1996 Ford F150 Eddie Bauer 4x4 Long Bed Pickup

We've talked about Eddie Bauer before, the tennis shop owner from the 1920's who transitioned from tennis to sport and fishing tackle, and eventually, earning a patent on a down filled jacket and creating an outdoor clothing and equipment industry. The company partnered with Ford for models from 1984 to 2010 and with the exception of the F150 and one minivan, all other co-branded vehicles were SUVs.

For consignment, a 1996 Ford F150 Eddie Bauer 4x4 Long bed pickup. The Eddie Bauer edition was available on the F150 only from 1994 to 1996, starting with the top trim of the F150, the XLT, and adding some distinctive cosmetic and convenience features to make things even better.

Exterior
A single respray of Pacific Green Metallic rises above the saddle dynamic line creates the two-tone profile Bauers are known for. A slotted front bumper is also part of the special package and sits below the standard grille with large grates on a square nose flanked by flush mounted headlights. The long tall profile of the truck is enhanced by its 4x4 ride height and the molded step saddle colored step under the doors. 15-inch forged aluminum deep dish wheels are an attractive addition to the Eddie Bauer appearance and carry 235/75R15 Michelin tires that are less than three years old. The bed is coated in protective paint and shows use but is undamaged. The metal work, including the bumpers, is in great shape, the metallic paint is just about flawless and Mr. Bauer's signature appears unobtrusively on the bed sides.

Interior
Medium Mocha door panels are a busy arrangement of materials and shapes but provide a practical control panel and storage resource topped by a faux burl wood strip. The two-tone cloth bucket seats are tall while the center convertible console seat provides a middle seat and is a special feature. Standard F150 fare from the steering wheel forward where a column shifter frees up the center floor area and basic gauges provide the pertinent information. In the center of the dash, an aftermarket radio provides AM/FM/CD and USB/AUX ports, while the simple heat and AC controls are housed below, intersected by more faux burl wood trim. Next to the driver's right leg but off the transmission hump is the range selector, providing the ability to change on the fly without going knee deep in snow to lock the front differential. Low pile tan carpet is in good condition and protected by robust weather mats and the soft tan headliner has a few blems but is fully intact, as are the visors.

Drivetrain
Driver quality conditions present in the engine bay where we find a 5.8 liter electronically fuel injected V8 rated at 205 horsepower and linked to a E4OD 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive that in standard mode sends power to the Ford 8.8” rear and 3.55 gears. Once four wheel drive is engaged, power is split to the front Dana 44 with equal gearing. Power disc brakes squeeze the front rotors while power drums play the backbeat.

Undercarriage
Driver conditions prevail underneath as well with typical surface rust coating much of it. Despite this, there's no invasive rust that we observed. We note some grease and grime on the transmission pan but it does not appear to be actively leaking. A single exhaust flows into a stock style muffler and makes a sharp turn to exit behind the right rear wheel via a standard tailpipe with no pomp and circumstance. Radius arm and coil springs make up the front suspension while good old leaf springs fill the back.

Drive-Ability
A step up into the standard cab and a turn of the key and the EFI does its job, providing fuel to the capable V8. More than adequate power from the 5.8 to move this tall truck along very nicely and the power assisted brakes are a welcome feature. All switches, electronics, gauges, and lights work. The only thing that doesn't is the rear gas tank, the second of two under the truck.

Ford Built Tough. Indeed, the F150 is consistently the top selling vehicle, (not just truck!), in the United States year after year. This 28 year old truck has lots of love to give and has the good looks afforded to the Eddie Bauer editions for only three years of the aero nose generation. This writer would be drawn to this truck at a car show, but you could also use this as the utilitarian vehicle it was meant to be. Either way, it's a damn good looking rig.

1FTEF14H8TNA20126

1-USA
F-Ford Motor Company
T-Truck
E-6001 Thru 7000 GVWR
F14-F150 Regular Cab 4x4
H-5.8L V8 EFI
8-Check Digit
T-1996
N-Norfolk, VA Assy Plant
A20126-Sequential Unit Number

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