How many miles per gallon does a 87 f350 get?

On average, a 1987 Ford F-350 gets roughly 10 to 15 miles per gallon, with substantial variation based on the engine, axle ratio, and whether it’s four-wheel drive or loaded for work.

The 1987 F-350 was a heavy-duty pickup designed for hauling and towing rather than fuel economy. It offered gasoline V8 options and a diesel, with performance and efficiency shaped by configuration, maintenance, and driving conditions. This article outlines typical ranges and the factors that influence them to give you a clearer picture of what to expect on the road.

Engine options and typical efficiency

Below is a snapshot of common configurations from that year and the fuel economy drivers reported under regular use. These figures are approximate and reflect real-world driving rather than official EPA tests.

• Gasoline-powered V8s (roughly 5.8L/351W and 7.5L/460): typically about 8–12 mpg in city driving and 12–16 mpg on highways; combined roughly 11–14 mpg.


• Diesel-powered models (6.9L IDI): typically about 12–16 mpg in city driving and 16–22 mpg on highways; combined roughly 15–19 mpg.

Overall, diesel variants generally offer better highway efficiency, while gasoline versions are more fuel-thirsty under heavy load or towing. Real-world results vary with gearing, payload, and maintenance.

Other factors that affect MPG

Besides engine choice, several practical factors influence fuel economy on an '87 F-350:

• Drive layout and axle ratio (2WD vs. 4x4) — 4x4 typically lowers mpg by a small margin due to added drivetrain friction and weight.


• Payload and towing — carrying heavy loads or towing heavy trailers dramatically reduces mpg.


• Tire size and inflation — larger or under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce mileage.


• Maintenance and engine condition — clogged air filters, dirty fuel injectors, worn timing components, and poor ignition timing can hurt efficiency.


• Terrain and climate — hilly terrain, headwinds, and extreme temperatures can lower fuel economy.

Understanding these factors helps explain why two similarly equipped F-350s can show noticeably different mpg numbers in everyday use.

Tips to improve MPG on an '87 F-350

• Maintain proper tire pressure and align wheels to reduce rolling resistance.


• Lighten loads when towing isn’t needed and remove unnecessary cargo.


• Plan efficient routes and avoid prolonged idling; combine trips when possible.


• Use appropriate gear and avoid aggressive acceleration; smooth driving helps save fuel.

While these classic trucks aren’t designed for high fuel efficiency, careful maintenance and mindful driving can help you get the most out of every gallon.

Summary

In practical terms, an '87 Ford F-350 typically ranges from about 10 to 15 mpg, with diesel-equipped models generally achieving better highway mileage than gasoline versions. The exact figure depends on engine type, drivetrain, payload, and driving conditions. For buyers and owners, understanding these variables is key to estimating real-world fuel costs and planning workloads accordingly.

What engines were in the 1987 F350?

Engines: The F350 was available with a variety of engines during this period, including the 5.0L V8, the 5.8L 351w, the 7.5L 460 the 6.9L diesel, and the 7.3L diesel. The 5.0L 302 V8 was the base engine, while the 5.8L 351V8 was the most popular option. The 460ci 7.5L was the popular trade-off for the 7.3L diesel.

What year to stay away from Ford F350?

F-350 Super Duty models from 1998 to 2004 have the most issues. Leaf-spring front suspensions make them harder to handle. Engine issues, transmission problems, and rust are also known problems in these models.

How many miles to the gallon does a Ford F350 get?

F-350 MPG varies significantly based on engine, gearing, and whether it's empty or towing, but real-world figures often range from 10-13 MPG for the 7.3L gas engine and 11-15 MPG for the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel when towing. Unloaded, the diesel can achieve around 20 MPG on the highway, while the gas engine might get 14-17 MPG.
 
This video discusses the fuel economy of the F-350 with different engines and gears: 27sCTech-reviewYouTube · Dec 7, 2024
Gas Engine (7.3L "Godzilla") 

• Combined/City: Expect around 10−1110 minus 1110−11 MPG, but sometimes closer to 131313 MPG. 
• Highway (unloaded): Around 14−1714 minus 1714−17 MPG, with some owners reporting up to 16.516.516.5 MPG at 707070 mph. 
• Towing: Drops significantly, potentially to 10−1210 minus 1210−12 MPG with a heavy load. 

Diesel Engine (6.7L Power Stroke) 

• Combined/City: Typically around 121212 MPG. 
• Highway (unloaded): Up to 202020 MPG, though some drivers report 23−2523 minus 2523−25 MPG instantaneous on flat ground. 
• Towing: Expect about 11.411.411.4 MPG when towing a 7,200-7,500 lb travel trailer at 707070 mph, or around 12.512.512.5 MPG when towing a 15,00015 comma 00015,000 lb load. 

Factors that influence MPG

• Engine choice: The diesel engine is more efficient, especially for towing, while the gas engine has a lower upfront cost. 
• Gearing: Different rear-end gear ratios will affect your mileage. Lower gears (like 4.304.304.30) can lead to higher RPMs and lower MPG. 
• Driving habits: Aggressive acceleration and high speeds will significantly decrease fuel economy. 
• Towing/Payload: Hauling heavy loads requires more work from the engine, leading to lower MPG. 
• Tire choice: Aftermarket tires, especially larger or more aggressive ones, can lower MPG. 

How many miles per gallon does a 1987 300d get?

A 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300D typically gets about 24–26 mpg in the city and 28–30 mpg on the highway, with an overall average around 25 mpg. Real-world fuel economy can vary based on driving conditions, maintenance, and driving habits, with some owners reporting slightly higher or lower numbers.
 
This video is a review of the 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 TD Turbo, which discusses its fuel efficiency: 48sMotorWeekYouTube · May 15, 2022
Typical MPG breakdown

• City: 23–25 mpg
• Highway: 28–30 mpg
• Average: 25 mpg 

Factors that affect MPG

• Maintenance: A well-maintained engine with properly adjusted valves can achieve better mileage. 
• Driving conditions: A mix of city and highway driving will result in a lower average, while consistent highway driving at moderate speeds will yield higher results. 
• Climate control: Using the air conditioning will slightly decrease fuel economy. 
• Tire pressure: Proper tire inflation can help optimize mileage. 

How to improve MPG

• Ensure the vehicle is properly maintained, with regular service and valve adjustments. 
• Drive at consistent, moderate speeds on the highway (55–65 mph) for the best results. 
• Avoid aggressive driving and unnecessary idling. 
• Check tire pressure regularly to ensure it is within the recommended range. 

Troubleshooting low MPG

• If you are getting significantly less than 23 mpg, there may be an issue with the engine or fuel system.
• Low mileage could be a symptom of a problem like a clogged fuel filter, an issue with the injection pump, or poor engine compression.
• Make sure the cooling system is functioning correctly, as a cracked head can occur if the engine overheats, which can be a costly repair.