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Topic: model changes in late 1980's LDs (Read 6 times) previous topic - next topic
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model changes in late 1980's LDs
Yahoo Message Number: 56352
Mid to late 1980's LDs offer good value.  Prices range from $9,000 to $14,000, sometimes more for an exceptional example.
 LD used both Ford and Chevrolet chassis during this period. LDs built on Chevy chassis measure 22ft long, 23.5ft for Ford.  Coach design and interior space are the same with either chassis. Floorplans are very similar to current designs.

Here are a few notes on changes through the years.
 1990: LD omits cab-over window, adopts current multi-stripe paint scheme

1988:  Chevy G30 350 engine adds throttle body fuel injection, transmission gets overdrive 4th gear

1986: LD changes from 3-piece aluminum roof to 1-piece design, reducing the opportunity for leaks

1984: Silver window frame trim is replaced with black trim

I'd appreciate it if current and past owners of mid to late 1980's models would report potential problem areas to look out for when shopping for a coach of this vintage. Engine and transmission issues? Cab air conditioning? Coach appliances that failed?

Thanks, --oryoki
Re: model changes in late 1980's LDs
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 56358
Wow, those are good prices for a motorhome that is 20 years old. I would say then that mine would probably fall into the "exceptional value area", because it has a new drivetra
Re: model changes in late 1980's LDs
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 56359
"So, I am wondering if I should sell it or Keep it. ....
I wonder of these mid 80's LD's will appreciate in value in the future?"

Dave
 We went through a similar thought process several years ago. Our '83 FL had over a 100,00 miles on it and the engine and transmission were going to need replacement soon. It drove fine but I just did not trust it for long hauls in summer. The coach was in great shape, just soiled from a thousand or more camping days. The interior was original, except for the overhead bunk mattress. It had many of the modifications that have been done to our new one. The suspension had been rebuilt and beefed up, front and back with HD springs, sway bars and Bilsteins.
For ten thousand dollars, I could buy a GM crate 383 RV engine, a 4L80E overdrive transmission and the rest of the small stuff to make it all work. It would have more power than the V-10 and would have cost me a 50K less than what a new LD cost. This sounded interesting, a hotrod classic LD in burnt orange.
 So what made us decide on a LD (with the same length and floor plan)? One thing come to mind; reliability.
No matter how much time and money is poured into the '85, it will always be an '85. Many of the parts needed to rebuild the doors, windows, HVAC system are obsolete or are becoming so. Maintenance becomes a bigger chore, especially when having others work on it. Many of today's mechanics have little or no experience working carbureted engines. "Where's the computer?".
If you do your own work, maybe this isn't a problem for you.
Finding an unusual part may be a problem, particularly when on the road and away from your usual sources of parts.  You might not find a carb kit locally, "we can have it by Friday".
There is a second part to the reliability angle. IMO, the E-450 chassis is vastly superior to the G-30 in all respects except for steering comfort.
The G-30's frame is too light weight and it shows in how flexible it feels when hitting bumps. No matter what is done to the G-30's suspension, it will always be limited by the frame and undersized front A-arms. It wasn't that great a suspension under the pickups of the period.
Ford's V-10 and 4R100 transmission have proven to be extremely durable in the real world and in the fleet at work (and I'm know they are not treated well :-). You should expect a 50-100% longer life span witht he Ford.
The brakes on the G-30 do a good job but E-450's has huge 4-wheel discs with ABS. I had to make a full-blown 65 MPH panic stop and it was enough to make  believer out of me....good brakes!  If you a planning on towing, this might be enough to tip the scales.
The steering is the only potential downside. Our 2003 23.5 FL was not pleasant to drive until the front end was aligned and the tire pressure set according to the manufacturer's recommended pressure (after weighting). It still has a bit wander but if you have ever driven a Ford twin-I-beam truck before, then you already know about this. It takes a  thousands miles or so before you completely ignore it.
Whoops, one other problem many have with the Ford...the front seats.
A lot of folks, who own late model Ford Class Cs, complain abut how uncomfortable they are. I do miss the big, comfy captains chairs in the '83 LD. I could sit for 10 hours and still feel fine at the end of the drive. The Ford seats are not like this. They really encourage you to stop every couples of hours and walk around. Even with the power adjusters, they can be difficult to find the right position. The lip on the front of the seat cuts the circulation off in my legs if I sit too long. I have heard the  shape of the seat is dictated by Ford to comply with Federal safety regulations. Who knows?
 To own an older LD is an act of love….how much do you love working on it? Today, I'm more interested in working on the enhancements.  Working on the mechanicals of an  RV is hard work, everything is big, heavy and quite capable of hurting you. I do it but it's not as much fun as working on the Jeep. Now thirty years ago, this might be a different story.

Have fun deciding

Larry
2001 MB
* Not to be confused with Larry W (3000 of my posts are actually from expert Larry W due to Yahoo transition mis-step)
Re: model changes in late 1980's LDs
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 56362
Dave,
 The data analyzed to create the 'Asking Prices for Used LDs.txt' file included  17 LDs
Re: model changes in late 1980's LDs
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 57207
Quote
Mid to late 1980's LDs offer good value.  Prices range from $9,000 to $14,000, sometimes more for an exceptional example.

LD used both Ford and Chevrolet chassis during this period. LDs built on Chevy chassis measure 22ft long, 23.5ft for Ford.  Coach design and interior space are the same with either chassis. Floorplans are very similar to current designs.

Here are a few notes on changes through the years.

1990: LD omits cab-over window, adopts current multi-stripe paint scheme 1988:  Chevy G30 350 engine adds throttle body fuel injection, transmission gets overdrive 4th gear

1986: LD changes from 3-piece aluminum roof to 1-piece design, reducing the opportunity for leaks

1984: Silver window frame trim is replaced with black trim

I'd appreciate it if current and past owners of mid to late 1980's models would report potential problem areas to look out for when shopping for a coach of this vintage. Engine and transmission
issues?

Quote
Cab air conditioning? Coach appliances that failed?

Thanks, --oryoki
Just wanted to say that I purchased a 1990  model two years ago, we took it to the mother ship to check out and we were told we were lucky that we were getting a late 1990 which was he first throttle body injection model. This previous message indicates the 88 models received this up grade and we have yet to see one. Not trying to be contraversial just reporting the facts as we know them.