What is the mpg on a 1987 Ford f350 diesel?
The typical fuel economy for a 1987 Ford F-350 diesel, powered by Ford's 6.9L IDI V8, sits in the mid-teens. Expect roughly 15–20 miles per gallon on the highway and about 12–15 miles per gallon in city or mixed driving, with real-world results highly dependent on payload, gearing, and engine condition.
Engine and drivetrain context
In 1987, the F-350 commonly used the 6.9-liter Indirect Injection (IDI) diesel. It was paired with a heavy-duty manual or automatic transmission and a sturdy axle setup. The engine typically produced roughly 170–180 horsepower and about 315–330 lb-ft of torque, with no factory turbo option on most configurations. These hardware details influence fuel economy as much as the engine itself.
Typical mpg ranges
Below are representative ranges reported by owners and testers for the 6.9L IDI-powered F-350, reflecting highway, city, and mixed driving under typical load conditions.
- Highway mpg: approximately 15–20 mpg
- City/mixed mpg: approximately 12–15 mpg
- Combined mpg: approximately 13–17 mpg
Note that these figures can swing based on gearing (axle ratio), payload, and how well the engine and fuel system are maintained.
Factors that influence mpg
Several variables determine actual fuel economy on a vintage F-Series diesel. The most impactful factors are listed below.
- Payload and towing weight
- Drivetrain configuration and axle ratio
- Transmission type (manual vs. automatic) and gear selection
- Engine maintenance: timing, injection pump calibration, and fuel filter condition
- Air intake, exhaust condition, and whether a turbo is present or not
- Tire size and rolling resistance
- Driving style and terrain (hilly vs. flat, long-distance vs. stop-and-go)
With diligent maintenance and sensible driving, owners can maximize fuel economy within the design limits of this classic diesel.
Historical context vs modern expectations
When new, the 1987 F-Series diesels prioritized durability and torque over peak efficiency. In today’s terms, real-world fuel economy for these trucks generally sits in the mid-teens, with highway efficiency higher than urban figures. Modern diesel tech has improved efficiency, but well-maintained 6.9L IDI engines can still deliver usable mileage for their era and purpose.
Summary
In short, a 1987 Ford F-350 diesel typically achieves mid-teens miles per gallon, with highway figures higher and city figures lower depending on load and condition. Real-world results vary widely based on payload, gearing, and maintenance, so actual MPG should be considered in the context of how the truck is used and cared for.
