73-79 Ford Trucks For Sale: Your Comprehensive Guide to the "Dentside" Era types.truckstrend.com

The rumble of a big V8, the unmistakable silhouette of a classic American pickup, and the promise of rugged dependability – these are just some of the reasons why the 1973-1979 Ford F-Series trucks, affectionately known as "Dentsides," remain immensely popular today. More than just old vehicles, these trucks represent a golden era of American manufacturing, combining utilitarian design with a surprising degree of comfort for their time. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a first-time classic truck owner, or simply a fan of robust, no-nonsense machinery, the search for "73-79 Ford Trucks For Sale" opens up a world of possibilities. This comprehensive guide will navigate you through the enduring appeal, key considerations, and practical advice for finding and owning one of these iconic Ford pickups.

The Enduring Appeal of the "Dentside" F-Series (1973-1979)

73-79 Ford Trucks For Sale: Your Comprehensive Guide to the "Dentside" Era

The sixth generation of the Ford F-Series, produced from 1973 to 1979, earned its "Dentside" moniker from the distinctive body line running along the side of the truck, resembling a long, continuous dent. Beyond this unique styling cue, these trucks offered significant advancements over their predecessors. Ford focused on creating a more spacious and comfortable cab, improved ride quality thanks to the Twin I-Beam front suspension (on 2WD models), and a wider array of engine options designed to meet the varying demands of buyers.

What makes them so sought after today?

• Rugged Durability: Built with heavy-gauge steel and robust drivetrains, these trucks were engineered to last, making them excellent candidates for restoration or continued work.
• Timeless Aesthetics: The Dentside’s muscular yet clean lines possess an undeniable classic appeal that stands out from modern trucks.
• Versatility: Available in various configurations—from light-duty F-100/F-150 to heavy-duty F-250/F-350, two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, and multiple cab styles (regular, SuperCab, Crew Cab)—there’s a Dentside for almost any purpose.
• Mechanical Simplicity: Compared to contemporary vehicles, Dentsides are relatively straightforward to work on, making them appealing to DIY enthusiasts.
• Strong Community and Parts Availability: Their popularity ensures a vibrant aftermarket and a supportive community of owners, simplifying maintenance and customization.

What to Look For: Key Considerations When Buying a Dentside

Finding the right 73-79 Ford truck requires a keen eye and a clear understanding of what makes these vehicles tick. Here’s a breakdown of crucial areas to inspect:

1. Rust and Body Condition

Rust is the primary enemy of any vintage vehicle, and Dentsides are no exception. Pay close attention to:

• Cab Corners and Rocker Panels: These are notorious rust traps.
• Floor Pans: Check under the carpet for rot, especially near the kick panels.
• Fenders and Wheel Wells: Look for bubbling paint or perforations.
• Bed: Inspect the bed floor, inner fenders, and bedside seams.



• Frame: Crucial for structural integrity. Look for cracks, repairs, or severe scaling.
• Door Bottoms and Window Channels: Areas where water can collect.

2. Engine and Drivetrain

Dentsides came with a variety of engines, from the economical 300 cubic inch inline-six to potent V8s like the 302, 351M, 360, 390, 400, and the massive 460.

• Listen for unusual noises: Knocks, ticks, or excessive smoke.
• Check fluids: Oil, transmission fluid, coolant – look for leaks or contamination.
• Transmission: Manuals should shift smoothly; automatics should engage without harshness or slipping.
• Differential: Listen for hums or clunks, indicating wear.
• Modifications: Be aware of engine swaps. While a modern V8 might offer more power, ensure the swap was professionally done and correctly integrated.

3. Suspension, Steering, and Brakes

• Twin I-Beam (2WD): Inspect kingpins and bushings for wear, which can lead to vague steering and uneven tire wear.
• Leaf Springs/Shocks: Look for sagging, broken leaves, or leaky shocks.
• Steering Play: Excessive play in the steering wheel indicates worn steering box, tie rods, or ball joints.
• Brakes: Check for spongy pedal, pulling, or grinding noises. Power brakes were common, ensure the booster is functioning.

4. Interior and Electrical

• Seat and Dash: Original seats are often worn or torn; dash pads crack from sun exposure.
• Gauges and Lights: Ensure all dashboard gauges (fuel, oil pressure, temp, voltmeter) and exterior lights work.
• Wiring: Look for frayed, spliced, or aftermarket wiring that could be a fire hazard.

5. Documentation and History

A clean title is essential. Any maintenance records or receipts for work done can provide valuable insight into the truck’s past and how well it was cared for.

