First time poster, 1988 LTD Country Squire Wagon

Just a few bits of information I was looking for on the 1988 Ford LTD Country Squire Wagon I purchased recently. Its old, but everything works on it, engine leaks a little oil and smokes, but other than that, its a nice old ride.

First, the engine is EFI and says 5.0L. What is the horsepower for this model year? I have heard it came with a weak 150hp, but it seems to have some get up and go.

Second, the three-way tailgate does not function as a truck tailgate, meaning it won't release and open downward. Is there an electrical fuse, switch, cable, etc. that needs to be released to function? The door will start to open downward, but stops after only a few inches of opening. Don't want to break anything, so I'm looking for suggestions. Guess I could take the door off and see how it works. This is my typical approach to learn about stuff. Thanks for any information you may have.

 

I have the same problem with my 73 Ford tailgate. Just pull the cover off then close it while you are inside. There is some rods that the handle pulls on.I think they go out of adjustment. The rear window has to be all the way down for the latch to engage. I haven't got around to fixing mine yet,I thought I would play with it over the winter.

 

Welcome aboard! I'm an I6 carbed guy, so I can't help you with Engine specs. You'll probably need a shop manual for the gate issue. Or you could use Autozone's Repair Info site. Here's the manual links. Get the Ford Shop manuals - at least the Body Manual:
http://vehicle-db.com/parts/search.pl?part=1988+Ford+Manual

Here's Autozone's (free registration):
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/

 

When the 302 changed into the 5.0,there was more changed than the intake.The horsepower level came way down,but Ford managed to keep the torque numbers up.And made improvements to the transmissions to help out...There ended up being three levels of 5.0---what I call the LO(Low Output)5.0,the one you and I have in our wagons...The HO 5.0,at about 185 hp...And the SHO,running around 225 hp...

 

Always wondered what the SHO engine did. Thanks. I had the LO in mine before I swapped in the I6. The I6 only has 85 HP, but it's a lot peppier than the 302 was even with the trailer on the back. The top end speed is maybe 80 or 85 MPH, but that's fine for my needs.

 

I guess,after a while,they(Ford)paid some attention to what was going on over at Mopar with the Wedge engines.Not as high on horsepower,but bigger on torque...Which was always the big idea at Mopar.The Dodge Brothers themselves came up with the Slant-6 in the late 20's.To get more torque out of the engine...I've also heard other compliments paid to the Inline-6 powerplants,,,and more so than V-6's.The going theory is;that those two extra pistons is all it really takes to get the more power one needs,to adequately move a vehicle...And,like you pointed out,how much faster than the speed limit,does one really need to go,in a daily driver.About 80-85 sounds about right...

 

Andy and I were dropping his new I6 into his Mabel Fairmont Wagon the other day, and I was toying with how much it would cost to bring a 200 I6 up to say 150 HP. Andy figured a good setup would require one of the Aussie-type heads, one or two carbies (two bbl), cam, pistons, etc. Maybe $4,000 to $5,000.

I could get a fibreglass hood and drop a 250 CID Ford I6 and get maybe 125HP, for a ton and half less! But in either case, the mileage goes downhill. I still think that a 1988-89 TBird/Cougar 2.3 I4 turbocoupe engine at 195 HP would do all I could in this wagon. I've got the right Crossmember for the swap, and now the Mustang gauges, all I need is the engine and trans, and floor shift.

 

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Norm, I would think you would be able to pick up one of those fairly cheap as a junker - maybe one that's had the body thrashed. The only problem is finding one where the mechanicals arn't thrashed as well........

Oh - and don't get one with a slushbox behind it. I've heard the auto takes all the oomph out of the motor.......

 

Definately a Stick shift on it. My wife won't drive a slushbox.

 

One of the articles that I read,concerning such things,went like this; The V8 is too much weight for the horsepower you get.All it really helps you do is;eat up all four tires faster...The V6,while spunky and light,compared to the V8,has a tendency to make you take turns too wide.And while it's more economical than the V8,isn't really a mileage champ...The turbo I4 gives you the power you want/need,yet does not overpower your steering and front end suspension.And gives you great mileage,compared to the other options...This was for the Mustang application,but easily tranfers itself to other cars on that platform.Especially,one can surmise,if you've been Mustanging the car you've got...Sounds to me,like you are headed towards having one fine ponycar wagon.

 

Thanks to Andy, I'll be watching this more closely:
http://mpi.mb.ca/salvage/salvage_data.asp

 

Is Manitoba Public Insurance in the habit of selling stolen property?..That's a crime down here in America...Actually two,first recieving stolen property and then selling it...And then,because it's advertized it's selling stolen property,if you buy a stolen car from MPI,you too would be guilty of all this too...

 

MPI is a Government Public insurer. The Federal Police (RCMP - our Provincial/State police) and our City Police turn over stolen cars to MPI to check out and dispose of, since they have a good, transparent auction system. I think that's what happened. I don't get how a US model can't be traced for its VIN or Title. The funds probably go back to the police organization that siezed the car.

 

MPI is the ONLY auto insurer in this province, it's "state-run".

 

Hey guys, it's been a while. I hope I'm not too late to save this guy some trouble. In my '89 Country Squire, it really seems like the factor that helped most in getting my tailgate to fold down was just a little more force in pulling the inside handle up. Your description sounds exactly like what I was going through with mine. Guys, you forgot all about the long thread on tailgate issues a few months back? First time poster. We look forward to having you as a regular. Good luck with your Country Squire. I've been learning a lot about mine in the last 9 months. It's a real joy when it's not being a real pain.