1979 Ford F-150 Overview

Ford's F-series trucks continued to dominate the American market in 1979. The 1979 Ford F-150 offered the same power, durability, and reliability as always, and sales were strong. Stock engine choices included the 114-horsepower, 4.9-liter 300 inline 6-cylinder; a 5.0-liter 302 (F-100 only); 5.8-liter 351M; 6.6-liter 400; and 7.5-liter 460 (the 460 was not available in any 4x4, shortbeds, or F-100s).

The F-150 also offered a choice of transmissions: a 3-speed and two 4-speed manuals, the "bulldog," which has a low first gear, and the SROD (single rail overdrive), which was basically a toploader with the gears switched around, giving a 3-speed plus overdrive. Automatics were mostly the heavy-duty C6 3-speed (non-overdrive).

Most 4x4s could be had with either a NP205 part-time transfer case or NP203 chain-driven full-time transfer case (on F-100 - F-250 automatics only). The NP205 was used for the 4-speed bulldog and automatics.

Especially popular as a hard-working farm and ranch pickup, the '79 Ford F-150 was available in a variety of trims (Custom, Sport, Ranger, Ranger XLT, and Ranger Lariat, as well as the lesser known Free Wheelin' and Indy 500 Pace Truck, plus special Explorer Packages that could be added to any trim and featured special paint and stripes) and cab, bed, and tonneau configurations. Styleside models shipped with a supercab extended crewcab, with flareside and fleetside choices.

The 1979 Ford F-150 can be a fun ride, as well as a tough one. It's rugged enough for off-road adventure, and tuners around the world have turned many a '79 Ford F-150 into an aftermarket work of art.