Highboy Information Compilation
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Waterloo IL
################################################## #########################
# Lowboy #
################################################## #########################
All F-250 4x4's after 1977.5 (specifically, beginning in March 1977) are
considered "Lowboys". The weaker married transfer case (NP203) replaced
the stronger divorced transfer case (NP205)
# Lowboy #
################################################## #########################
All F-250 4x4's after 1977.5 (specifically, beginning in March 1977) are
considered "Lowboys". The weaker married transfer case (NP203) replaced
the stronger divorced transfer case (NP205)
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2009
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There is a lot of new information here, but the biggest changes regard frame information and overall height comparisons (in the suspension section), both with sources listed. Most other sections have received small updates.
I'm surprised to see that in 1970, the Highboy was as much as 6.4 inches higher than a F-100!
I'm surprised to see that in 1970, the Highboy was as much as 6.4 inches higher than a F-100!
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 117
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From: Evanston,Wyo
Zerfetzen, FANTASTIC post, I think you have put the most complete post on the Highboy as there has ever been on FTE. Regardless of what other may ridicule you about, or try to contest any of your info, for what it's worth-AWESOME JOB!!!!! I am going to copy your entire post X10 and hand them out on the Fridays when everyone cruises there old trucks and talks about there F150 Highboys with a factory 4 inch lift. It amazes how many of these trucks are still on the road and running and going strong and still uneducated some individuals are. I don't claim to be an expert on the 67 to 77.5 F250 4x4 variety of ford trucks, but I know a hell of alot more thanks to you my friend. Keep up the good work. All your research and time posting is much appreciated.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2009
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That's a nice looking rig as your avatar, 1976HighBoy.
For Ford lovers...
I posted another update this morning that compares F-250 (whether 4x2 or 4x4) frame strength to a 70's Dodge W200 and Chevy K20. There was no dentside F-250 with a frame as weak as those examples.
I'd like to find more info on their frames. Ford 3/4-tons didn't have anything that weak at the time. Now I wonder what their strongest was?
All of this assumes an equal frame yield strength of 36,000 PSI, which may or may not be right across brands.
And I know that for a 10% increase in wheelbase, a 10% increase in section modulus must accompany for the rig to handle the same load, so wheelbase counts too.
Interesting though...
For Ford lovers...
I posted another update this morning that compares F-250 (whether 4x2 or 4x4) frame strength to a 70's Dodge W200 and Chevy K20. There was no dentside F-250 with a frame as weak as those examples.
I'd like to find more info on their frames. Ford 3/4-tons didn't have anything that weak at the time. Now I wonder what their strongest was?
All of this assumes an equal frame yield strength of 36,000 PSI, which may or may not be right across brands.
And I know that for a 10% increase in wheelbase, a 10% increase in section modulus must accompany for the rig to handle the same load, so wheelbase counts too.
Interesting though...
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2010
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Great post
I don't have a highboy, but think it is great to have all this available in a single post. Mine is a 79 F250 Frame. I learned something about the frame widths and beds that i didn't know. I had planned on how to make some brackets to mount my 73 bed on the 79 frame, but because it was a 2WD and the 77.5+ are the same pattern, it saved me some work.
Doug
Doug
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From: Waterloo IL
A link to this thread has been added to post #8 of the FAQ, tips and tricks sticky which discusses highboys and already contains links to other highboy threads.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ml#post1437578
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ml#post1437578
Freshman User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 37
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From: massachusetts
I'm new to the forum,and i'm a little confused about the term regular cab on the hi-boys.I bought a 1976 off the original owner y26--------- this truck has all the goodies meaning hi pile carpet ranger xlt badges mouldings on the bottom of cab and bed, side box sliding rear window 360 -205-dana 60-44 4-speed this truck is all original right down to the lug nuts.Nothing was ever added and this is the way it left the showroom.My question is what do they consider a regular cab on a 76 hi-boy.Thanks Craig
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2009
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Welcome to the forum. There are three types of cabs in this generation of F-series trucks: regular cab, super cab, and crew cab. So the regular cab is a two-door cab that is not extended behind the backseat.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: NW Kans
I think this would also be good as a sticky, due to the volume of questions about highboys and the amount of information compiled here. Yes it has been covered before, and yes there is a sticky on it already, but it is buried under another title. If it was a sticky with its own title, maybe more people would notice and read it, and possibly eliminate some of the redundant questions.
