Hello pre-97 forum people. I wanted to ask your opinion about a truck I found for sale locally. I have been looking for a fun 4x4 to make into a trail-worthy rig, that is also capable of driving on the road from time to time. This requires that it be able to pass smog (or in the case here it is smog-exempt), is currently registered and that the lights, wipers and defroster work.

Here is what I found:
1975 F100 regular cab, short bed, 4x4, 390 FE big block with Edlebrock intake and 4 barrel carburettor, NP435 transmission (4spd, with a 6.69:1 granny low), NP205 transfer case, 4.10 gears, Detroit locker in the rear and a Lock-Right in the front, 6" lift kit, 36" Super Swamper TSL tires with good tread.

They are asking $1,800 for the truck, it is mechanically sound and ready to go. The right side of the bed has a huge dent in it from trail use, but given my plans for the truck that isn't much of an issue.

I know it won't be the be-all, end-all of trail rigs, especially with the NP205's weak 1.96:1 low range, but I'm sure it will be better than what I have now. The seller claims it was his daily driver until recently, and while I know they are not comfortable compared to modern trucks, it probably is better than my sport bike in foul weather. The locked rear axle might be a chore to handle in the rain, but that is part of the fun sometimes.

Anyhow, just seeking thoughts and opinions overall on these trucks.

 

I LOVE THOSE THINGS! Don't beat it up too bad. 390 is a good torque engine so it would be good on the trails.

 

Believe me, my idea of hardcore trail use and others' are far apart. I don't care to beat up my vehicles needlessly or put myself into a dangerous situation. I promise I won't ruin the truck too much.

I agree though, the 390 can be a pretty good motor in a smaller pickup like this one.

 

You better hope you are smog-exempt - 1975 F-100's are supposed to have a cat.

 

Also you gotta think there is at least 2 grand worth of tires and lockers there. sounds like a no brainer. Oh not to live in the rust belt! Six year old trucks here have no cab corners or rockers. I haven't seen a nice 73-79 in a long time. And i own one. It's not nice.

 

For the love of god buy it!
I wish I could find a good reallly old truck around here. Last 75 I looked at before I bought my truck was rusted so far that the cab actually fell down over the frame.
Most of the 70-80's fords are still on a farm held together with duct tape, no joke, and definitely not trail worthy. You have found a good'n

 

Well, the truck sold and I wasn't the buyer. I hate when that happens.

 

Keep lookin! buy a bunch of them and ship them to PA. You'll make a mint. Me and Russo will buy one at least. You with me Russo?

 

If I had the money I'd buy em all.
There was a beaaaautiful 79 here that was all restored and lifted with a 460 and 4 speed...then the guy totalled it when he was drunk.
Thank god for the guy down the hill then buying it and another donor to rebuild. I may have a picture of it still after it was wrecked.
There was another one, 77 I think, really nice 360 or 390 maybe and a 4 speed. It was for sale, unfortunately out of my price range.
There are a few rare nice ones around, but most are shot.

 

Found the picture, the truck was an absolute beauty before this.

 

Should be able to rub that out!

 

Damn, that's hard to look at. My grandpa had a 74 or 75 that color, but his was a 360/C6 truck.

 

That sucks. they aren't makin any more of those. Wonder why the air bags didn't go off? (joke!) The guy ok?

 

For a free catalog

www.LMCTRUCK.com

 

sounds like a solid truck, even if the 4.10's are a lil' les gear than the 36" tires need