How many miles per gallon does a 87 F-350 get?
Typically, a 1987 Ford F-350 with gasoline engines achieves about 9–12 miles per gallon in city driving and 12–16 mpg on the highway; diesel versions commonly reach 12–15 mpg in city driving and 15–20 mpg on the highway.
To understand why those numbers vary, it's important to remember that the 1987 F-350 came with multiple engines (gasoline V8 options and a 6.9L IDI diesel) and configurations (two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive). Weight, towing, age, and maintenance all play a major role in real-world fuel economy.
Engine and drivetrain options and their impact
The following ranges reflect typical real-world experience across common configurations from that era.
- Gasoline-powered F-350s in two-wheel drive (2WD): roughly 9–12 mpg in city driving and 12–16 mpg on the highway.
- Gasoline-powered F-350s with four-wheel drive (4x4): typically 1–3 mpg lower in both city and highway driving due to added drivetrain drag.
- Diesel-powered F-350s (6.9L IDI, usually 2WD or 4x4): around 12–15 mpg city and 15–20 mpg highway, with variations based on weight and towing.
In practice, the true figure depends on engine condition, payload, towing load, tire type and inflation, and how the vehicle is driven.
Real-world factors and tips to maximize efficiency
Beyond the configuration, several everyday factors can push MPG higher or lower. The list below highlights common influences and practical tips.
- Maintenance and tune-up: Regular oil changes, air filter replacement, spark plug condition (for gasoline engines) and proper fuel injection or injection pump maintenance for diesels can improve efficiency.
- Weight management: Removing unnecessary weight and avoiding excessive payload or towing beyond rated capacity reduces fuel use.
- Fuel and tires: Using the correct fuel type and maintaining proper tire pressure and alignment reduces rolling resistance.
- Driving style: Gentle acceleration, steady speeds, and minimizing aggressive braking help improve MPG on older trucks.
- Aerodynamics and accessories: Reducing wind resistance with aerodynamic add-ons or removing roof racks when not needed can help at highway speeds.
While the F-350 is built as a work truck, mindful operation can yield noticeable improvements in fuel economy, especially on long highway drives.
Summary
The 1987 Ford F-350's gas mileage varies by engine and configuration. Gasoline models generally fall in the 9–12 mpg city / 12–16 mpg highway range, while diesel models typically achieve 12–15 mpg city and 15–20 mpg highway. Real-world results depend on condition, weight, towing, driving style, and maintenance.
Notes on data context
Exact mpg can differ based on the specific engine, transmission, gearing, and whether the truck is loaded or towing. There are no universal EPA ratings for every 1987 F-350 variant; owner-reported figures are the best reference in absence of official archived data.
Summary end: For anyone researching retro-truck fuel economy, these figures provide a practical baseline, with real-world results likely to vary based on the truck’s condition and how it’s used.
