What’s the best Gen 4 year?

I don't know that there's a particularly 'best' year but in general, the later the better. Fuel injection arrived in 1988 for the 351 and the 300 six. Five speeds also arrived that year although the HD 5 speed didn't last long and they went back to the 4 speed (never have figured that one out). The E4OD came along and replaced the C6, which increased fuel economy and highway drivability. If I was going to get one, it would probably be an 89-91 model.

tzuercher

I don't know that there's a particularly 'best' year but in general, the later the better. Fuel injection arrived in 1988 for the 351 and the 300 six. Five speeds also arrived that year although the HD 5 speed didn't last long and they went back to the 4 speed (never have figured that one out). The E4OD came along and replaced the C6, which increased fuel economy and highway drivability. If I was going to get one, it would probably be an 89-91 model.

Didn't the 300 get fuel injection in 87? Gonna look at one tomorrow that's for sale near me.

TorgSurv

Didn't the 300 get fuel injection in 87? Gonna look at one tomorrow that's for sale near me.

Yes - you’re right! I always get the changeover years mixed up when I don’t have the reference materials right in front of me.

I had an 87 with the 300 and T-18 4 spd, loved that combo! I also had an 89 XLT, 351 and C6 which was another great rig. I agree with @tzuercher, go with the fuel injected years, however many good models/combos to choose from!

TorgSurv

Didn't the 300 get fuel injection in 87? Gonna look at one tomorrow that's for sale near me.

300 with 4 speed? That would be a nice find and a great trail rig. Good luck on your search!

Bronc96

300 with 4 speed? That would be a nice find and a great trail rig. Good luck on your search!

Unfortunately that guy flaked on me, kept giving me the runaround for a week, then deleted the ad. Now looking at a 91 instead, but this one is a 5.0 auto instead of the 300 manual.

TorgSurv

Unfortunately that guy flaked on me, kept giving me the runaround for a week, then deleted the ad. Now looking at a 91 instead, but this one is a 5.0 auto instead of the 300 manual.

Cant go wrong with a small block 302! :)

I had a 88 bronco with a 302 and a aod transmission i loved that bronco

TorgSurv

Unfortunately that guy flaked on me, kept giving me the runaround for a week, then deleted the ad. Now looking at a 91 instead, but this one is a 5.0 auto instead of the 300 manual.

That 302 is a fantastic little v8. My brother has an 88 f250 with a 302 and a 5 speed. The stupid thing has nearly 300,000 miles and still runs. When he was younger he wrecked it into the side of a bridge at 65-70 mph and it only damaged the front bumper, headlight, and fender. That truck is the definition of "Built Ford Tough".