1986 F350 Specs
by Rob WagnerThe 1986 Ford F-350 pickup truck was part of the 1980 through 1986 seventh generation of F-Series trucks. The truck featured a much squarer, aerodynamic look than the previous generation. Ford offered the truck with many engine options, including the 302-cubic-inch Windsor V-8 available only in 1986. Fuel injection also was available in the 1986 models, and buyers could choose several cab and body styles. The F-350 remains in production as of 2011.
Under the Hood
The 1986 Ford F-350 came with six engine options. The base engine was the 300-cubic-inch (4.9-liter), in-line six-cylinder generating up to 122 horsepower and 255 foot-pounds of torque. The torque allows the F-350 exceptional towing power. The smallest optional V-8 was the carbureted 302 (5-liter) Windsor that achieved 133 horsepower and 233 foot-pounds of torque. A fuel-injected version of the 302 produced 185 horsepower and 270 foot-pounds of torque, while the 351 Windsor V-8 generated up to 210 horsepower and 305 foot-pounds of torque. The massive 460 (7.5-liter) V-8 produced 245 horsepower. The diesel engine offering was the Navistar, manufactured by International Harvester, and it displaced 420 cubic inches (6.9 liters), producing 170 horsepower and 315 foot-pounds of torque.
Size
The 1986 F-350 has a gross vehicle weight rating of 6,000 to 10,000 pounds, which is the maximum weight the truck is capable of carrying. The pickup sits on a 134-inch wheelbase and is 202 inches long, 75.5 inches tall and 77.1 inches wide. Its front tread is 65.7 inches and the rear tread is 64.3 inches. The F-350 rides on 15-inch steel wheels with 235/75R15 tires. Its curb-to-curb turning radius is a wide 51.5 feet. The F-350's curbside weight is 4,548 pounds.
Chassis
The 1986 models feature a five-speed manual as the base transmission. Buyers could choose an automatic as an option. The final rear axle ratio is 4.1-to-1. Stopping power comes from front disc brakes, which became standard in 1986. Rear braking power features drum brakes. The front suspension features an independent system with coil springs, while the rear has leaf springs. The steering mechanism is power-assisted. The four-wheel drive versions feature a "Twin-Traction beam" front suspension.
Models
The 1986 F-350 features the base bare bones XL trim option, the mid-range XLT and the high-end XLT Lariat. The Lariat offers plush carpeting and cloth seats. The F-350 also came in extended and four-door SuperCab versions with the SuperCab featuring split, rear quarter windows. Regular cab models were offered with a Flareside (wheel wells on the outside of the cargo box) or Styleside (flat-paneled cargo box) bed.
References
Writer Bio
Rob Wagner is a journalist with over 35 years experience reporting and editing for newspapers and magazines. His experience ranges from legal affairs reporting to covering the Middle East. He served stints as a newspaper and magazine editor in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Wagner attended California State University, Los Angeles, and has a degree in journalism.
