150 Custom

1988 Ford F150 Custom is a different experience than buying a car. There are a lot of things to keep in mind when you buy a new car. One of these things is how much maintenance it needs. You may also find that it has a recall on it. If so, you’ll want to know about it so that you can fix it as soon as possible.

1988 Ford F150 Custom Engines

The Ford F150 Custom was available with three different engines in 1988. They are the International Harvester 7.3 L V8 diesel, the 5.8 liter V8 with fuel injection, and the 4.9 liter inline six.

The 5.8 liter V8 was available with a four-speed automatic transmission. This engine is considered the best choice for mileage and performance.

The 5.0 liter inline six was also available with a five-speed manual transmission. It was available in the Custom and XLT trim levels. However, the XLT featured more ostentation.

A 4.0 liter diesel was also available in the 1988 Ford F150 Custom. This engine was available with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. Both of these transmissions were very reliable.

The diesel engine provided 180 ftlbf of torque, but it did sacrifice power for economy. Another advantage of this engine is that it has the capability of running on two barrels of gas.

In addition to these engines, the Ford F150 Custom was also offered with an extended-cab supercab. Its interior included rubber floors and vinyl seats. Among the options were AM radio and power equipment.

The engine is capable of handling sharp turns. For added torque, a snow plow prep package was available for the 5.0 liter V8.

There are few consumer complaints about the 1988 Ford F150. However, there are some issues that should be taken into consideration. These include rust, front end clunks, and an ignition system that could lead to a fire. If these issues are not resolved, it may be necessary to replace aging parts.

As with any vehicle, regular maintenance is recommended. Especially if the truck is a vintage model.

If you’re unsure about the proper part replacement or installation, contact MAC’s Auto Parts tech reps for assistance. They are available seven days a week via phone and email. Their techs are backed by a price match guarantee.

Trim packages

Ford F150 Custom trim packages included a host of features. Depending on the trim level, the truck had either a 5-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. The interior was comfortable and stylish. Some models had vinyl seats. However, some had cloth or power seats.

A number of optional items were available with all trim levels, including a rear cross-traffic warning system. An AM radio was also standard. In 1994, the truck added a CD player. This was the first Ford to have factory-installed air conditioning.

The 1988 Ford F150 Custom also offered a number of exterior and interior options. All levels had different wheel/tire options. Several exterior moldings were available separately. The XL had a two-tone paint job. Other features on the truck included a tailgate insert for Fleetsides.

Several trim levels included a color keyed vinyl mat. The Custom also had carpeting.

Some of the more upscale trims included heated and ventilated seats, premium leather upholstery, and an exclusive grille. These trims also had a locking differential in the rear. They were available with either a 6.5-foot bed or an 8-foot bed.

The Platinum trim was the most luxurious. It had an electronic sound system, as well as an exclusive grille. There were also more safety features. Among other things, this option included heated and ventilated front bucket seats, skid plates, and a locking differential in the rear.

Other optional features on the 1988 Ford F150 Custom included a chrome front bumper, a chrome grille, and a black steering wheel. This truck was also one of the first to have CFC-free air conditioning. During the 1990s, Ford introduced remote keyless entry.

Lastly, the Z77 Chevy Sport/GMC Street Coupe exterior graphics package was available only on 1976 to 1981 Chevy/GMC short-bed 1/2 ton pickups. Interior appointments on this trim included a BC2 Deluxe instrument cluster, N67 Rally wheels, and a V22 Chrome grill.

Adaptive cruise control

Adaptive cruise control is a technology that is available on almost every new car. Using radar or a laser, adaptive cruise control adjusts the speed of your vehicle to maintain a set distance from other cars ahead. This is a feature that is useful, but it does not replace the need to drive your car safely.

Adaptive cruise control can also be used to help prevent crashes. For example, it may be able to sense when another car is approaching and brake to avoid a collision. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has claimed that adaptive cruise control is a good way to help reduce the risk of a crash.

Ford Adaptive Cruise Control works by adjusting the speed of your vehicle to keep a set distance from slower moving vehicles. It operates like conventional cruise control, except when traffic speeds up, the Adaptive Cruise Control will return to its designated speed.

Adaptive cruise control is an expensive feature, and you should expect to pay $740 or more for it. But according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, ACC can decrease the risk of a crash by 24%.

Adaptive cruise control can be found on nearly all Ford models. Some of these vehicles include the 1988 Ford F150 Custom, the Explorer, and the Fusion. These features can be controlled through an arrow pad on the steering wheel. A lower button increases the gap between the car and the vehicle in front, while the upper button decreases the distance.

Ford’s Adaptive Cruise Control also has an option for “Stop and Go” which allows the car to slow down as traffic moves along. When the traffic stops, the vehicle resumes normal operations.

1988 Ford F150 Custom Recalls

1988 Ford F-150 Custom is an entry level truck that was available in two trim levels. The Custom model featured a five-speed manual transmission. A 4.9 liter inline six engine provided 165 horsepower.

The truck’s interior featured vinyl seats. It also had an AM radio and rubber floors. The XLT Lariat was a higher-end option, offering cloth upholstery, power equipment, and more.

This vehicle is still in good condition, although the paint may have some imperfections. In addition, the rear window glazing material could pose a problem in a collision.

This pickup is equipped with dual fuel tanks. The fuel system may fail after the tank is filled to full capacity. If you’re experiencing problems, you can contact your dealer to have your tank repaired.

Another recall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration involves a fuel system problem. On 1990 and 1996 trucks with dual fuel tanks, the supply and return fuel lines may cross. When this happens, fuel may overflow past the filler cap.

The front-end clunks are usually caused by worn suspension bushings. The brake caliper pistons should be brown in color, but they do not need to be modified.

If you have a 1988 Ford F-150 Custom, you may be eligible for a repair. The repairs are free.

After you receive your Owner Letter, you can go to your dealer to schedule an appointment. They will then install the roll pin, free of charge.

Since the 1988 Ford F150 Custom is old, you will need to do regular maintenance to keep it in top shape. You should also have an annual anti-corrosion spray treatment.

In the event of an accident, the ignition system may fail. This could cause a fire.

Maintenance

It’s no secret that a 1988 Ford F150 Custom can be a great truck to drive. You get plenty of power, reliability and dependability. But it’s a good idea to keep your vehicle in top shape.

Regular maintenance can help keep your vehicle running smoothly, increase its resale value and reduce your maintenance expenses. If you don’t follow a schedule, you could end up spending a lot on unexpected repairs.

In order to keep your F-150 running for a long time, you should know when to have certain services performed. The good news is that Ford provides a recommended maintenance schedule.

Usually, the recommended maintenance includes vital fluid checks, tire rotations, oil changes and filter replacements. However, the exact services that you need to have done are determined by your driving habits, climate and terrain.

For example, if you live in a cold climate, you might want to change your engine’s oil earlier. On the other hand, if you regularly drive on dirt roads, you may want to wait until you get a new engine filter.

If your Ford F-150 has trouble starting, you may have a problem with the ignition coil or fuel pump. You should also look for a faulty clutch or an engine block that is leaking.

Routine service appointments can prevent common 1988 Ford F150 problems from happening. Getting a fresh air filter and replacing your tires can give your truck a new lease on life.

Depending on the model of 1988 Ford F150 Custom, you may be required to replace the accessory drive belt at 150,000 miles. Your battery can be ruined if it is exposed to extreme temperatures. And if you take short trips, you may need to replace the battery sooner.