390/4-Speed: 1975 Ford F-250 Ranger XLT Highboy
The frontal shot gives this 1975 Ford F-250 Ranger XLT Highboy a menacing appearance, and its mechanical configuration ensures it has the muscle to match those looks. It is as solid as they come, and its presentation guarantees it can still turn heads. Its most pressing need is a new home, with the seller listing the Highboy here on eBay in Nampa, Idaho. Bidding has raced past the reserve to reach $18,100, although there is time for that figure to climb.
Ford’s Sixth Generation F-Series range graced showroom floors from December 1972 until 1979. The company widened the range slightly to meet growing buyer demands for increased versatility, and it proved a sales hit. Our feature F-250 appeared in 1975, with its original owner ordering it in a two-tone combination of Gray and Silver. It makes a positive first impression, with the paint shining deeply. There is an odd spot on the lower front fender on the driver’s side, but I am unsure whether it is an optical illusion, developing rust, or a genuine paint defect. The rest of the exterior carries minor chips and marks, but there is nothing significant. The panels are straight, and if that odd spot is developing rust, it appears to be the only area impacted. The remaining panels are clean, and the underside is rock-solid. Someone has applied a spray-on bedliner, a wise investment for long-term protection. The trim and glass are acceptable for a driver-grade classic, while the larger wheels and tires should enhance its off-road capability.
There’s a lot to like about this Ford’s interior because its presentation is impressive. The seatcover and carpet appear new because neither shows signs of marks or wear. The dash and pad are excellent, the door trims and headliner are in good order, and the faux woodgrain hasn’t suffered the typical deterioration issues. The wheel has cracked, which is the only notable fault the buyer may wish to address. The new owner won’t benefit from factory options like air conditioning or cruise control, but the radio/cassette player will relieve boredom on long journeys.
The seller supplies no engine photos, but the drivetrain configuration ensures this F-250 should be an accomplished performer in most circumstances. The engine bay houses a 390ci V8 that sends 201hp and 376 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a four-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. Power steering ensures a light workload in all situations, while the power front disc brakes should provide confident stopping when this classic is fully laden. No information about how this classic runs or drives is provided, but the V8 must sound glorious breathing through its dual exhaust. The underside shots reveal no signs of fluid leaks, and this Highboy’s overall condition inspires quiet confidence about the vehicle’s mechanical health.
This 1975 Ford F-250 Ranger XLT Highboy makes a positive first impression, but it leaves us begging for more information. I won’t be alone in questioning that mark on the front fender, and the seller’s decision not to provide insight into its mechanical health is frustrating. However, those issues haven’t quelled buyer interest, with the auction receiving twenty-three bids. With the reserve passed, this classic’s new home is only days away. Are you tempted to make that home yours?
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Comments
Another nice Ford pickup from the prolific refurbisher/ restorer/ seller in Idaho. The interior has obviously been redone using non-stock upholstery, but it looks great. The tire and wheel package is more up-to-date and doesn’t look overdone (as can be the case). Perhaps there is some body panel fit/mismatch on the passenger side? I wish he would include a Marti Report.
I’ve noted how I like the two-tones of the era; given this one is silver and gray, it would fit right in with today’s automotive hues.
Intelligent response
Has a 76-77 grille on it. The factory front discs didn’t start until ‘76. Curious what the VIN might be.
The VIN does come up as a 1975 F250 4×4 but the seller also has another truck (with a correct ’75 grille) listed with the same VIN listed in its ad. Odd.
Was the factory 360 rebuilt to a 390 or was a 390 swapped in. 4×4 never got a 390 from the factory.
from his eBay ad . VIN says its a 360 engine F26YRV24238
Though the ad says it’s a 1975, the grille and the “factory disc brakes” say 1976. Sure, the grille is easily changed between years, but 76 is the first year for factory disc brakes on an F250 4×4.
Attractive truck.
It’s not that hard to swap a disc brake(open knuckle) front axle assembly into one. I’ve done it a few times both for the better brakes and because the closed knuckle parts went obsolete and were getting harder to find. Swapping grill inserts is of course even easier. The side mirrors look to be newer than 1975 also.
More than just swapping grille inserts, the whole grille shell is different between 75 and 76. And yes, those mirrors are from a much later model, I’d prefer the originals
I’ve always loved the grille from the 1976-77 Ford F-series trucks, probably more than the 1973-75 or 1978-80 Ford.
We’ve seen lots of trucks from this Idaho seller. It seems apparent to me that his modus operandi is to refurbish trucks to be appealing to his most likely and prevalent buyers. So: paint; almost all have modern tire/wheel packages; interior, though not necessarily to original specs; trim updates (in this case, grille & mirrors); mechanical changes as necessary. He is likely using parts which are readily available, or are cheap, or whatever. He isn’t really after a fully correct restoration.
But it does give us something to chat about.
I’m not a Ford guy but these were damn good trucks ! Simple and tough as nails. I agree with BoB in TN regarding some trim / panel alignment issues on the passengers side front ? You would think the seller would address such an obvious glitch before advertising it !
between my late father, late brother and myself; we’ve owned the following model years: ’73 ’78 ’80 ’94 ’95 ’03 ’04. Would love to obtain one again from the 70s to honor the two of them. Maybe in 2024 when I retire!
Nice looking truck for sure but some say looks aren’t everything
Ok, so what’s everything? Lol
I do not recall a difference in the grill shell between 1975 and 1976. The changeI do recall was from 1977 to 1978. From 1973 through 1977 the differences were in the style and color of the inserts and from turn signal lights. I am working off of memory as it has been a long time since I messed with them but I did for a time make my living from buying and selling 73-79 Ford trucks and parts, and I did work several years in Ford dealership parts departments back when these trucks were common on the road.
I had a 74 xlt 460 back in the day with disc and dad bought a 75 off the lot with disc so they were available from the factory ! Correct about the grille and mirrors wrong year for sure.
If you bought one with a 460, it was a 2WD, correct? 2WD trucks definitely had front discs in those years.
For 4×4 F250s, the first year for front disc brakes is 1976.
Disc brakes were offered on 2-wheel drive trucks starting in 1968 and standard equipment in 1973.
Ive got a 1973 f250, full time 4×4 14 inch lift 48 inch tires. I rebuild the 360 engine. Problem is the intermediate shaft between the divorced transmission would keep throwing out u joints so bad, I would carry a spare ready to install which happens at the worst possible times. I finally stopped road driveing and just use it on the farm. Milage was terrible too.