20 Most Recent 1981 Ford F 150 Questions & Answers

Question edited for clarity. Question moved to model category. Check out the videos https://www.google.com/search?q=1981+ford+f-150+upper+ball+joint+replacement ..

Contact Grainger. they have replacement parts for all machines some times cheaper then the manufactures prices.
this is there web page:

http://www.grainger.com/

If the transmission was rebuilt 2 years ago the fluid and filter did not need to be changed. In a 1981 there are no trouble codes to retrieve so whoever suggested that is out to lunch, Unfortunatley you need to get the transmission rebuilt again, hopefully it gets done better this time. Using the dexron oil in Ford transmissions is something transmission shops do because they don't want to stock different fluids. While it's not likely that using dexron oil lead to the failure it would be better to use mercon or type F oil.

Here is a diagram from a 1980. It should be close or the same. It goes to the igition modulator http://s447.photobucket.com/user/darosamarciel/media/scan0002-2.jpg.html

Do you have a question???

The problem is that when you have the switch in the START position, you are getting power to the ignition system, but not when in the RUN position. Most likely causes are a bad ignition switch, a faulty aftermarket alarm system [if it has one] or a bad ballest resistor wire going to the ignition coil's + terminal. You need to break out your test light and start checking to see where the fault lies.

Check fuseable link wires(original ones have flags on them) that are on battery side of the starter solenoid.

You need a carburator adjustment. I'm guessing it is a 302cid? It's burning too lean

find mounting bolts from frame to bed and remove them, disconnect wire harness to lights and remove