Sorry if this is a repetative post. I did a seach but was unable to find complete information.

Basicly I'm looking for differences between say, 1970 to 1979.
Mostly emissions equipment, Air pumps, EGR, catalytic converters.

Also when did they start using disc brakes, power steering, A/C.
How much labor is involved in adding or swapping the above listed comfort items on non-equipped trucks?

I would prefer a truck with as little stock emissions equipment as possible so I can build under the hood how I want it...
So what year is a good middle-ground? Between emissions stuff and comforts.

Thanks for your help.

 

My Canadian 1976 Supercab 460 has no emission items on it at all. It is stock. It has power disc, steering.
Mark


https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=5362&.jpg
Ford started it; Ford will finish it!

 

An easy way to see the different families of trucks is to look at the forum list. 67-72 is very similar, 73-79 is another group. IE the fenders from a 67 will fit a 72 and look right. Same for 73-79. However I've seen a 69 bed on a 74 truck. It fit but didn't look right.

Under the skin is more difficult. Things stayed similar for a very long time.

Disk brakes were available in 73 and later. My dad's 68 had drums all around. Air conditioning was available way back. Our 68 had an under dash unit that I think was factory. Other options available 73-79:Cruise control, intermittent wipers, power brakes and steering.

Emissions controlls were phased in through the 73-79 family. By 79 I think all truck may have had to have controlls. In the mid 70s the light trucks (F-100) had cats but the heavier ones (F-150 and up) didn't. Before 74 I don't think any truck had emissions unless you count PCV.

Why do you ask? Thinking about getting one?

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 10-Jul-02 AT 04:57 PM (EST)]Dennis has a link on his site (if I remeber correctly that shows the main body differences). I have access to a book that details the differences in what was expected as emission equipment from '73 to '79. The problem is that depending on the motor, tranny, and vehicle weight each configuration will have different components plumbed differently. If you need to know what a paticular vehicle needs, it's best to ask those doing the inspection (given the person knows what they're doing) for the details. Not an easy task -to reinstall emissions equipment on a truck you know little about.
I forgot to add, look at the VECI label on the valve cover (if there is one) and hope you can find the calibration number. That will help answer you emission questions more easily. If you'd like me to scan the '73-'79 emission differences, let me know quickly.

 

Wow, thanks for the help.

I own a 1995 Ranger now but I need to sell it soon so I can get some money for closing help on a new house. I planned to take about $1500 and find a decent older full-size. It'll mainly be a work truck, but I want it to be mechanicaly perfect. I can't stand driving around in a bent up, oil leaking, smoke belching heap. My O.C.D. wouldn't stand for it.

On that note, a friend of mine who builds race motors, has an older 351 (carb'd) sitting in his garage that he said he'd sell me for $150. I don't know what year it is, but it is currently stock. Valve covers to oil pan. He said it ran when he pulled it out of the truck he got it from.

So, if I find a truck with a decent body but may need a new motor, I'll have it ready to go. But, knowing me (and my friend), I'd probably end up with long tube headers, some fat exhaust pipes, probably end up with a hood scoop to clear the tunnel ram... something like that.

I live in Maryland, and we have emissions testing every other year. So I would want to remain legal. But, if the truck I buy was never equipped with the air pump, cats... etc, then that would just be one less hassle.
And it would save me $14 every other year.

I'll get back to you if I need any codes deciphered. Right now I'm still in the 'deciding what to get' phase. Hopefully I'll be able to sell my Ranger soon and I can get serious about finding a good truck.

Thanks again for the help.