1984 Ford F150 (Specs And Features)

‍The Features of the 1984 Ford F150

In 1984, Ford would begin every sales brochure with a personal letter from the company president, Donald Peterson. The letter extolled the ability of every Ford employee to commit to building the best truck in the world and continue improving them. Ford claimed that its vehicles had shown dramatic improvements since 1980 and that this ongoing company culture was just the start of winning back the trust of the American consumer.

Overview

The most significant change for the F-series lineup in 1984 was that Ford crowned the half-ton as their sole and undoubted king, retiring the F100. (1983 was the last year for the F100).

Another change was the introduction of a new high-powered 5.8L V8 HO with a reported 27% increase in horsepower. A large four-barrel carburetor, vast air filter, and low back-pressure exhaust helped boost performance. The new engine made Ford better than any of the competition because their truck was capable of delivering more power and torque when customers needed it.

The previous year (1983), Ford announced their commitment to winning back customers and improving the quality of their service by offering a lifetime guarantee on maintenance. Once a significant repair was paid for, customers were told that if the dealer had to fix it again, it would be free (both parts and labor). It was a bold move, but Ford continued the program in 1984.

Other changes in the trim lineup emerged as the sporty XLS line was dropped, and the XLT trim would enjoy its status as the luxury level for the second year in a row. (The Lariat trim level would return the following year).

The 150 Ford truck came in Regular Cab and SuperCab versions. (The Crew Cab with four doors was offered on the F350 only). Several accessories could be purchased, including cruise control with a new “resume” feature, air conditioning, a digital clock built into the dash, power doors/locks, and an AM/FM stereo with a cassette player (no more 8-track).

Exterior

The body of the F-Series stayed intact in 1984. Ford initiated the new design in 1980 with the birth of the seventh generation mainly as a way of improving fuel economy. (Americans had been through 2 oil embargos, causing family budgets to take a beating from higher gas prices). Aerodynamics became increasingly crucial as Ford streamlined its F-Series trucks with sleeker sides, contoured hoods, and a sloping front glass, all to improve airflow and mileage.

The F150 came as Styleside with straight sides or Flareside with extended rear fenders, although the flared “Shorty” was only offered as a Regular Cab (the bed was a ¼ foot shorter, too). The straight-lined Styleside beds were 6 ¾ ‘ short or 8’ long beds. The cargo area was made with double-walled galvanized sheet metal, prepped at the factory with zinc polymers to help make the metal last. (Rust and corrosion had been the bane of Ford trucks for years). To help with this matter, Ford lined the wheel well with plastic front fender aprons and rear splash shields.

For the first time, Ford paired down color choices for the exterior from 15 choices to 13. (it has been 17 for years). While the company still offered two-tone schemes, customers had to choose one of four, using silver metallic or white as the accent color.

Engine

As mentioned, Ford’s biggest change for the 1984 model was the optional 5.8L 351 high-output (HO) V8. Ford extolled the engine’s virtues by claiming a 27% increase in horsepower. The new engine required a larger air filter, 4-bbl Holley carb, and automatic transmission.

The 4.9 L 300-cu inline-six was the standard engine for the F150 with EEC-IV (an early form of electronic fuel injection). The V8 choices were optional should customers want them (most did). The engines were the 5.0 L 302, the 5.8 L 351 V8, and the 5.8 L 351 HO V8. Routine maintenance was extended to once every 10k miles.

Transmission

The 1985 model year brought a new clutch interlock that would not allow the truck to start without the clutch pedal being engaged. The 3-spd manual was standard, with options for a 4-speed manual with overdrive, an automatic with overdrive, and SelectShift automatic. The automatic was worth the extra money, and most owners paid it.

Ford used the Borg-Warner 1345 Series transfer case for four-wheel drive models, which it had been using for several years, but now the models could be shifted on the fly, which excited off-road enthusiasts to no end.

Suspension

Ford continued to use the Twin I-beam independent front suspension for 4 x 2 models, with lubed-for-life ball joints and adjustable cambers.

Interior and Trim Lines

Ford began to pay attention to ergonomics in their design of the interior of the F150. The instrument panel had a more cockpit-like, wrap-around feel. Warning lights were put above the gauges to increase their visibility.

The Standard trim offered a durable vinyl bench seat with black rubber floor mats and a black steering wheel. While the base trim offered the basics, it looked like a typical truck interior.

The XL trim offered a cloth/vinyl bench seat. Aluminum scuff plates were installed, and some wood grain appliques were thrown in for good measure. Color-keyed headliners and flooring surrounded drivers.

The XLT was the most luxurious trim level, featuring color-keyed cloth and vinyl seats riding over wall-to-wall carpeting. Plenty of faux wood grain applique made the interior look expensive. The XLT interior felt more like a high-quality sedan than a truck.

What Are The Specs For The 1984 Ford F 150?

What Is a 1984 Ford F150 Worth Today?

According to Hagerty, the price of a 1984 F150 in good condition is $9,900, depending on the options. For a review of free listings of 1984 F-Series trucks and other classic cars for sale, see classiccars.com