Difference in frame rail width from 72-73, or from F250 to F250 ranger?
 

We bought a beater truck that is registered as a 73, but has no VIN tag that I can find. We ordered a hitch for it that is supposed to fit a 73 and attach to the frame rails, but it is 4 inches too wide. Is it possible that we have a different year or is there a difference because it is a Ranger? Or, could the hitch just be wrong? Our truck is a dentside. So confused. I had a 74 and thought I knew what I was doing, but this is a mystery truck to me. The frame rails are 3'' wide, and measures 34'' outside of rail to outside of rail (so 28'' inside to inside).

Welcome to FTE

Ranger makes no difference.

33 1/2" width between the inner frame rails behind the cab: 1961/72 F100/250 2WD/4WD & F350 / 1973/77 F250 4WD (High Boys) / 1973/79 F350's on the 140" Wheelbase & Cab 'n Chassis.

37 1/2" width between the inner frame rails behind the cab: 1973/79 F100/250 2WD & F350 except as noted above / 1977 F250 4WD from serial number Y20,001 (not a High Boy) & 1978/79 F250 4WD.

No VIN "tag" on trucks until 1980. Beginning in 1980, VIN Plate located on the left side of the dash, visible thru the windshield. Only has the VIN stamped on it

1963/79: Warranty Plate riveted to the left door face below the latch. Has the Warranty Number (VIN), WB/COLOR/MODEL/BODY/TRANS/AXLE/GVWR/YEAR(some)/DSO codes stamped on it.

1970/79: Safety Standard Certification Label glued to the B pillar below the striker plate. Has the Production Date, VIN and misc. GVWR's printed on it. Some years have the tire sizes listed.

Thank you! That's exactly what I was looking for.

Wouldn't be because it's a Ranger - that's just trim level. Is it a 4x4 though? An F-250 4x4 from those years (termed a "High Boy" by enthusiasts) has a narrower rear frame.

Edit: just saw NumberDummy beat me to it. Posted while i was typing. :)

As for a '72 dent-side ... no, but that's not to say it's impossible for someone to bolt a dentside body onto a bumpside frame.

"Bumpside" 1967/72: So called because of the raised scallop line that's located midway thru the body sides.

"Dentside" 1973/79: So called because of the concave body line that's located towards the upper body sides.