I have never figured out why the highboys used a narrower frame, other than possibly to use up leftover frames from the previous eras. I dont believe it has anything to do with accomodating a divorced transfer case, I dont see what differece that would make.
I do believe all dentside frames are the same width in front, the highboy frames run straight back and the others widen out just behind the cab. Its easy to see if you look at the frame from the rear, especially with the bed off.
Fenderwell exit headers should fit the same for any truck. I dont know of headers being different for highboys. I have noticed chassis exit headers are not available for manual trucks, only for automatics. I believe this is due to the clutch linkage being in the way.
I have never figured out why the highboys used a narrower frame, other than possibly to use up leftover frames from the previous eras. I dont believe it has anything to do with accomodating a divorced transfer case, I dont see what differece that would make.
I do believe all dentside frames are the same width in front, the highboy frames run straight back and the others widen out just behind the cab. Its easy to see if you look at the frame from the rear, especially with the bed off.
Fenderwell exit headers should fit the same for any truck. I dont know of headers being different for highboys. I have noticed chassis exit headers are not available for manual trucks, only for automatics. I believe this is due to the clutch linkage being in the way.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Waterloo IL
Fenderwell exit headers should fit the same for any truck. I dont know of headers being different for highboys. I have noticed chassis exit headers are not available for manual trucks, only for automatics. I believe this is due to the clutch linkage being in the way.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Simi Valley, CA
I'm new to the forum,and i'm a little confused about the term regular cab on the hi-boys.
I bought a 1976
off the original owner y26. This truck has all the goodies meaning hi pile carpet ranger xlt badges mouldings on the bottom of cab and bed, side box sliding rear window 360 -205-dana 60-44 4-speed this truck is all original right down to the lug nuts.Nothing was ever added and this is the way it left the showroom.My question is what do they consider a regular cab on a 76 hi-boy.Thanks Craig
I bought a 1976
off the original owner y26. This truck has all the goodies meaning hi pile carpet ranger xlt badges mouldings on the bottom of cab and bed, side box sliding rear window 360 -205-dana 60-44 4-speed this truck is all original right down to the lug nuts.Nothing was ever added and this is the way it left the showroom.My question is what do they consider a regular cab on a 76 hi-boy.Thanks CraigAll 1967/76 F250 4WD's are refered to as High Boys, have a divorced transfer case.
1977 F250 4WD:
Before serial number Y20,001 = High Boy
From serial number Y20,001 = Not a High Boy. Has a married transfer case.
High Boy's were not available as a Super Cab. Only as Regular & Crew Cabs as a Cab & Chassis or with a Styleside or Flareside bed.
But, if Y26 refers the first three digits of the six digit serial number, the truck is a 1977, not a 1976. It will not be a High Boy and will have a 351M or 400 engine, not a 360.
1976 serial number range: A00,001 thru D25,000 / The serial number is the last 6 digits of the VIN / 360 = 5 valve cover bolt holes per side / 351M/400 = 8 valve cover bolt holes per side.
No 360 engines in F100/350's after 1976.
All 1973/79 F100/350's have rear frame rails that are 37 1/2" apart > EXCEPT < the following:
1973/77 F250 4WD (High Boys) / 1973/79 F350's on the 140" wheelbase. All these trucks have rear frame rails that are 33 1/2" apart.
Freshman User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 37
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From: massachusetts
1976 hi-boy ??
I screwed up ,my serial# f26yca3041 not y26 and the frame on the passenger side next to the engine crossmember has the same number stamped on the top rail flange it has the 33 1/2 in rail,sorry about that.Do i have a hi-boy or is this thing a piece together? Thanks for the help you and the rest of the members are a wealth of knowledge Thank you 