Notices
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Dentsides Ford Truck
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Moser

A Basic Education, please...

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 29, 1999 | 02:20 PM
  #1  
farmermark's Avatar
farmermark
Thread Starter
|
New User
25 Year Member
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
A Basic Education, please...

Sorry if this is slightly mundane, but can anyone explain to me what defines the old "Ranger" model from the Custom or Camper Special or Explorer? (I'm not talking about the newer wussy-pickup....I mean the old full-sized version) What years was it made?
 
Reply
Old Dec 29, 1999 | 02:42 PM
  #2  
jowilker's Avatar
jowilker
Fleet Owner
25 Year Member
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Club FTE Silver Member

A Basic Education, please...

fm, they were just basic trim level packages, moldings, seat covers, tilt wheels, sterios, wheel covers, rally wheels, different things like that.
The XLT, and XLT Larriat were the highest levels.

Thats the basic lesson.

John

66 F100s
In the still cool hours of the night, you can hear chevys rusting away.
 
Reply
Old Dec 29, 1999 | 06:08 PM
  #3  
StockMan's Avatar
StockMan
Posting Guru
25 Year Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,558
Likes: 0
From: Inthepast
A Basic Education, please...

The "Camper Special" package was available at least in 64 and perhaps earlier. The "Ranger" package was available as early as 1965, although Ford Reintroduced it as a "big deal" for 1967 calling it "all new" which it was since the truck was rediesigned that year (Marketing Majors---Sheeesssh); The "Explorer" package I believ came into play in 1970. As Jowilker points out their all labels to define various options such as equipment, trim, paint, etc.

<font color="#f80732" size="4" face="Graphite Light">Stock Man
</font><font color="#0000FF" size="2" face="Graphite Light">1967 F-250 FE 390 4wd</font>
<font color="#0000FF" size="2" face="Graphite Light">1966 F-250 I6 240 2wd LWB Flare Side</font>
<a href="http://www.hometown.aol.com/tbeeee">http://www.hometown.aol.com/tbeeee</a>
 
Reply
Old Dec 29, 1999 | 09:34 PM
  #4  
mk's Avatar
mk
Laughing Gas
25 Year Member
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 3
From: central Alberta
A Basic Education, please...

From 67-72, the trim levels were Custom, Sport Custom(70-72), Ranger and Ranger XLT. The trucks collected more options and chrome as you go up the list. While the Ranger came with the nice chrome, you had to spring for the Ranger XLT to get the carpet. The Explorer was a promotional package which ran from(as Stockman mentioned) 1970 to the mid 80's. There were also(69-70) Farm and Ranch, Contractor and Heavy Duty Specials with their related options. From 73-79, it was just Custom, Ranger and XLT. Lariat took place of the XLT in 79. This is info gleaned mainly from brochures and experience and I might have missed something but this is generally what's out there. Hope it helps you out. mike
 
Reply
Old Dec 29, 1999 | 11:03 PM
  #5  
BigBrownTruck's Avatar
BigBrownTruck
Elder User
25 Year Member
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 910
Likes: 0
A Basic Education, please...

I've seen many Explorers in the 73-79 body style.
 
Reply
Old Dec 30, 1999 | 04:00 AM
  #6  
StockMan's Avatar
StockMan
Posting Guru
25 Year Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,558
Likes: 0
From: Inthepast
A Basic Education, please...

Wow Mike, that was a lot of good info. It is really amazing how much variation there really was between models even during a single year. I have a 72 Explorer that I just picked up. I have yet to see one of thse other ones (Farm, Ranch or Contractor). Ford really was way ahead of their time. I would think anybody that has one of those Onan power packs under the hood truly can say their truck is Y2K compliant!

<font color="#f80732" size="4" face="Graphite Light">Stock Man
</font><font color="#0000FF" size="2" face="Graphite Light">1967 F-250 FE 390 4wd</font>
<font color="#0000FF" size="2" face="Graphite Light">1966 F-250 I6 240 2wd LWB Flare Side</font>
<a href="http://www.hometown.aol.com/tbeeee">http://www.hometown.aol.com/tbeeee</a>
 
Reply
Old Dec 30, 1999 | 12:19 PM
  #7  
farmermark's Avatar
farmermark
Thread Starter
|
New User
25 Year Member
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
A Basic Education, please...

Thanks, everybody! You guys are great. I just discovered this site and I think it's unbelievably thorough and helpful. I presently own a 77 F250 diesel (Explorer, by the way) and I'm looking for an old Ranger for my wife (don't ask...she's just suddenly got this thing for an old Ranger). Any suggestions on what to look for and what to avoid? She wants an automatic and a bench seat. Beyond that, I know nothing about which year or which engine, transmission, etc. Help!
 
Reply
Old Dec 30, 1999 | 01:22 PM
  #8  
j.frank
Guest
Posts: n/a
A Basic Education, please...


mark, you have three body styles to choose an older ranger from:

1965-1966, very hard to find a ranger these years, and pricey if you do. came factory with bucket seats and carpet! no kidding!

1967-1972, a very nice looking ranger indeed!

1973-1979, much easier to find with options like ps,air,etc.

it sounds like you guys should pick out the body style you want to pursue first, then dive in from there...............just my opinion.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
story-3

2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-4

10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

 Brett Foote
story-6

5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)

 Joe Kucinski
Old Dec 30, 1999 | 11:27 PM
  #9  
mk's Avatar
mk
Laughing Gas
25 Year Member
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 3
From: central Alberta
A Basic Education, please...

One of the most practical choices for your wife, in my opinion, would be a 70-72 Ranger with a 302 automatic, p/s and p/b. Not bad on gas and easy to get parts for, with most mechanical parts interchangeable up to 79. Even the newer windshields and carpets (73-79) will fit the older trucks. Good luck in your search. mike
 
Reply
Old Jan 1, 2000 | 11:44 PM
  #10  
Trail_Rider's Avatar
Trail_Rider
Fleet Mechanic
25 Year Member
Liked
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 1,415
Likes: 0
From: Lower 48
A Basic Education, please...

 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:56 PM.

story-0
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-2
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-3
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-6
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!

Slideshow: Ranking the 5 things owners love about their Super Duty and 5 things they don't

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:36:49


VIEW MORE
story-8
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!

Slideshow: Ranking all 12 Ford truck engines available in 2026.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 13:32:20


VIEW MORE
story-9
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)

Slideshow: The best Ford F-150 deal for every trim level (XL through Raptor)

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-21 15:59:01


VIEW MORE