Different Models and Their Specialties

The 1973-1979 F-Series lineup offered a configuration for every need:

• F-100/F-150: The most common light-duty models. The F-150 was introduced in 1975 to skirt stricter emissions regulations applied to trucks under 6,000 lbs GVWR, quickly becoming a best-seller. They are popular for cruising and mild customization.
• F-250/F-350: Heavy-duty workhorses designed for serious hauling and towing. The F-250 4×4 models from 1973-1977.5 are known as "Highboys" due to their narrow frame rails and divorced transfer cases, offering a higher stance from the factory. Later 77.5-79 F-250 4x4s ("Lowboys") had wider frame rails and married transfer cases, sitting lower. F-350s often came as "Dually" models for maximum towing.
• SuperCab & Crew Cab: The SuperCab, introduced in 1974, provided extra interior space with a small rear bench. The rare Crew Cab offered four full doors, making them highly desirable for those needing to transport more passengers.

Trim levels like Custom, Ranger, Ranger XLT, and Lariat dictated the level of interior refinement, exterior brightwork, and available options, with Lariat being the most luxurious.

The Buying Process: Tips for a Successful Purchase

1. Research Thoroughly: Understand the specific model you’re interested in, its common issues, and a realistic market value based on condition.
2. Set a Budget (and Stick to It): Factor in not just the purchase price, but also potential restoration costs, immediate repairs, insurance, and ongoing maintenance.
3. Where to Look:
   • Online Marketplaces: Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, eBay Motors, Hemmings, Bring a Trailer (for higher-end examples).
   • Classic Car Dealerships: Often offer restored or well-maintained examples, but at a premium.
   • Forums and Enthusiast Groups: Dedicated Ford truck forums and Facebook groups are excellent resources for finding trucks and getting advice.
   • Local Classifieds/Word of Mouth: Don’t underestimate finding a hidden gem in your local area.
4. Inspect in Person: Pictures rarely tell the whole story. If possible, bring a knowledgeable friend or mechanic.
5. Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI): For serious contenders, especially those from out of town, invest in a professional PPI by a mechanic familiar with vintage trucks.
6. Test Drive:
   • Listen for engine and transmission noises.
   • Check brake effectiveness and steering response.
   • Test all lights, wipers, horn, and HVAC.
   • Pay attention to how the truck tracks on the road.
7. Negotiate Wisely: Be prepared to walk away if the price or condition isn’t right. Have comparable sales data to support your offer.

Restoration, Customization, and Living with a Dentside

Owning a 73-79 Ford truck is more than just having a vehicle; it’s an experience. Many Dentside owners embark on restoration projects, ranging from simple repairs to full frame-off rebuilds.

• Parts Availability: Thanks to their popularity, finding parts for Dentsides is generally quite easy. Reproduction body panels, interior components, trim pieces, and mechanical parts are readily available from numerous suppliers.
• Common Upgrades:
  • Brakes: Upgrading to disc brakes on all four corners significantly improves stopping power.
  • Power Steering: If not equipped, adding power steering makes low-speed maneuvering much easier.
  • Engine Swaps: Modern engine swaps (e.g., Ford Coyote, Chevrolet LS) are popular for improved power, reliability, and fuel economy, though they alter the truck’s originality.
  • Suspension: Lift kits for 4x4s, or lowering kits for 2WD trucks, are common aesthetic and performance modifications.
  • Air Conditioning: Adding or restoring AC is a popular comfort upgrade.
• Challenges:
  • Fuel Economy: Especially with larger V8s, these trucks can be thirsty.
  • Hidden Issues: Rust can hide under paint or bondo, and deferred maintenance can lead to unexpected repairs.
  • Finding Skilled Mechanics: While mechanically simple, not all modern shops are familiar with carburetor tuning or older electrical systems.
• Community Support: The Dentside community is incredibly active online and at car shows, offering a wealth of knowledge, advice, and camaraderie.

73-79 Ford Trucks For Sale: Estimated Price Guide

The price of a 1973-1979 Ford truck varies wildly based on numerous factors: condition, specific model (F-100 vs. F-350, 2WD vs. 4WD, regular cab vs. Crew Cab), engine, originality, modifications, geographic location, and seller’s motivation. The table below provides a general range for different conditions and types.

| Condition Category | F-100/F-150 2WD (Regular Cab) | F-100/F-150 4WD (Regular Cab) | F-250/F-350 2WD (Regular Cab) | F-250/F-350 4WD (Regular Cab, incl. Highboy) | SuperCab/Crew Cab (All Drivetrains) | Key Factors Influencing Price |
| :—————– | :—————————– | :—————————– | :—————————– | :——————————————- | :———————————- | :———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————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