f100's
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Montana
In 1975, Ford released the F100-based F150. It was a heavy duty version of the F100 at over 6000 GVW. Due to that fact, Ford could get away without using a catalytic converter on a 1/2-ton required for light weight trucks back then.
They quit offering 4x4 F100's in '78 (I think) and dropped the F100 altogether after '83. By all sizes and standards, the F100's after '74 were full-size pickups, but I think the 80's versions were probably light duty 1/2-tons. I think they had a different wheel lug pattern sizing and they might've come with a V6.
I always thought it would be cool if Ford offered the F100 as a package on the new 2009 F150's. It could be like an economy package or maybe a hot rod package (6.2 V8 in a shortbed std. cab!!). Just my thoughts.
They quit offering 4x4 F100's in '78 (I think) and dropped the F100 altogether after '83. By all sizes and standards, the F100's after '74 were full-size pickups, but I think the 80's versions were probably light duty 1/2-tons. I think they had a different wheel lug pattern sizing and they might've come with a V6.
I always thought it would be cool if Ford offered the F100 as a package on the new 2009 F150's. It could be like an economy package or maybe a hot rod package (6.2 V8 in a shortbed std. cab!!). Just my thoughts.
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From: Montana
Yeah, the Ranger collectively and effectively replaced the F100 and the Courier at the same time.
I think Ford kept the F100 around into that decade for fleet sales. I've only seen two of them, they look like they would make nice city trucks for a body shop or something. Probably got good gas mileage too.
Seriously, I do have a sneaking suspicion that a very few F-series 1/2-tons in the 80's had V6's.
I think Ford kept the F100 around into that decade for fleet sales. I've only seen two of them, they look like they would make nice city trucks for a body shop or something. Probably got good gas mileage too.
Seriously, I do have a sneaking suspicion that a very few F-series 1/2-tons in the 80's had V6's.
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From: Story City, Iowa
A buddy of mine had a F100 in high school. It was a early '80s. It did have the 302 V8 in it however. And it was a full size truck.
The only difference I could tell between his F100 and my F150 was a couple springs in the back.
The only difference I could tell between his F100 and my F150 was a couple springs in the back.
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From: MA
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan
Only difference is the F150 is more heavier duty what i mean by that is more leaf springs a f100 is a full size truck but just lighter they sure hell came with V8 back in the early 70s you could get a 460 in em
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From: Statesville NC
Originally Posted by flathead95hp
I don't ever recall a V-6 in any full size ford truck in the 70's or early 80's. Just the 300 6 cylinder and V-8's.
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From: Montana
Originally Posted by 78Ranger_GARedNeck
does any one know the order of the different packages(Custom,Ranger,Ranger XLT....)
The general rule for the 70's trucks is:
-Custom
-Ranger
-Ranger XLT
However, it changed and I think the Ranger package was renamed Lariat...but I'm not 100% on that.
Don't even get started about packages. There were so many in such a short time.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Originally Posted by masterbeavis
LOL, the 80's version of the F100 you speak of more than likely was the Ranger pickup. 
1980/83 F100 2WD: Ford advertised these models as a LIGHT TRUCK.
No V6's till model year 1982. The 300 I-6 was standard equipment till the 3.8L V6 was made available, and either the "gutless wonder" 255 V8 (1981/82 only), or the 302 were available as options. Either short or long Styleside beds were available, as was the shorty Flareside bed.
Only Regular Cabs were available, and very little in the way of accessories.
The wheels are 5 x 4.50, the frames have holes drilled to lighten them up..known as the "Swiss Cheese" frame. The springs and shocks are different than the F150's as are the brakes. Front discs are 1980/83 F100 only, the rear shoes are 10."
CAVEAT EMPTOR: At the junkyard: Be very careful when removing what you think is a 302 from a 1981/82 F100...most likely it's the 255, which is an underpowered snail of an engine. 255 VIN engine code (8th digit): D.
The Ranger was introduced midyear 1982 as a 1983 model. The Ranger replaced the Courier, and after the 1983 model year was over, the F100 was dropped from the line.
Last edited by NumberDummy; Jan 19, 2008 at 04:25 AM.
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nope its just like my 1974 f-100 custom supercab execpt it has these little fold down seats in the back and it also says Lariat ranger on the title. tomarrow i will post pics. k i just went and looked at it and it says its a trailer special also. but also what else could it be im pretty sure that its a ranger lariat. it has all chrome trim dual tanks same trim as my custom. but i also have questions about the wiring for it because i rebuilt the 360 out of my 74 and put it in this 79 and i hooked up all the wires but still nothing works i have to start it by jumping the solenoid
Last edited by Brandon456; Jan 19, 2008 at 04:24 AM. Reason: mixed up