Last belt-drives
I used to think that production of the BDs ended in Fall 1986, and that is true to a large degree as the majority of Kenmore's line was concluded then along with many of the WP models. But, a few years ago I ran across an LA7800XP that by the serial tag was made in spring 1987. Not long after a collector here reported having one from 1987 as well.
Through a Whirlpool friend I met here on the site, I learned that a small isolated production line was kept open in the Clyde plant beyond Fall 1986 to make a model or two of American domestic machines alongside the coin ops that were still being produced. The reason for this was to have stockpiled inventory of upper end belt drives, hence the LA7800, to appease the occasional direct-drive customer who could not be made happy with their purchase any other way. I suspect that Sears may have done the same with a Lady Kenmore model.
The newest Kenmore belt-drive I have ever seen was made in week 35 (September) 1986.
Gordon