Offered for the 1973-1979 model years, the 6th Generation Ford F-series pick-up trucks - known to enthusiasts as the Dentside - continued use of the 4th Generation platform with significant cosmetic and practical enhancements inside and out. Several corrosion-preventing modifications were made to the undercarriage, and the fuel tank was relocated from the cab to underneath the pickup bed.
The 6th Generation saw the introduction of the popular F-150 in 1975, an intermediary between the F-100 and F-250 intended to skirt emission requirements. It would eventually be the successor to the F-100 and one of the most popular models in America.
It also continued the F-350, the model with the largest payload of 1-ton. Like this striking example from Merritt Motors.
ABOUT THIS FORD F-350.
The 6th Generation F-350 was offered as a four-door Crewcab or, starting in 1976, the Supercab, which featured an extended cab with two-doors.
There were four available trim levels: Custom, Ranger, Ranger XLT, and Ranger Lariat (78/79), in ascending order of premium.
A minor facelift in 1978 included a one-piece grille (instead of a vertical-split in prior model years), relocation of the headlights to outside the grille (instead of inside in prior model years), and chrome-platted letters F-O-R-D above the grille. All together, it made for a strikingly modern and iconic arrangement.
For 1979 F-350s with four-wheel drive, only three engine options were available: a 300 CID I6, 351M CID V8, or 400 CID V8. This example employs the 400 CID V8, but there's no shortage of confusion around the distinction between the 351M and 400.
Fortunately, Modern Driveline does a nice job of explaining that, for the interested.
The Specs.
This 1979 Ford F-350 Ranger Supercab 4x4 is one of a reported 1,685 produced for the 1979 model year - and it's an absolute treasure. To further illustrate what a gem this is, it's one of 38 ever produced with the following specs.Â
HIGHLIGHTS:Â
- Two-barrel 400 CID V8
- Ford C6 automatic transmission
- 3.54 gear
- Deluxe two-tone exterior paint (Dark Brown Metallic and Light Sand)
- Tilt steering wheel
- Sliding rear window
- Cruise control
- Camper Special Package
- Ranger Package