1987 Ford F800 Dump Truck Field Performance and Restoration Notes

[MikePhua]

The F800 and Ford’s Medium-Duty Workhorse Legacy
The Ford F800 was part of Ford’s medium-duty truck lineup during the 1980s, positioned between the lighter F-series pickups and the heavy-duty L-series. Built for vocational use—construction, municipal hauling, and agricultural transport—the F800 offered a robust chassis, multiple drivetrain options, and a customizable platform for dump bodies, flatbeds, and utility boxes. By 1987, Ford had refined the F800 into a reliable workhorse, with tens of thousands sold across North America.
The 1987 model year featured a squared-off cab design, mechanical diesel engines, and analog instrumentation. Its simplicity made it ideal for field repairs and long-term ownership, especially in rural fleets and small contractor operations.
Engine and Drivetrain Configuration
Most 1987 F800s were equipped with either the Ford 6.6L diesel V8 or the larger 7.8L inline-six diesel, both built under license from New Holland. These engines were naturally aspirated or turbocharged depending on spec, delivering torque in the 400–600 lb-ft range.
Typical drivetrain specs:

• Engine: Ford 7.8L diesel inline-six
  
• Transmission: 5-speed manual with 2-speed rear axle (splitter)
  
• Rear axle: Rockwell or Eaton full-floating
  
• GVWR: 26,000–33,000 lb depending on configuration
  
• Dump body: 10–14 ft steel bed with hydraulic hoist
  

Key terminology:

• GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): The maximum allowable weight of the truck including payload.
  
• Full-floating axle: An axle design where the weight is supported by the axle housing, not the shaft itself.
  
• Splitter: A gear reduction unit allowing more gear ratios from a standard transmission.
  

One operator in Pennsylvania reported that his F800 could haul 8 tons of gravel without strain, thanks to the torque-rich inline-six and dual-range rear axle. The manual transmission allowed precise control on steep grades and jobsite approaches.
Hydraulic Dump System and Maintenance Tips
The dump body is powered by a hydraulic hoist, typically a single-stage or telescoping cylinder mounted beneath the bed. The system includes:

• Hydraulic pump driven by PTO (Power Take-Off)
  
• Reservoir and filter
  
• Control valve and lever in cab
  
• Cylinder with pivot mounts and safety props
  

Common issues include:

• Slow lift due to clogged filters or low fluid
  
• Cylinder leaks from worn seals
  
• Pump noise from cavitation or air ingress
  
• Bed misalignment from worn hinge bushings
  

Recommendations:

• Replace hydraulic fluid every 1000 hours or annually
  
• Inspect cylinder seals and rod condition quarterly
  
• Clean or replace suction filter and screen
  
• Grease hinge points and pivot pins monthly
  
• Install a pressure gauge to monitor system health
  

One fleet in Alberta added a hydraulic fluid sight gauge and temperature sensor to their dump trucks, reducing downtime and catching pump failures early.
Electrical System and Starting Reliability
The F800’s electrical system is 12-volt, with a gear-reduction starter and mechanical glow plug timer (on diesel models). Over time, wiring insulation can degrade, especially near the firewall and under the cab.
Electrical tips:

• Inspect battery cables for corrosion and voltage drop
  
• Replace starter solenoid if cranking is intermittent
  
• Clean ground straps and apply dielectric grease
  
• Test glow plug resistance and replace if above spec
  
• Use a relay bypass for glow plug control if timer fails
  

One operator in Georgia installed a manual glow plug switch after repeated timer failures. The modification improved cold starts and reduced battery strain.
Brake System and Safety Considerations
The F800 uses hydraulic or air-over-hydraulic brakes depending on configuration. The system includes:

• Dual master cylinder with vacuum booster
  
• Rear drum brakes with self-adjusters
  
• Parking brake on driveshaft or rear axle
  
• Optional air tanks and compressor for trailer braking
  

Brake maintenance:

• Bleed hydraulic system annually to remove moisture
  
• Inspect drums and shoes for wear and glazing
  
• Replace wheel cylinders if leaking or sticking
  
• Test parking brake hold on incline
  
• Monitor vacuum booster for proper assist
  

One contractor in Ohio upgraded his F800 to full air brakes after adding a pup trailer. The conversion required new tanks, valves, and compressor but improved braking control under load.
Cab Comfort and Operator Interface
The 1987 cab is utilitarian but functional. Features include:

• Vinyl bench seat or split bucket
  
• Manual windows and locks
  
• AM/FM radio and heater
  
• Mechanical gauges for oil, temp, and air pressure
  
• Tilt hood for engine access
  

Operators appreciate the visibility and simplicity, though noise and vibration are notable at highway speeds. Many owners retrofit sound insulation, air seats, and LED lighting for comfort and safety.
Restoration and Collector Interest
Vintage medium-duty trucks like the F800 are gaining interest among restorers and collectors, especially for parade use, farm nostalgia, or custom builds. Restoration costs vary:

• Mechanical refresh: $5,000–$10,000
  
• Bodywork and paint: $8,000–$15,000
  
• Interior upgrades: $2,000–$4,000
  
• Dump body rebuild: $3,000–$6,000
  

One restorer in Texas converted his F800 into a show truck with polished tanks, custom paint, and a wood-lined dump bed. The truck now tours regional fairs and vintage truck meets.
Conclusion
The 1987 Ford F800 dump truck remains a durable and versatile platform for hauling, site work, and restoration. With its mechanical diesel engine, manual transmission, and straightforward hydraulics, it offers reliability and field serviceability that modern trucks often lack. Whether hauling gravel or cruising in a parade, the F800 stands as a testament to Ford’s medium-duty legacy—simple, strong, and built to last.