1988 Ford F350 Repair Manual Free Download

The 1988 Ford F350 is a heavy-duty pickup truck featuring robust construction, powerful engine options including the 7.5L V8, durable chassis, and versatile towing capabilities. This comprehensive repair manual covers maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair procedures for all major systems including engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, electrical, and more. Below are key sections for specifications, maintenance schedules, repair procedures, wiring diagrams, and troubleshooting guides.

1. Vehicle Specifications 2. Maintenance Schedule 3. Engine Repair 4. Transmission Service 5. Brake System 6. Suspension & Steering 7. Electrical System 8. Fuel System 9. Cooling System 10. Troubleshooting Guide

Vehicle Specifications

Key components: Engine options, transmission types, chassis specifications, and capacity ratings.

Specification	Description
Engine Options	7.5L V8, 6.9L Diesel V8, 5.8L V8
Transmission	4-speed manual, 3-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	133" Regular Cab, 159" Crew Cab
Payload Capacity	4,200-5,600 lbs
Towing Capacity	Up to 10,000 lbs
Fuel Capacity	19-38 gallons
Brake System	Front disc, rear drum with power assist
Suspension	Front twin-I-beam, rear leaf springs
GVWR	8,600-10,000 lbs
Electrical	12-volt system with 60-100 amp alternator

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance intervals and service requirements.

Oil Change: Every 3,000 miles or 3 months
Filter Replacement: Air filter every 15,000 miles, fuel filter every 30,000 miles
Tire Rotation: Every 6,000 miles
Brake Inspection: Every 12,000 miles
Coolant Flush: Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Transmission Service: Every 30,000 miles
Spark Plugs: Replace every 30,000 miles

WARNING! Always use jack stands when working under vehicle. Follow torque specifications precisely.

Engine Repair

Comprehensive engine service procedures and specifications.

Compression Test: Check cylinder compression (should be 125-150 psi)
Timing Adjustment: Set initial timing to 10° BTDC
Valve Adjustment: Hydraulic lifters - check for proper clearance
Oil Pressure: Should be 35-65 psi at operating temperature
Cooling System: Maintain proper coolant level and mixture

CAUTION! Allow engine to cool before opening cooling system. Use proper safety equipment.

Transmission Service

Manual Transmission: GL-4 gear oil, capacity 3.5-4.5 pints
Automatic Transmission: Type F fluid, capacity 12-17 quarts
Fluid Change: Drain and refill every 30,000 miles
Filter Service: Replace filter during fluid change
Band Adjustment: Adjust bands per specification
Shift Linkage: Check and adjust for proper engagement
Torque Converter: Inspect for wear and proper operation

Brake System

Complete brake system maintenance and repair procedures.

Front Disc Brakes: Rotor minimum thickness 1.245", pad replacement when worn to 1/8"

Rear Drum Brakes: Drum maximum diameter 12.090", shoe replacement when lining worn to 1/16"

Master Cylinder: Check fluid level regularly, use DOT 3 brake fluid. Brake Lines: Inspect for corrosion and damage. Parking Brake: Adjust cable tension for proper operation. Power Booster: Test vacuum assist function.

Suspension & Steering

Front suspension: Twin-I-beam with coil springs. Rear suspension: Leaf springs with shock absorbers.

Ball Joint Inspection: Check for wear and play
Tie Rod Ends: Replace if excessive movement detected
Shock Absorbers: Test rebound and replace if leaking
Spring Inspection: Check for sagging or broken leaves
Alignment Specifications: Camber 0° to +1°, Caster +2° to +4°, Toe-in 1/16" to 1/8"

Tip: Always check suspension components with vehicle on lift and wheels hanging free.

Electrical System

12-volt negative ground system with charging and starting circuits.

Battery: Group 65, 650 CCA minimum
Alternator: 60-100 amp output, test voltage regulation
Starter: Test draw current and solenoid operation
Ignition System: Check coil resistance and distributor operation
Lighting: Test all circuits including headlights, taillights, and signals
Fuses: Check and replace blown fuses in fuse panel
Wiring: Inspect for corrosion and damaged insulation
Ground Connections: Clean and secure all ground points

WARNING! Disconnect battery before working on electrical system. Use circuit tester for diagnosis.

Fuel System

Carbureted and fuel injection systems service procedures.

Cooling System

Maintain proper engine operating temperature with correct cooling system service.

CAUTION! Never remove radiator cap when engine is hot. Use 50/50 coolant mixture for proper protection.

Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel, spark, or compression issue	Check fuel delivery, ignition system, and compression
Poor fuel economy	Carburetor adjustment, timing	Adjust carburetor mixture and check ignition timing
Brake pulling	Stuck caliper, contaminated pads	Inspect calipers and replace contaminated components
Transmission slipping	Low fluid, worn bands	Check fluid level and condition, adjust bands
Electrical issues	Bad grounds, corroded connections	Clean and secure all ground connections and terminals

Reset: Disconnect battery for 30 minutes to reset computer if equipped.

Service: Refer to factory service manual for detailed specifications and procedures.