Best Year Options?
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Best Year Options?
OK, I sold my '78 years ago, and I was very familiar with the 77-79 years. Now I want to start another project and it needs to be '75 or older (In CA '75 and older are smog exempt). I don't know what difference there is between the years '70-'75. I'm looking at the 250's, but not opposed to a 150 either. I'll be swapping out the engine, tranny, and most likely the axles.
Are there any pros or cons to the various years? Are there any websites that show the differences?
Thanks
Are there any pros or cons to the various years? Are there any websites that show the differences?
Thanks
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,948
Likes: 44
I too can appreciate the desire for an emissions exempt truck. Own a few of them.
You mentioned "axles", sp I can only assume you are talking about a 4x4.
As you look at 4x4's the biggest difference would be the transfer case. It is divorced on F-250's (didn't make F-350's 4x4's yet) and could have had a veriety of transfer cases. Some of the early ones had Danas, and some had the Np 203's, this was a full time case. Early Dana 21's were single speed, with no low range.
Many of the trucks had closed knuckle front axles and drum brakes with a low pinion front axle. If you find one with a D60, they were not too desireable so don't go crazy with the checkbook if you find one.
Now you also mentioned 70 - 75. The trucks with the body style similar to the 77.5 to 79 trucks that you mentioned, only go back to 73. This body style ran from 73 - 79.
For your purpose because of the emissions, you would be looking at 73 to 75, unless you want the older body style.
You mentioned "axles", sp I can only assume you are talking about a 4x4.
As you look at 4x4's the biggest difference would be the transfer case. It is divorced on F-250's (didn't make F-350's 4x4's yet) and could have had a veriety of transfer cases. Some of the early ones had Danas, and some had the Np 203's, this was a full time case. Early Dana 21's were single speed, with no low range.
Many of the trucks had closed knuckle front axles and drum brakes with a low pinion front axle. If you find one with a D60, they were not too desireable so don't go crazy with the checkbook if you find one.
Now you also mentioned 70 - 75. The trucks with the body style similar to the 77.5 to 79 trucks that you mentioned, only go back to 73. This body style ran from 73 - 79.
For your purpose because of the emissions, you would be looking at 73 to 75, unless you want the older body style.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,948
Likes: 44
All of them had divorced units. This is going to mean that you will have to find a vase from a later model truck 77.5 to 79, and install it into the early model one. Not too tough to do, but if you keep the low pinion front axle you will run into front driveline angle issues. If you lift the truck at all it will get worse, and chances are it just won't work at that great of an angle.
The advantage to the divorced unit is that you are not limited to transmissions, and you can even run (like many do) a 2wd transmission in front of the case. That really opens the door to engine / transmission options.
The advantage to the divorced unit is that you are not limited to transmissions, and you can even run (like many do) a 2wd transmission in front of the case. That really opens the door to engine / transmission options.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
I really like the look of the 67-72 Fords and the parts are cheap enough except for tha grill part that goes around the whole front. The problem is you can only find replacement suspension stuff for the 73-79 models.
I would say you probably want a 73-75 F-250 for ease$ of replacement for exterior and interior parts (like the window regulators which is a frequent replacement item).
As an example - new window regulator for a 1973-79 $30, 1967-72 = $130-$190! Though you probably are handy enough with a welder to use a 73 regulator for a 67-72 if you look at my article.
Another few examples. The bucket around the headlamps on the 67-72 is BIG bucks, $80, used! The turn signal stuff isnt cheaper either. Depending on your column, the turn signal switch can be big bucks too.
Since it sounds like you are building a real off road truck and you will probably cause some real damage, the 67-72 might not be for you if you have to replace the grill and headlamp stuff 1-2 times a year.
I would say you probably want a 73-75 F-250 for ease$ of replacement for exterior and interior parts (like the window regulators which is a frequent replacement item).
As an example - new window regulator for a 1973-79 $30, 1967-72 = $130-$190! Though you probably are handy enough with a welder to use a 73 regulator for a 67-72 if you look at my article.
Another few examples. The bucket around the headlamps on the 67-72 is BIG bucks, $80, used! The turn signal stuff isnt cheaper either. Depending on your column, the turn signal switch can be big bucks too.
Since it sounds like you are building a real off road truck and you will probably cause some real damage, the 67-72 might not be for you if you have to replace the grill and headlamp stuff 1-2 times a year.
Last edited by rebocardo; Jun 23, 2007 at 01:34 PM.
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