Looking At A 1986 3/4 Ford Diesel
 

Guy did not know what motor it had in it. It has 215k on the clock and the wheel wells are rusted. What motor am I looking at? What front end, straight axle or twin I beam? What kind of mileage could I expect? Will this run well on VO? I pretty much don't know anything about these trucks. Hopefully you all can help educate me.

Dana 50 or HD44 twin traction beam, depends on the gross axle rating of the truck, Dana 60 only came in F350's and its the first year since 79 that came with a solid axle 60, 6.9 naturally aspirated diesel if the truck is actually a diesel, if not it could have a 4.9, 5.0, 5.8, or 7.5, check around the bottom of the block around the oil pan rail for water leaks or cracks or welded spots and also check the oil for water, they have a horrible problem with cavitation that destroys the bottoms of the cylinders, tranny will either be a C6 3 speed automatic or T19 4 speed, comes with a borg-warner t-case, pretty decent old farm truck, mileage should be mid teens

you sure about that? I have an 86 F250 with a NA 6.9 and it has a 60 in the rear.

He was talking about a Dana 60 front diff. And yes I would agree with all that Logan (hopefully thats your name) said. It could also have an aftermarket turbo, but I would highly doubt it. Yes they can run quite well on WVO, though they require a few minor tweaks to run on it without any hassles. Milage varies widely. I've heard people with the C6 auto and 4.10 gears get in the low teens, and I have a T-19 tranny with 3.54's and get high teens.

yes you got my name correct, and up until like 87 or 88, whenever they started using the corporate rearends they used dana 60's....i think, not completely sure....

To answer that question, No. You would have to change out all the rubber so that it could withstand the VO or BioD - otherwise, it would degrade quickly (especially being that old) and you'll have leaks everywhere.

86 or 87 was a change over year for the Sterling 10 1/4 rear axle.

86 would have the 10.25 Sterling under the rear, with eith a T19 or C6 auto. The 6.9's didnt have as bad a problem with caviation as the 7.3's did. They are very strong low power old motors like most of the old Ford motors. It will have the twin I beam front end under it more likely being the Dana 50 since it is diesel. Its hard to beat an old Ford wether anyone wants to admit it or not. I have a 6.9 sitting at the house I'm going to go through.