Whats the difference?
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 166
Likes: 4
From: Tacoma
great, Ive been trying to find that answer for a long time. Will a 78 and a 79 be completely compatible for parts like leaf springs, dashboards, engine parts?
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Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2003
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From: Northern Illinois
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 595
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From: Chico, CA
There were changes in color schemes, and perhaps option packages, but nothing more than that. Matter of fact, the 73-79's are all pretty much the same trucks, that's why they're lumped together in one section of the forum. 80-90% of any year truck can be swapped to any truck of another year.
That's the way car manufacturers have always operated. They typically produce a vehicle for 4-5 years with only minor changes so that they can recoup their costs associated with the design/re-tooling their factory.
That's the way car manufacturers have always operated. They typically produce a vehicle for 4-5 years with only minor changes so that they can recoup their costs associated with the design/re-tooling their factory.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 868
Likes: 3
From: New Glasgow, Nova Scotia
73 to 79 pretty much share the same sheet metal and interiors can be swapped but there are really 2 groups, 73 to early 77's and late 77's to 79. The frames differ, some electrical differs, engine packages were different , the 360/390 were dropped and the 351m and 400 were added. Protection packages were added in 77 like plastic front fender liners and the inner fenders went from steel to galvenized and exterior trim changed from year to year. 73 to 77 the XLT was the top trim level and in 78 and 79 they added the Lariat as the top of the line. I'm sure there is some more minor differences and someone here will add to the list.