The Difference?
Elder User
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 910
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 1999
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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.
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 1999
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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
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