Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1983 F.
The 1983 Ford F-Series, built on the 350 platform, was powered by engines requiring 5.0 quarts of oil with a recommended viscosity of 5W-30 API grade, specifications that reflected the era's standard engineering practices for full-size pickups. This model year maintained the body-on-frame construction that had defined the F-Series since its introduction, offering the durability and towing capability that had become synonymous with the nameplate. According to owner-reported data, the 1983 model year recorded only two total complaints, with tires representing the sole complaint area receiving multiple mentions, suggesting a notably trouble-free ownership experience relative to other model years. The two recalls issued for this model year are consistent with typical manufacturer safety corrections of the period, and the overall complaint profile indicates that the 1983 F-Series ranks among the more reliable iterations in the model's long production history.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Overall length | 163.8 in |
| Overall width | 65.7 in |
| Overall height | 53.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 94.1 in |
| Curb weight | 2079 lb |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine holds 5.0 qt of 5W-30 API engine oil.
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 5.5 Pints |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 6.5 PINTS |
| Engine Oil | 5W-30 · API |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 5.0 qt |
| Engine Oil | 5W-30 · API |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 5.0 qt |
| Engine Oil | 5W-30 · API |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 5.0 qt |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
Owner complaints about the 1983 Ford F dominate in one area — the tires, 2 of 2 reports (100%), well ahead of the next concern. None of this vehicle's 2 recall campaigns target the tires, so those reports read as owner-reported wear-and-tear rather than an acknowledged defect. 0 of the reports describe a crash and 0 a fire — a small share of the total, but worth weighing against the tires pattern above. These are tallies of what owners actually reported to the federal government, not an editorial score — and higher-selling models naturally rack up more reports.
All 2 complaints on record, top 1 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE… Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.
THE PARKING GEAR MAY NOT ENGAGE, EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER IS PLACED IN THE "PARK" POSITION. THIS OCCURS IF THE LINKAGE INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION THAT ACTUATES THE PARK GEAR WAS IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED. A PIN THAT… Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PARKING PAWL ACTUATING ROD ASSEMBLY.
Showing 1 of 1 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 83-16-23 | 1983-08-01 | Power Train | UNKNOWN |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
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Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
5.0 qt of 5W-30 API, per the factory manual.
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.