I really should know this but being very inexperienced with trucks I just never learned about them. I bought a 1988 f-150 v6 automatic for 400.00 it runs well, just really needs some minor work... brake job etc.
Anyway, I'm looking for parts to do the brake job and it hits me that I have no idea if it's a 4 WD, I'm fairly certain it isn't but I really don't have a clue.

After you're done laughing, would someone please tell me how to tell?? I'd really appreciate it!

Thanks!
Ken

There are several ways to tell. First, inside the cab, the 4x4 control is either a shifter or a shift on the fly design. I'm not positive on the options for an 88, most likely would be a shifter on the floor.

If there is nothing there, there also may be locking hubs on the front wheels. It will be a dial in the center of the front tires, most likely saying "free" and "lock", lock meaning engaged 4x4 and free being just 2wd.

Thank You!
But, I actualy found out by decoding the VIN.. before I read your post.
Turns out that lmctruck.com has a very nice online catalog of parts, and he first few pages have the breakdown for every VIN type for every year. Very cool, since I spent about an hour searching for the VIN values and not finding anything.
Anyway, Thanks for the response, BTW it's a 2 wheel drive.

learn something new every day.

Ken

If the truck is a 4-wheel drive their will be an axel with a big pumpkin on the front of your truck, go and take a look.