Vintage 1979 Ford F-150 Ranger 4x4 (low mileage)

1979 Ford F-150 Description

Here’s your opportunity to pickup a vintage green 1979 Ford F150 Ranger 4x4.

Whether you want to bug out, cruise, or tow your vintage airstream to the lake house, check out this gorgeous truck. The prior owner claimed that it was a one family car prior to his purchase, and that the odometer never flipped. There is apparently no way to check if this is a 32k, 132k or 1032k mile vehicle.

The 351M was one of the last carbureted (not EFI) enginesFord made and it starts right up. The C6automatic transmission shifts smoothly and NP205 transfer case operates properly. The high-pinion Dana 44 front and Ford 9 inch rear axles are among the best running gear Ford made. Mods are confined to a dual Cherry Bomb style exhaust (sounds great!) and a 4 inch Rancho Suspension lift with air shocks in the rear. Newish 35" radial tires have around 10,000 miles on them. The steering and brakes are powered and it has cruise control (!).

The exterior looks great other than some paint fading and chipping. It appears to have been resprayed once long ago in the original color. The body is in quite good shape but with some dents and dings. There is a dent in the lower passenger door and long ago body work on the driver side cowling. The heavy duty front bumper and Warn winch (not tested) were a dealer installed option when it was bought new. The bed shows substantial rust (apparently moisture got under the mat) but is inexpensive to replace from LMC.

I’m told that the undercarriage is “good” for a vehicle of this age. The truck was driven on mountain roads and has surface rust beneath. As usual with this model, the center gas tank cover is in mediocre shape (exhaust is fairly rusted also) and the part seems invisible in the aftermarket. It could be reconditioned or functionally replaced with a simple steel skid plate attached chassis.

The interior is in very good, original condition. The dash has no cutting or butchery of any kind but dash pad is cracked. Left arm rest has been replaced at some point. Seat upholstery looks near new other than three fabric panels worn badly on the driver side. There is no plastic shelf in the glove compartment. Floorboards, kick panels and cab corners are in great shape. Glass is good aside from a 1” bullseye in the lower windshield. The door seals would benefit from replacement (LMC can replacemostparts on this truck) and they rattle a bit when driving. The gas gauge is intermittent. Doors lock with key but inside locks have come unhooked.

At 37 years old, the truck is holding up well - but I'm not sure I'd drive it cross-country today as the last owner suggested he would do. I'm selling it because it won't pass smog in California without more work than I will do. The power steering pump whines and my mechanic says it leaks slightly. The motor is running dirty which could mean issues with the carburetor, valves, or seals (among other things).

I bought and am throwing in a brand new and unopened premium master rebuild kit from Grumpy’s Performance Center (351M with performance camshaft upgrade, cost me $410).

The truck is being sold “as-is” from Santa Clarita, CA. $500 deposit is non-refundable.

Happy to answer questions and thank you for bidding!