1988 Ford Truck Shop Manual

The 1988 Ford Truck Shop Manual provides comprehensive service and repair information for all 1988 Ford truck models including F-Series, Bronco, and Ranger. This manual covers engine systems, transmission, drivetrain, suspension, brakes, electrical systems, and body components. Below are key sections for maintenance procedures, specifications, troubleshooting, and repair instructions.

1. Vehicle Identification 2. Maintenance Schedules 3. Engine Systems 4. Transmission & Drivetrain 5. Suspension & Steering 6. Brake Systems 7. Electrical Systems 8. Body & Interior 9. Specifications 10. Troubleshooting

Vehicle Identification

Locate VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on driver's side dashboard visible through windshield or on door jamb sticker.

Component	Location
VIN Plate	Driver side dashboard
Certification Label	Driver door jamb
Engine Code	8th digit of VIN
Transmission Code	7th digit of VIN
Axle Code	Certification label
Paint Code	Certification label

Maintenance Schedules

Follow recommended service intervals for optimal performance and longevity.

Oil and filter change: Every 3,000 miles or 3 months
Tire rotation: Every 6,000 miles
Air filter replacement: Every 15,000 miles
Spark plugs: Every 30,000 miles
Coolant flush: Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Transmission fluid: Every 30,000 miles
Brake fluid: Every 30,000 miles or 2 years

WARNING! Use only recommended fluids and filters. Failure to follow maintenance schedule may void warranty.

Engine Systems

Available engines for 1988 Ford trucks include 2.3L I4, 2.9L V6, 4.9L I6, 5.0L V8, and 7.5L V8.

2.3L I4: Overhead cam, electronic fuel injection
2.9L V6: Multi-port fuel injection, hydraulic lifters
4.9L I6: Electronic fuel injection, cast iron block
5.0L V8: Electronic fuel injection, 185-210 horsepower
7.5L V8: Electronic fuel injection, 230-245 horsepower

Service procedures include valve adjustment, timing belt/chain replacement, fuel system service, and cooling system maintenance.

Transmission & Drivetrain

Available transmissions include manual and automatic options.

Transmission	Type	Applications
M5OD-R1	5-speed manual	F-150, Bronco
T-18	4-speed manual	Heavy-duty F-Series
AOD	4-speed automatic	F-150, Bronco
C6	3-speed automatic	Heavy-duty applications

Drivetrain components include transfer cases (4WD models), drive shafts, and differentials.

Suspension & Steering

Twin-I-Beam front suspension on 2WD models; Dana 44 front axle on 4WD models.

Front suspension: Coil springs, shock absorbers
Rear suspension: Leaf springs, shock absorbers
Steering: Recirculating ball type, power steering standard
Alignment specifications: Camber, caster, toe settings

CAUTION! Use proper jacking points when lifting vehicle. Always support with jack stands.

Brake Systems

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes standard on all models.

Front brakes: Disc, single piston calipers
Rear brakes: Drum, self-adjusting
Master cylinder: Dual reservoir
Power booster: Vacuum assisted
Parking brake: Mechanical, rear wheels

Bleeding procedure: Start with right rear, left rear, right front, left front.

Electrical Systems

12-volt negative ground system with alternator charging.

Component	Specification
Battery	12V, group size 65
Alternator	65-95 amp output
Starter	Direct drive, 1.4 kW
Fuse panel	Under dashboard
Relays	Engine compartment

Wiring diagrams included for charging, starting, lighting, and accessory circuits.

Body & Interior

Regular cab and SuperCab configurations available.

Body panels: Steel construction
Bed: 6.5 ft or 8 ft lengths
Doors: Manual or power windows/locks
Seats: Bench or bucket configurations
Instrument cluster: Analog gauges

Repair procedures for door adjustment, glass replacement, and trim installation.

Specifications

Wheelbase: 116.8" to 168.4"
Overall length: 183.3" to 230.7"
Overall width: 79.3"
Overall height: 70.8" to 76.8"
Curb weight: 3,800 to 5,200 lbs
Fuel capacity: 16 to 19 gallons
Towing capacity: 2,000 to 10,000 lbs
Payload capacity: 1,500 to 5,000 lbs

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Battery, ignition, fuel	Check battery voltage, spark, fuel pressure
Rough idle	Vacuum leak, sensors	Inspect vacuum hoses, test TPS and MAP sensors
Transmission slipping	Fluid level, bands	Check fluid level and condition, adjust bands
Brake pulling	Calipers, alignment	Inspect calipers, check front end alignment
Electrical issues	Grounds, fuses	Check ground connections, test fuses and relays

Technical Support: Contact Ford Customer Service at 1-800-392-3673

Parts Information: Genuine Ford parts available through authorized dealers