The Difference?
Elder User
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 910
Likes: 0
The Difference?
I'm curious, do you have a 351M or 351W? I'm trying to figure out whether there were any factory 351W in 73-79 f series. I've been told by a wrecking yard that 351W were sold as CA emmissions motor. I have been trying to figure out the diff myself, I have a 76 F100 custom and a 69 F100 Ranger. One wrecking yard I was seeking info from had no listings for a 302 in a F150 but did find listings for a 302 in a F100.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
The Difference?
Geoff, When the F150 was first introduced, it was billed as a beefed up 1/2 ton. It had higher rated springs, for a little more hauling, and maybe a few other little dittys. After a short run of this, the F100 was dropped.
I am trying to remember, but maybe chevy had a higher load capicity truck, at the time, so Ford had to step up. They are still playing those games today.
John
I am trying to remember, but maybe chevy had a higher load capicity truck, at the time, so Ford had to step up. They are still playing those games today.
John
Guest
Posts: n/a
The Difference?
We bought a'77 F150 new. By having a higher GVWR the F150 was exempt from the majority of emmissions control regulations of the time. In particular the '77 had no catylic converter and was rated to use regular leaded gas. A few years later this loophole in the emissions laws was closed.
Guest
Posts: n/a
The Difference?
The real reason that Ford changed it's 1/2 ton trucks from f-100 to f-150 is to eliminate some kind of tax on that was imposed on light-duty vehicles. I remember reading this in a book that I have, I have to look this up to make sure I remember the exact reason.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 910
Likes: 0
The Difference?
I'v have seen numerous M family motors in 77-79 2wd trucks. Do you mean that the 351M specifically was only in 4wd? I was under the impression that the M's were a bigger engine option replaceing the defunct FE engine options. I almost bought a 78 or 79 F150 that had a M motor and the 4sp overdrive tranny(not top loader). This truck appeared dead stock.
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 222
Likes: 2
The Difference?
With the introduction of the small-size pickup, the F100 and Ranger essentially were competing for the same customer. The load carrying capacity was about the same with just a smaller box. So Ford dropped the F100 to provide a true size and load difference which probably made them even more money since you had to pony up more money to get into a F150.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,719
Likes: 1
From: Lee's Summit MO
The Difference?
My dad says that the F-150 was brought on as competition for the Big 10 and the Heavy-half, but also because of the F-100's emission status. I am not positive bout this and you guys are the ones that own these trucks. He did work for FOMOCO from 1967-1975.
Evan A.K.A. PastMaster
1993 F-150 302/E40d XLT
1989 F-150 302/Aod 4x4 XLT Lariat
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
664x4drvr
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
11
Dec 8, 2012 07:46 AM
CurtisLoew
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Apr 1, 2007 08:30 PM
charlez
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Oct 29, 2000 02:16 PM