1987 Ford F-250 Service Manual PDF

The 1987 Ford F-250 Service Manual provides comprehensive technical information for maintaining and repairing the 1987 Ford F-250 truck. This manual covers engine systems (including 4.9L, 5.0L, 5.8L, and 7.5L engines), transmission (manual and automatic), drivetrain, suspension, steering, brakes, electrical systems, body components, and routine maintenance procedures. Below are key sections for specifications, maintenance schedules, troubleshooting, repair procedures, and technical data.

1. Vehicle Specifications 2. Maintenance Schedules 3. Engine Systems 4. Transmission & Drivetrain 5. Brake System 6. Electrical System 7. Suspension & Steering 8. Body & Interior 9. Troubleshooting Guide 10. Technical Bulletins 11. Wiring Diagrams

Vehicle Specifications

Key technical specifications for the 1987 Ford F-250 including engine options, dimensions, capacities, and performance data.

Specification	Details
Engine Options	4.9L I6, 5.0L V8, 5.8L V8, 7.5L V8
Transmission	4-speed manual, 5-speed manual, 3-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	133" Regular Cab, 155" SuperCab
Payload Capacity	2,500-4,200 lbs depending on configuration
Towing Capacity	Up to 10,000 lbs with proper equipment
Fuel Capacity	19-38 gallons depending on tank options
Brake System	Front disc, rear drum with power assist
Electrical System	12-volt negative ground
GVWR	6,600-8,800 lbs
Axle Ratios	3.08, 3.55, 3.73, 4.10 available

Maintenance Schedules

Recommended maintenance intervals and procedures for optimal vehicle performance and longevity.

Every 3,000 miles: Oil and filter change, inspect fluid levels
Every 6,000 miles: Rotate tires, inspect brakes, check steering components
Every 15,000 miles: Replace air filter, inspect fuel system, check suspension
Every 30,000 miles: Replace fuel filter, inspect cooling system, check transmission fluid
Every 60,000 miles: Replace spark plugs, inspect ignition system, check timing

WARNING! Always use recommended fluids and follow torque specifications. Failure to maintain proper intervals may void warranty.

Engine Systems

Detailed service procedures for all engine components including diagnostics, repair, and adjustment specifications.

4.9L I6 Engine: Valve clearance: 0.014" intake, 0.016" exhaust cold
5.0L/5.8L V8 Engines: Firing order 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8
7.5L V8 Engine: Compression ratio 8.0:1, recommended oil SAE 10W-30
Cooling System: Capacity 16-20 quarts, thermostat opens at 192°F
Fuel System: Mechanical fuel pump, carbureted systems
Ignition System: Conventional breaker-point or electronic ignition
Oil Capacity: 5-6 quarts with filter change

Transmission & Drivetrain

Service procedures for manual and automatic transmissions, transfer case, and differential maintenance.

Manual Transmission: Borg-Warner T18 4-speed, NP435 4-speed, ZF 5-speed. Fluid capacity 3-5 pints GL-4 gear oil.

Automatic Transmission: C6 3-speed, AOD 4-speed. Fluid capacity 12-17 quarts Type F or Mercon.

Transfer Case: Borg-Warner 1345 part-time 4WD. Fluid capacity 2.5 pints ATF.

Differential: Dana 60 rear axle, Ford 8.8 front axle (4WD). Fluid capacity 4-6 pints 80W-90 gear oil.

Brake System

Complete brake system service including hydraulic systems, power boosters, and parking brake adjustments.

Front Disc Brakes: Rotor thickness minimum 1.235", pad replacement procedure
Rear Drum Brakes: Drum diameter 12" x 2.5", shoe adjustment specifications
Master Cylinder: Bore diameter 1.125", bench bleeding procedure
Power Booster: Vacuum-assisted, testing and replacement guidelines
Parking Brake: Cable adjustment, equalizer inspection

CAUTION! Always bleed brake system after service. Use DOT 3 brake fluid only.

Electrical System

Wiring diagrams, component testing, and repair procedures for charging, starting, and accessory systems.

Charging System: 65-100 amp alternator, voltage regulator testing procedures

Starting System: Direct-drive starter motor, solenoid testing specifications

Battery: Group 65, 650 CCA minimum, proper cable connection procedures

Lighting System: Headlight aiming, bulb replacement, switch testing

Instrument Cluster: Gauge testing, sending unit specifications, speedometer cable service

Suspension & Steering

Front and rear suspension service, alignment specifications, and steering system maintenance.

Front Suspension: Twin I-beam, ball joint inspection, wheel bearing adjustment
Rear Suspension: Leaf spring, shackle bushing replacement, U-bolt torque
Steering Gear: Recirculating ball, sector shaft adjustment, pitman arm removal
Alignment Specifications: Camber +0.5° to +1.5°, Caster +2° to +3°, Toe-in 1/16" to 1/8"
Shock Absorbers: Replacement procedure, torque specifications

Tip: Always check wheel alignment after suspension repairs.

Body & Interior

Body panel repair, glass replacement, trim installation, and interior component service procedures.

Body Panels: Sheet metal repair, rust prevention techniques
Doors & Windows: Window regulator replacement, door alignment adjustment
Seats & Upholstery: Bench seat removal, fabric replacement procedures
Instrument Panel: Gauge cluster removal, dash pad replacement
HVAC System: Heater core replacement, blower motor service, A/C component repair

Troubleshooting Guide

Diagnostic procedures for common problems and performance issues.

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel, ignition, or battery issues	Check fuel delivery, spark, battery voltage, starter operation
Poor fuel economy	Tune-up needed, dragging brakes	Replace plugs, filters; check brake adjustment; verify timing
Hard shifting	Low fluid, linkage issues	Check transmission fluid level, adjust shift linkage
Steering wander	Alignment, worn components	Check alignment, inspect tie rods, ball joints, wheel bearings
Electrical problems	Ground connections, alternator	Test battery, check grounds, verify charging system output

Technical Bulletins

Factory service bulletins addressing common issues and updated repair procedures.

TSB 87-12-05: Revised carburetor adjustment procedures for cold start issues

TSB 87-15-08: Updated transmission shift linkage adjustment specifications

TSB 87-20-12: Brake pedal pulsation diagnosis and rotor service procedures

TSB 87-25-04: Electrical ground connection improvements for gauge accuracy

Wiring Diagrams

Complete electrical schematics for all vehicle systems including color-coded wire identification.

Starting & Charging System: Battery, starter, alternator wiring
Lighting Circuits: Headlights, taillights, turn signals, marker lights
Engine Management: Ignition, fuel system, emission controls
Instrument Panel: Gauges, warning lights, switches
Accessory Wiring: Radio, heater, power options

NOTE: Always disconnect battery before performing electrical work. Use proper circuit testing equipment.