1992 Ford F-150 XLT Lariat

Description

Big jobs need big trucks, and it was right about the time that this 1992 Ford F-150 XLT Extended Cab was built that these trucks really started to take off and dominate the market for Ford. With 5.0L EFI V8 power, a stylish, fleetside long bed that'll carry anything, and a gorgeous extended cab interior that's in great condition, this affordable, low-mileage Ford truck is on the cusp of "modern classic" status and can be driven and enjoyed across the country with nary a worry.

The big, squared-off style of the '80s F-series started rounding out with the launch of these 9th generation trucks ('92-'97), and the updated look works particularly well with a 'Tu-Tone' paint scheme. The newly designed F-Series architecture adapted elements from the Explorer, E-Series, and even the Ranger and featured a lower hoodline along with rounded front fenders, bumpers, and a curvy grille/headlight set-up. Crisply rendered and very butch, this rig looks like it could pull an ocean liner out of the water, or pull up to the valet at a Michelin Star restaurant and not be escorted to the loading dock. That's factory Bimini Blue Metallic over Silver Metallic paint, and it's been very well-maintained for being almost 30 years old (yes, 30!). Sure, it's a driver-quality rig that's not a perfect specimen by any means, but I'm not sure I've seen many better-looking trucks with three decades and just over 100K miles logged. And we love the colors, not only do they work perfectly together, but they're almost a little disarming on such a large truck. The big chrome grille and clear lights up front, oversized mirrors, heavy-duty bumpers, and that tall stance all add to the rugged feel, although you'll ultimately discover that this pickup is pretty darned civilized. The bed has been very lightly used and never abused by the looks of things, and that's partly because the spray-in bedliner back there has likely been in place since it was new. It has lived its entire life in Texas with just two owners since new, both of whom took great care of the truck and because it lived down south and doesn't have a lot of miles for a truck like this (relatively speaking), there are no critical structural issues to worry about underneath. Get in, have some fun, or put it to work!

Gray cloth 'captain chairs' flank a wide central console to make long-distance cruising a pleasure. The upholstery is in shockingly good condition and the big cab feels downright spacious, even with the folding mini-bench in back. Original carpets are still in good shape, as are the matching door panels (although the driver's side has some visible wear in the high-traffic areas), and for a hauler like this, you're going to want options: cold A/C, power windows and locks, electric mirrors, cruise control, ABS brakes, and a tilt steering column are among the highlights of this F-150's optional Preferred Equipment Package. The only non-original piece we could find is the upgraded Kenwood AM/FM/CD/AUX head unit in the factory dash slot that manages a booming stereo inside, but I think we can all see the reason for the change. Big, bright gauges, including the optional tachometer, offer a comprehensive view of the engine's condition and with 108,362 believed original miles, you guys familiar with these trucks understand that this one is just getting started. A giant sliding rear window is a nice feature, giving the cab a fish bowl feel that's tempered down with tinted glass, and we have to say that climbing in this truck feels like coming home; who didn't have an F-Series back in the '90s?

Ford's venerable 5.0L cubic inch V8 was built EXACTLY with trucks like this in mind. With modern EFI on top, it's a torque factory and shrugs off the biggest loads you can put behind it. The big low-RPM engine isn't stressed, so it will run practically forever and despite a number of modifications available for these trucks, this one remains bone stock, from the twin intake snorkels to the original catalytic converter on the factory exhaust. It's tidy but not overly detailed under the hood, but just being pretty isn't this truck's only job, it can put the work in too. Ford's tough electronic 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission offers good gearing to make the most of the small block's torque curve and a tall overdrive that turns highway hauls into relaxing road trips. Southern living is most visible underneath, where it's extremely clean and well-preserved, from the Twin-I-Beam front suspension to the gigantic rear end, which has factory 3.55 gears inside. Power steering and power front disc brakes help with the truck's road manners, and the soundtrack has been improved with the addition of a chambered Flowmaster muffler and a 'dump' pipe that exits before the rear axle (the stock catalytic convertor is still in place as well). It's stanced high up in the air on newer Rough Country shocks out back, and the big body sits on black 20-inch GRID alloy wheels wrapped in beefy 37x13.5x20 mud-terrain truck radials to finish off the rugged look.

If you've priced this generation F-series trucks lately, you know these pickups are really gaining steam. Still ready to work, still handsome, and still comfortable, it represents a great deal of practicality for not a lot of cash. Call today!