If you’re lucky enough to have a 1981 Ford F-150 in your garage—or on your radar—you’ve got yourself one of Ford’s most work-ready builds of the early ‘80s. It’s a truck with character, square-body charm, and just enough grit to make every restoration feel worth it. But before you start stocking up on paint or polishing trim, you’ll want to take a good look under the hood—and under the frame.

This guide walks through the most important 1981 Ford F-150 parts to replace, restore, or rebuild first so you don’t get ahead of yourself (or your budget). Whether it’s your first truck project or one of many, this breakdown will help you hit the ground wrenching.

The 1981 model was part of Ford’s seventh-generation F-Series lineup. It came with modest styling changes over the ‘80 model—cleaner grille, reshaped hood—but carried over much of the mechanical design. Engine options ranged from a 4.9L inline-six to a 5.8L V8. You could get it with either a 3-speed manual or C6 automatic.

This was also the year Ford introduced a new “twin I-beam” front suspension with coil springs—rugged, but known for wear over time.

Fun stat: In 1981, Ford sold over 500,000 F-150s in the U.S., making it one of the best-selling trucks that year.

Today, these trucks are still used as daily drivers in rural towns and as project rigs across the country.

Let’s break it down by system. These are the most common problem areas (and best places to start your budget).

Suspension and Steering
That twin I-beam suspension is tough but tends to wear unevenly, especially after decades of use.
Parts you’ll likely need:

• Front coil springs
  
• Radius arm bushings
  
• Pitman arm
  
• Ball joints
  
• Tie rod ends

If the truck feels loose on the road or wanders at speed, chances are something up front is worn or missing altogether.

Braking System
Factory drum rears and disc fronts were standard, but after 40+ years, every soft part in that system probably needs replacing.
Common swaps include:

• Front brake pads and calipers
  
• Rear drum rebuild kits
  
• Master cylinder
  
• Brake booster
  
• Hard and soft lines (if rusted or cracked)

Cooling System
Engines in these trucks were notorious for running hot if neglected. Don’t trust the radiator unless you know its history.
Check and possibly replace:

• Radiator (many go with a high-capacity aluminum replacement)
  
• Water pump
  
• Thermostat
  
• All hoses and clamps
  
• Fan clutch

Fuel System
Fords from this era were still carbureted, meaning vapor lock and fuel delivery issues aren’t uncommon.
Recommended parts:

• Fuel tank (especially if it sat with gas in it)
  
• Fuel pump (mechanical or electric)
  
• Fuel filter
  
• Rubber fuel lines
  
• Carburetor rebuild or upgrade

Electrical & Lighting
The original wiring in these trucks is often brittle, corroded, or hacked by previous owners.
Start with:

• Headlight and taillight wiring harnesses
  
• Battery cables and grounds
  
• Fuse block cleaning or replacement
  
• Ignition switch and headlight switch (these go bad more often than you’d think)

You can get into cosmetics later—but if you’re planning to daily drive it, you’ll want working gauges and HVAC.

Fixes to consider:

• Instrument cluster circuit board or voltage regulator
  
• Blower motor
  
• Wiper motor and switch
  
• Bench seat rebuild kits (or replace it with something more comfortable)
• Door seals and window tracks (rattles and leaks are common)

Don’t start your rebuild until you’ve done a compression test. No sense investing in suspension and brake parts if the engine is toast.
If you’re doing a rolling restoration, upgrade the brakes and steering first. Safety > shiny paint.
Keep an inventory list of every part you order—especially when buying from multiple sources. You’ll thank yourself during reassembly.

At Classic Parts Pro, we’re working hard to bring together all the hard-to-find 1981 Ford F-150 parts in one place—sourced from reliable small vendors who specialize in trucks just like this. From suspension rebuild kits to brake master cylinders, we’re not just building a catalog—we’re building a community.

If you’re not sure what fits, or if you’ve run into a dead-end trying to find a part, our team’s here to help. Just drop us a line.

The 1981 Ford F-150 isn’t just another old truck. It’s a last-of-its-kind workhorse that blends simplicity with strength—and it’s more than worthy of a second life. Whether you’re bringing it back to factory specs or giving it a mild lift and some off-road tires, you’re carrying on a tradition worth preserving. CPP’s here to make sure the parts you need are ready when you are.