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Oct 3, 2002 | 01:08 PM

mattv1

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Oct 2001

Posts: 51

Likes: 0

From: Nebraska

Need advice

I grew up with a 1979 Ford F150 4x4 of my dad's and absolutely loved it. Anyway I'm looking at buying one for myself and have found a 1974 F150 4x4 and a 1975 F250 highboy 4x4. I'm going to use it for fun and ocassionally pulling a trailer. Any advise on which of these two models would be the better choice. Condition and price are very comparable. I've heard the mid 70's pickups had steering problems, are there any other drawbacks to a 74-75 compared to a 79'?
Thanks

Oct 3, 2002 | 02:20 PM

More Turbo

Joined: Aug 2000

Posts: 721

Likes: 1

From: Floyd, Va

Need advice

I believe the in 76 they got disk brakes in the front. I would look for a slightly newer rig. Just my 2 cents.

Tony Warren
Nebraska

Oct 3, 2002 | 02:54 PM

73Custom

Postmaster

Joined: Apr 2000

Posts: 2,838

Likes: 6

From: SD

Need advice

They are both good trucks, it just depends on what you want and how picky you are. Tony is right, disks started in '76. Also the '77-'79 4x4s had better power steering than the older ones, but the older ones can be converted to the newer style if you so desire... The FE 360/390 engine was offered up to '76 and replaced by the 351/400 in the '77-'79s, keep that in mind if you're looking for a peticular motor option. Both will tow great, the F250 has a heavier suspension, but the F150 will tow fine too. It's hard to choose between to good trucks...

Just a little to think about.

Marty

Oct 3, 2002 | 03:50 PM

laptopgeek

Elder User

Joined: Apr 2001

Posts: 997

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From: texarkana, tx

Need advice

mattv1 --

I'll have to admit my wifes' porsche steers a little better than my '74 custom ...it came with factory disk brakes on the front. I believe 74 was the 1st year you could get them standard - these are not add ons. I have added a Hellwig front and rear sway bar and added heavy duty front springs - the handling and steering are a whole lot better since that was done...

Oct 4, 2002 | 07:40 AM

76supercab

Senior User

Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 465

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Need advice

They both are good trucks. The 150 MIGHT get slightly better gas mileage than the 250 but the 250 will carry more. I would probably go for the capacity myself.