The 1987 Ford F-350 is a heavy-duty full-size pickup built for towing, hauling, and worksite durability, positioned above the F-250 in capability and payload. It’s part of Ford’s “Bullnose” generation (1980–1986) transitioning into the refreshed “Bricknose” body style introduced for 1987, bringing updated styling and incremental improvements while keeping the tough, simple chassis many buyers want. This truck is ideal for owners who need a straightforward, serviceable 1-ton platform for farm use, construction, plowing, or classic truck projects. On today’s market, it’s valued for its rugged drivetrains and parts availability, with condition and maintenance history playing a bigger role than mileage alone.

1) Heavy-duty 1-ton capability: The F-350 was designed for serious payload and towing compared to half-ton and three-quarter-ton trucks, often equipped with stout axles and work-grade suspension. 2) Multiple engine options (varies by configuration): Common gasoline choices included the 4.9L inline-6 (known for durability and torque), 5.0L V8, 5.8L V8, and the big-block 7.5L V8 for maximum pulling power. Many trucks were also ordered with a 6.9L or 7.3L IDI diesel depending on build and market, prized for longevity when maintained. 3) Rear-wheel drive or 4x4 availability: Buyers could choose 2WD for simpler operation and lower costs, or 4WD for snow, off-road access, and jobsite traction. 4) Work-focused design: Simple mechanical layout, body-on-frame construction, and a large engine bay make it approachable for DIY maintenance and upgrades. 5) Broad configuration range: Regular cab and longer bed setups were common, and many were ordered as chassis cab or with utility bodies for commercial use.

Owners searching “1987 Ford F-350 problems” often find that these trucks can be very reliable when maintained, but age-related wear and heavy-duty use create predictable trouble spots. 1) Fuel system and drivability issues: Gas models can develop hard starting, rough idle, or hesitation from aging fuel pumps, clogged filters, carburetor issues (if equipped), or vacuum leaks. These problems often show up after decades of service rather than at a specific mileage, but many trucks start acting up once rubber hoses and gaskets age out. 2) Cooling system weaknesses: Overheating complaints frequently trace back to worn radiators, weak fan clutches, old hoses, or neglected coolant changes. Big-block 7.5L trucks and hard-working tow rigs are especially sensitive; overheating under load can appear around the 100,000–200,000 mile range depending on maintenance and workload. 3) Automatic transmission wear (if equipped): Many F-350s spent their lives towing, which can accelerate clutch and band wear in older automatics and lead to slipping, delayed shifts, or overheating. Failures are commonly linked to infrequent fluid changes or lack of an auxiliary transmission cooler. 4) Steering, front-end, and brake wear: Loose steering feel, wandering, or uneven tire wear can come from worn tie rods, ball joints, track bar bushings (4x4), and steering gear play. Brake complaints are often related to aging rubber lines, calipers/wheel cylinders, and old fluid; heavy loads magnify these issues.