The OBS era of the Ford F-150 pickup represents some of the more sought-after years of the classic workhorse, and not solely because of their impressive durability. They also are still fairly capable daily drivers, and as the price and complexity of modern pickup trucks continues to escalate, it’s hardly a surprise that rigs like this 1992 Ford F-150 here on craigslist are still sought after. This example is equipped with four-wheel drive, a manual transmission, and the tried-and-true 5.0L V8. The seller is asking $13,900 and the cool two-tone truck shows just over 136,000 original miles.
I love that the seller included a photo of the truck still hauling plywood, as it reminds you that a truck at its core is really intended to do a few basic things well. We don’t need $90,000 trucks that have internet connectivity and self-massaging seats. The 1992-1996 Ford F150s are considered the last edition of the ninth-generation models, hence the reference to it being the final version of the OBS trucks. The looks were a blend of the truck that was sold throughout the 1980s, with a classic 90s “aero” treatment, meaning the nose got a little more streamlined. Of course, the clearest sign we were in the 90s was the two-tone color treatment with a heavy dose of teal.
When we talk about older Ford pickups, there’s a tendency to only focus on the models equipped with the 7.3L Powerstroke, and it’s understandable; after all, that was a ridiculously overbuilt engine that had a reputation for racking up ridiculous miles. However, it’s a shame that the durability of the classic 5.0L V8 is sometimes overshadowed because of it, and given the price difference between the gas and turbodiesel models, buying a rig like this one with reasonable miles looks downright sensible. The fact that it’s paired with a manual transmission makes it even more appealing. In stock form, this truck generated 185 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque.
The interior tells the story about practically any vehicle, and is a clear barometer as to how it’s been looked after. The seller references that the F150 was a West Coast truck before ending up in Maryland, and while I do love being in a place where winter is a generally short-lived season, there’s no denying we still use plenty of road salt here when the roads turn slippery. So, buying a vintage vehicle that apparently is a transplant to our occasionally snowy state makes it a great choice for local buyers. With lots of recent maintenance and confirmation that both tanks and fuel pumps are working well, this seems like as close to a turnkey truck as you can get. Thanks to Barn Finds readers Al_Bundy and Mike for sending this one in.
Nice truck. OBS Fords in good condition have become sought-after. This example has two features I wish were still available in new trucks: manual transmissions, and eye-catching two-tone paint schemes. (Technically one can get two-tones in new F-150’s, but it is just one muted color just around the lower body in I think just the King Ranch trim.) This OBS should have plenty of life remaining.
Thanks Jeff.
I agree with you Bob about both. There is only one turn off with me with the new Maverick, no stick. ( two tone would look nice too).
Very clean. No rust. And the bed and tailgate paint ( what we can see with the wood loaded) looks really good too. Jeff made a good point about the engines. We always talk about the 7.3 Powerstroke, or even the 300 straight six, but the 302 and 351 were great truck engines as well in these. I like the dash design and gauge placement on this generation of Ford trucks too. Its all right in front of you. Nowadays you have to scroll through screens to get to what you want to see. It almost seems to more stuff they’ve added to modern vehicles with their screens etc and safety features, the more dangerous they become by taking our eyes off thebroad to see the screens or flip through the menus. ( Maybe I’m in the minority here) Nice write up Jeff.
Great looking truck in all aspects. Two comments; this body style was offered in 1997 as an either/or for the old school vs new body design. Secondly, a local fella has the venerable Powerstroke diesel and about 3 months ago he told he had 532,xxx miles on it and had never had a problem.
“OBS” was only on Super Duty trucks for ‘97 model year. F150 and F250 non Super Duty were the new body style.
No complaints but, I don’t see 136+k miles on that bench seat.
This looks likes just I want: A nicely appointed LONG BED pickup truck but since I only need the truck features 2-3 times/month I won’t buy a new one. However, it is so nice it deserves a nice new home so I will park it inside (Scout’s honor).
Is it still available? @ 1420 on 9/29?
Yes the 5.0/302 is as desirable as the 300 6 cyl. Also, this is a pain to park being a super cab AND a long bed. I’m not sure when these became SFI. (1992 maybe?) The earlier trucks were “batch fire” injection. Meaning the injectors would fire a bank at a time. I had a an F150 1989 5.0/302 Super Cab short bed that I switched over to SFI. And a Mustang controller. It took me several evenings with the engine harness stretched over the fender and out onto a table to trace down the injector wires. As since they were batch fire originally the color codes didn’t always compute. I also found an error in the factory wiring diagram where the pages folded out almost as long as the wiring did. (I worked at a Ford store back then) The error had an injector control wire going to ground. So I was very meticulous in my wiring change over. I notified Ford of the error and just popped pooed me. When I showed our factory service engineer he got very concerned and contacted the guys boss that I had talked to. I received an apology and a gift card from Ford engineering for pointing out the error. I had installed a 4.10 9″ rear diff because I was hauling a small and light weight 5th wheel. (19 foot) I was quite happy with the 12-14 mpg I was getting hauling the trailer and the 18-20 might running empty. I was using a very beefed AOD (automatic overdrive transmisdion) from a Crown Vic.
Parking? No problem for me – it’s all relative when compared to parking my 1962 Caddy convertible; or my 57 Caddy Sedan Seville; or my 52 Chevy Sedan Delivery; or my 97 Suburban. And since I usually going to Home Depot and back home to the garage that’s really a non-issue.
But my daily driver is a 2015 Toyota Highlander (a GREAT vehicle for 9 out 10 things I need to do with wheels). BUT the Lexus 500 is now at the top of my car list – WOW!.
By the way, in the interest of correctness, There is no plywood in the bed of the truck. It is actually REAL lumber. Just sayin(lol)
I have had 4 of these OBS Ford’s since 1968. I must say most all served me for 250k plus. Biggest issue was rusted brake lines. Other than that great work and daily drivers.