I know this has been discussed before, but I've done a search and can't seem to find it.
What are the differences between the different trim levels such as Custom, Explorer, and Ranger?
Doc

 

I checked my sales publication for the 79 model year.


The Custom was obviously the base model: included the "rich looking embossed vinyl seat trim", painted head liner trim and insulation, rubber floor mat, base steering wheel/horn pad and base plastic door panels. No mention of exterior features for the Custom. Base gauges included the idiot lights for ammeter and oil pressure. Basic hub caps on the steel wheels.

The Ranger: had all the options of the Custom, with a chain mail pattern vinyl seat cover, with color keyed floor covering (carpet), sun visors and head liner, additional sound insulation. Exterior, chrome drip rail, windshield, back light (?) moldings. "Bright narrow bodyside moldings" tailgate moldings and tail light moldings and the upgraded hub caps.

The Ranger XLT: received everything from the Ranger with the addition of the exterior aluminum trim with the black vinyl insert. The interior upgrades were "wall-to-wall cut-pile carpeting and door trim panels with woodtone insert and bright trim moldings". Wood trim horn pad on steering wheel and full gauges. The seat was either the chain mail pattern vinyl or cloth seat with vinyl trim. The tail gate also got the "FORD" trim panel.

The Ranger Lariat: was top of the line. Cloth seat (duraweave polyknit) or all-vinyl trim. Extra insulation with button quilted headliner, padded inserts and map pockets in the door panels and additional carpet, (looks like behind the seat in regular cabs). The exterior was two tone with all the trim (race track trim). It also could come with the 10 hole aluminum rims in the F100/150.

But basically, it looks like you could combine anything from the lower trim levels that you happened to like.

Not sure how the Explorer fairs in the trim levels.

Hope this helps....

 

John,
Thanks for the reply. To be more specific with my situation: I located a parts truck that is a 79 model Explorer. I know that tilt steering and cruise could be ordered with some of the high end models, but I wasn't sure if an Explorer was that way. The truck is about 100 miles away, so I have not obtained the visual as of this time. The guy is asking 100 bucks for it, and I'm trying to decide whether it is worth going after.
thanks again,
Doc

 

the ranger xlt also came standard with a/c.

 

doc, get it. its only 100.00 thats a deal.

 

and just maybe it will come with a custom KFC air cleaner

 

Hey there Gas hog.
I knew about the A/C, P/S, and P/B. I know for sure it is a 351M and has a C6, but that's all the details I have so far.
I almost fell out of my chair when I read about the air cleaner. I like your sense of humor.
Any one have any details on a nExporer to share?
Gas hog....PM on the way.
Doc

 

i have only seen one explorer in person. the only thing i noticed was the cool hood emblem(which alone in good shape brings 45.00 on ebay) it also had tilt steering wheel and cruise control. this was for a 79 and they wanted 800.00 in non running condition.

 

I don't know which explorer package you've got Doc but here is what my truck has.

 

John,
Thanks for the reply. To be more specific with my situation: I located a parts truck that is a 79 model Explorer. I know that

1) tilt steering - Option for all (most Lariats have it)

2) cruise - Option for all( Most Lariats Have it)

could be ordered with some of the high end models, but I wasn't sure if an Explorer was that way.

There were 4 Explorer Packages available



The truck is about 100 miles away, so I have not obtained the visual as of this time. The guy is asking 100 bucks for it, and I'm trying to decide whether it is worth going after.

 

dennis, is that a original window sticker? do you have a picture of the whole thing i would love to see it.

 

Mil1ion,
If I'm understanding correctly, there are 4 different explorer packages, but all have tilt and cruise....right?
Doc

 

No !

Those are Options,.... not part of the Explorer package.
There may have been a 5th one E but I can't find anything on it.

Look in your CDRom brochure on about page 18 for the listing of all the Groups.
ie:
Convenience group
Security Group

The options available are also list in that area as well.

You have to remember one thing
Custom meant anything that the Customer wanted or depending on what Ford made for Stock at dealerships.

A guy could have a 78 Custom with Air,Tilt cruise, & a rubber floor mat & not fancy upohlstery

Aguy who wanted that would be told he may as well get an XLT or Lariat.
The guy would say , does it have a rubber floor mat & cost the same as the custom?
The answer would be no.

This is also why there were so many dealer options available.

 

Mil1ion,
Thanks a bunch for the response.
I already thought about looking at my CD, but it's for a 75 model, and would not include the same options as a 78 and 79. For example, the 75 was obviously not factory equipped for tilt steering.
Ford's different option and trim packages are very convenient for a guy to order exactly the truck for his needs....but it's very confusing for guys like us 30 years after the fact to figure out what belongs where.
So far, my understanding is this: any wheel base or drive could be ordered with every option, some options, or no options.....If I want to know how the truck was equipped the only way to find out is with a visual. Does that sum it up?
Doc

 

yep

But always remember Ford had to have stock on the lots ready to go so they wouldn't have a huge line-up for Special order trucks.


My 2 favourite packages are the:
Convenience/lighting pkg
security pkg