1986 Ford Pickup Repair Manual

The 1986 Ford Pickup Repair Manual provides comprehensive guidance for maintaining and repairing Ford F-Series trucks from the 1986 model year. This manual covers engine systems, transmission, brakes, suspension, electrical systems, and routine maintenance procedures for various engine options including the 4.9L inline-6, 5.0L V8, and 5.8L V8 engines. Below are key sections for safety procedures, technical specifications, repair procedures, troubleshooting, and maintenance schedules.

1. Vehicle Specifications 2. Safety Precautions 3. Routine Maintenance 4. Engine Systems 5. Transmission & Drivetrain 6. Brake Systems 7. Suspension & Steering 8. Electrical Systems 9. Fuel System 10. Cooling System 11. Troubleshooting Guide

Vehicle Specifications

Key technical data for 1986 Ford F-Series pickup trucks including engine options, dimensions, and capacities.

Specification	Description
Engine Options	4.9L I6, 5.0L V8, 5.8L V8, 6.9L Diesel
Transmission	4-speed manual, 5-speed manual, 3-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	117" (Regular Cab), 133" (SuperCab)
Payload Capacity	1,500-2,500 lbs depending on configuration
Fuel Capacity	16-19 gallons
Oil Capacity	5 quarts (with filter)
Curb Weight	3,800-4,500 lbs
Brake System	Front disc, rear drum with power assist
Electrical System	12-volt negative ground
Cooling System	15-18 quarts capacity

Safety Precautions

Essential safety procedures for working on your 1986 Ford pickup.

Always disconnect battery before electrical work: Remove negative cable first.
Use jack stands: Never work under vehicle supported only by jack.
Wear safety glasses: Protect eyes during repairs.
Proper ventilation: Ensure adequate airflow when running engine indoors.
Fire prevention: Keep flammable materials away from work area.

WARNING! Engine components can be extremely hot during and after operation. Allow sufficient cooling time before beginning repairs.

Routine Maintenance

Scheduled maintenance intervals and procedures for optimal vehicle performance.

Oil change: Every 3,000 miles or 3 months - Use 10W-30 motor oil.
Filter replacement: Oil filter with every oil change; air filter every 12,000 miles.
Tire rotation: Every 6,000 miles for even wear.
Brake inspection: Check pads/shoes every 10,000 miles.
Coolant flush: Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Spark plugs: Replace every 30,000 miles.
Transmission fluid: Check level monthly; change every 30,000 miles.

CAUTION! Use only recommended fluids and follow proper disposal procedures for used oil and filters.

Engine Systems

4.9L Inline-6: 145 hp @ 3,400 rpm, 265 lb-ft torque @ 2,000 rpm
5.0L V8: 185 hp @ 3,800 rpm, 270 lb-ft torque @ 2,400 rpm
5.8L V8: 210 hp @ 3,800 rpm, 315 lb-ft torque @ 2,800 rpm
Ignition System: Duraspark II electronic ignition
Fuel System: Carbureted or fuel injection depending on engine
Compression Ratio: 8.3:1 to 9.0:1 depending on engine
Valve Adjustment: Hydraulic lifters - no adjustment required

Transmission & Drivetrain

Manual and automatic transmission service procedures and drivetrain components.

Manual Transmission: Borg-Warner T18 4-speed, New Process 435 4-speed. Automatic: C6 3-speed, AOD 4-speed overdrive.

Transfer Case: Borg-Warner 1345 part-time 4WD. Differential: Ford 8.8" rear axle, Dana 44 front axle (4WD models). Driveshaft: Two-piece with center support bearing. U-joints: Greaseable; lubricate every 12,000 miles.

Brake Systems

Hydraulic brake system maintenance and repair procedures.

Master cylinder: Check fluid level monthly; use DOT 3 brake fluid.
Brake pads: Replace when thickness below 1/8 inch.
Brake shoes: Adjust every 10,000 miles; replace when lining worn.
Bleeding procedure: Start with wheel farthest from master cylinder.
Parking brake: Adjust cable tension for proper engagement.

Tip: Always replace brake components in axle sets (both front or both rear).

Suspension & Steering

Twin-I-Beam front suspension and recirculating ball steering system.

Front suspension: Twin-I-Beam with coil springs; check ball joints every 15,000 miles.
Rear suspension: Leaf springs; inspect bushings and shackles.
Shock absorbers: Replace if leaking or excessive bounce.
Steering gear: Adjust worm bearing preload if excessive play.
Alignment specifications: Camber: +0.5° to +1.5°, Caster: +1.5° to +3.5°
Tire pressure: 35 psi front, 40 psi rear (loaded)

WARNING! Always support vehicle properly when working on suspension components.

Electrical Systems

12-volt negative ground electrical system with alternator and voltage regulator.

Battery: Group 65, 650 CCA
Alternator: 65-amp output
Starter: Direct drive, 1.4 kW
Fuse Panel: Under dashboard
Lighting: Sealed beam headlights, #1157 tail/brake lights
Ignition Coil: Primary resistance 1.0-1.5 ohms
Spark Plug Gap: 0.044 inch

Fuel System

Carbureted fuel delivery system with mechanical fuel pump.

Fuel pump: Mechanical, mounted on engine; pressure 5-7 psi.
Carburetor: Motorcraft 2150 2-barrel; adjust idle mixture and speed.
Fuel filter: Replace every 15,000 miles.
Fuel lines: Steel and rubber; inspect for leaks or damage.
Evaporative emissions: Charcoal canister; check hoses for cracks.

CAUTION! Gasoline is highly flammable. Work in well-ventilated area away from ignition sources.

Cooling System

Pressurized cooling system with radiator and water pump.

Radiator Cap: 13-16 psi pressure rating
Thermostat: 192°F opening temperature
Coolant: 50/50 ethylene glycol and water
Water Pump: Centrifugal, belt-driven
Fan Clutch: Thermal viscous drive
Hoses: Upper and lower radiator hoses; inspect for swelling/cracking

Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Battery, ignition, fuel	Check battery voltage, spark at plugs, fuel delivery
Rough idle	Vacuum leak, carburetor	Inspect vacuum hoses, adjust carburetor mixture
Overheating	Coolant, thermostat, water pump	Check coolant level, test thermostat, inspect water pump
Brake pull	Calipers, brake fluid	Check stuck calipers, contaminated brake fluid
Electrical issues	Grounds, alternator	Clean battery grounds, test alternator output
Transmission slippage	Fluid level, bands	Check fluid level and condition, adjust bands

Technical Support: Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center: 1-800-392-3673

Parts Information: Genuine Ford parts available through authorized dealers