F150 1977 help

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Dec 14, 2012 | 10:20 AM

Arch3ra

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F150 1977 help

I'm looking to buy a f150 77 4x4 off Craigslist from a local seller and he is asking 1200. I'm new to trucksand cars in general so I was wondering what are some things I should look for before buying, and what should I find out? I want to fox this truck up as a daily driver; just to commute to work and back. Here is the posting on Craigslist:

Selling my 1977 Ford F150 4x4. I am only the second owner. I have recently replaced battery, voltage regulator, changed transmission fluid, added 4" lift, 36" super swampers. Bed has rust, but cab and frame are solid.

Thanks again for your help

Dec 15, 2012 | 03:36 PM

nine inch rear

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Might want to have a good shop go over it. If the bed has rust, you can bet the cab has some rust. Pull up the carpet and look at the floors. Common area for it to go swiss cheese. Daily driver with 36 tires? Test drive it at least the same distance you will be driving. 36 can be a bit of a handful on the hiway but if the suspension and steering box is worn, its going to keep you on your toes. No biggy for a weekend warrior, but as a daily driver its something to consider

Dec 15, 2012 | 06:01 PM

Arch3ra

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Thank you for your timely reply, so I think it's better off to wait a little for another truck to appear. I have some other questions if you wouldn't mind answering. First, which year of the truck is the best out of this generations f150 for me? 73-79. Which engine would be the best and around what price range should I be looking for? I'm a 22 year old kid with two jobs and I currently do not have a car so keep that in mind. Thanks again.

Dec 15, 2012 | 07:12 PM

nine inch rear

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With 2 jobs its easier to keep the fuel tanks full

. You really cant go wrong with any of the years. Not sure where you live, but picking one with little rust would be my priority. Unless you know how to do body work, mechanical work and tinker is nearly always cheaper. Do you want 4wd or 2? IMO, you cant go wrong with the C6, 205 tranny transfer case combo. Earlier years had divorce transfer case. Anything toward the late 70's, 2wd or 4wd and you should be good to go. Of course I'm a bit biased

. The more stock the truck is, the better. Or if you find one with a long time owner that took care of his ride, and the mods were done right, go for it!

Dec 16, 2012 | 05:29 PM

Arch3ra

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Thanks I live in Las Vegas so it's mostly the desert here, and I'd probably want the 4wd, what's the difference? And I have no clue what you said about the c6 or tranny haha

Dec 16, 2012 | 05:49 PM

mikeo0o0o0

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From: Stanley, VA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arch3ra

Thanks I live in Las Vegas so it's mostly the desert here, and I'd probably want the 4wd, what's the difference? And I have no clue what you said about the c6 or tranny haha

The C6 is an automatic trans, strong and inexpensive to repair. On 73 to mid-77 the transfer case was separate from the trans and connected to it by a short drive shaft (divorced) these are refered to as "highboys". In mid-77 Ford changed things, the transfer case now bolted directly to the rear of the transmission (married) and the truck sat a little lower. This is for the F250.
Not sure about the F150. Only the F250 is a highboy.

Dec 16, 2012 | 07:05 PM

Roger Carter

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From: Corbett, Oregon

A local Las Vegas truck should have no rust. Period. I wouldn't think there is any reason to settle for anything with any rust. If you were in the Rust Belt it would be a different story
As said in previous posts, look for a long time owner and minimal modifications.
Regarding drivetrains. Some people shy away from the 351M / 400 engines. The original 400 in my '78 F-250 4x4 lasted 162,000 miles and most of those were loaded, working miles. I got no beef with that. I don't think there is a bad choice to be made. Stick trans or auto, 6 cylinder or V8, the choice is yours.
Good luck.

Roger Carter