Ok so I am and have been looking for a 73-79 truck. My requirements are Manual transmision, 4x4, solid cab surface rust is ok, Good running gear, stock heigth, preferably a V8 351ci or bigger. Don't care if it's a 351/400M 460, 390, ect or even is it has a windsor swapped in. Also I would prefer it to be "true" 4 wheel drive. When the front is locked in the will all grab. I currently have a 96 Z71 and i am not happy. It seems 4x4 is just a sticker nowdays. I want something that can handle some snow/mud. I'm not looking for a mudding toy since I will drive this a few times a week. Ok so now my questions....

1 How can I tell if the front and rear axels are "limited slip or locking"? I know the rear Ford 9" will say like 3 L55 For a 3.55 Locking. (I think that's corect)

2 Which is better coil or leaf springs up front for durability and maybe a small lift. Like 3"-4" Most of the time lifts around here seem to be done to high or wrong. Yes I have thought about it just a thought tho.

3 What Transmisions are better, and will a 2wd tranny work if you change the bell ect on them. For instance I have what i belive is a T18 in my 2wd 80 F100. Good running gear bad body. This truck is a ******* child of parts.

4 What axels ect have good upgrades?

I would prefer a a F150 but will consider F250. Dosen't matter if it's a single or super cab. Bed length depends on cab. I am looking in the $4000 price. I live in central Illinois and it seems like alot are auto or 300 6cyl. I know the 300 is good just not what i want also if the price was right i could do a swap. I know this is long but I am new to this year of truck and I want to make sure I'm not dissaponted. Any help or info on stuff would be great. I just love the way these trucks look and ride. I have test driven one and I LOVED it. It just may be to pricy for what it is. Thankyou guys for any help you may offer. Also if you have any questions for me feel free to ask. This site is wonderfull and it's good to know there are others who are as dedicated as i am. Yes I do search Craigslist and well before I spend all my $ in driving and looking i wanna make sure I know what to look for. I have found some within a few hours drive but again they have 33 inch or bigger tires and lifted high. Since I will drive this often and my budget dosen't allow for replacing the tires every year or two I want to avoid those trucks.

 

are you sure your looknig for a 72-79 because 72 is a completely different body style the the 73-79...they changed body styles in 73 and the body styles from 73-79 were pretty much the same...goodluck...and you could also check ebay if u havent already sometimes u might find trucks close to your area and be able to contact the seller and buy it early instead of bidding on it...Goodluck

 

I think a plain jane 1979 shortbed F150 4x4 with a 302 automatic would be a sweet truck to have for a daily driver that will do you right in the snow. You mentioned your budget, and a 302 would net you decent gas mileage--much better than the engines you mentioned. You could find one that's a stick shift too. Her's a pic of what I am talking about.

 

You don't want a front locker in the snow. Turning becomes a problem.

 

Good catch, Yes i ment the 73-79. I fixed it Thanks.

Yes that is perfect!!! As for the ride stance. 302 unless a good one is almost under powered for me. I have a heavy foot. Also my comute is no more then 60 miles a day for work. It wouldn't see many long trips. Currently I'm at 14mpg during the summer. Now it's like 12mpg.

Why is turning a problem?? Is it hard on the parts or tires? All I know is my Z71 had 2 of the 4 wheels spinning when I got stuck in 6" of snow!!! Yes it was in 4x4 mode. I was ashamed of it. So what would i want.

That is one thing I didn't know so it's good to see things like that. A good consumer is an educated one. I'm tryong to get learned.

Thanks guys for the coments. Many more are welcomed.

 

lol ok i thought it was a typo but i thought id point it out

 

When driving in snow with a locked front axle, the truck tends to go straight when you want to turn. Just adding a locked rear is a huge improvement.

 

Never mind. The pic didn't come through.

 

A 302 is going to run down the highway just as fast as anything else, are you going to be towing much that would make you feel its underpowered? FYI, a '73-'76 4x4 will have a 360 for a V8 if its stock. Not a 390, 302 or a 460. Everyone always claims they have a 390 when they advertise to sell but its a 360 (if its stock). One of Ford's "better ideas" lol. No 460s were offered in 4x4 either until the early '80s, in an F-350 IIRC.

 

Bamaf, isn't that only true for the 3/4 ton?

 

I didn't know this info thanks. As for the 302, I don't tow yet. I do every now and then. I would prefer the more cubes for when i need them. I guess alot of it could be helped with the gearing but then u loose top end. I do drive 75+ on the interstate and when I pass people I like to get it done.

 

No, both 1/2 and 3/4 tons 4x4s only had a 360 for a V8 option those years.

 

My Dad bought a brand new 1976 Ford 1/2 ton and it had a 302 in it, Bamaf. It was red. To this day he gripes about how much he hated that truck and was glad when he traded it in for the 77 LTD he loved dearly.

 

Was it a 4x4? The 4x4s came with 360s for a V8

 

Actually, no, it wasn't. I forgot that that's what we were talking about. I've been up goofing off on this site and another one all day. My brain is starting to hiccup. LOL!