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Mud-covered 1979 Ford F-150 with large off-road tires, lifted suspension, and aftermarket lights on a dirt trail
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1975-1979 Ford F-150Dentside F-150

1975–1979 60+ on the wall 34 documents ↓

The Ford F-150 nameplate first appeared for the 1975 model year inside the sixth-generation F-Series that collectors call the "Dentside," named for the long horizontal crease pressed into its body sides. Ford slotted the 1975 F-150 between the F-100 and the F-250 as a heavier half-ton, and set its gross vehicle weight rating just above 6,000 pounds. That figure kept the 1975 F-150 in the heavy-duty emissions class, so it avoided the catalytic converter and unleaded-fuel requirement that hit the lighter 1975 F-100. The standard engine was the 300-cubic-inch (4.9L) inline-six, with the 302 (5.0L) Windsor V8 as the entry V8 across the run. The larger V8 options changed during the period: the 360 and 390 FE V8s through 1976, then the 351M and 400 V8s from 1977, with the 460 big-block offered across the period in two-wheel-drive trucks. Four-wheel-drive 1975-1979 F-150s used a solid Dana 44 front axle, the setup that preceded the Twin-Traction Beam introduced for 1980. The F-Series became the best-selling truck line in America for 1977, a position it held through this generation's final year of 1979.

Other Ford F-150 generations

1980-1986 Ford F-150 1987-1991 Ford F-150 1992-1996 Ford F-150 1997-2003 Ford F-150 2004-2008 Ford F-150 2009-2014 Ford F-150 2015-2020 Ford F-150 2021-2026 Ford F-150

Ford F-150 1975-1979 at a glance

  • Generation: Sixth-generation Ford F-Series, the 1973-1979 "Dentside." The F-150 nameplate joined the line for the 1975 model year.
  • Body styles: Two-door regular cab and the extended SuperCab (the SuperCab arrived for the 1974 F-Series, before the F-150 name); Styleside and Flareside beds.
  • Standard engine: 300-cubic-inch (4.9L) inline-six.
  • V8 options: 360 and 390 FE V8s through 1976; 351M and 400 V8s from 1977; 302 V8; 460 big-block in two-wheel-drive trucks across the run.
  • Transmissions: three-speed and four-speed manuals, plus the C6 three-speed automatic.
  • Four-wheel drive: solid Dana 44 front axle (the Twin-Traction Beam independent front arrived for 1980, after this generation).
  • Why the F-150 exists: Ford set the 1975 F-150 GVWR just above 6,000 lb to place it in the heavy-duty emissions class, exempting it from the 1975 catalytic converter and unleaded-fuel rule that applied to the F-100.
  • Generation end: 1979 was the last year of the Dentside body; the "Bullnose" seventh generation followed for 1980.

Year-by-year changes

Model yearStandard engineV8 optionsKey changes
1975 Ford F-150300 cu in (4.9L) inline-six302, 360, 390, 460F-150 nameplate introduced as a heavier half-ton between the F-100 and F-250; GVWR set just above 6,000 lb so the 1975 F-150 avoided the catalytic converter and could run leaded fuel.
1976 Ford F-150300 cu in (4.9L) inline-six302, 360, 390, 460Final year for the 360 and 390 FE V8s in the light-duty F-150.
1977 Ford F-150300 cu in (4.9L) inline-six302, 351M, 400, 460The 360 and 390 FE V8s were dropped; the 351M and 400 V8s of the 335-engine family replaced them in the 1977 Ford F-150. The Ford F-Series also became the best-selling truck line in the United States for 1977.
1978 Ford F-150300 cu in (4.9L) inline-six302, 351M, 400, 460Rectangular headlamps appeared on higher trims (Ranger, Ranger XLT, Ranger Lariat) while the Custom kept round lamps; the Ranger Lariat trim was added. Four-wheel drive became available on the SuperCab.
1979 Ford F-150300 cu in (4.9L) inline-six302, 351M, 400, 460Final year of the Dentside sixth generation; rectangular headlamps were used across the F-150 range. The 1980 model year brought the redesigned "Bullnose" body and Twin-Traction Beam front suspension.

Why Ford created the F-150 for 1975

The Ford F-150 was a regulatory response as much as a product. For the 1975 model year, federal rules required light-duty vehicles rated at 6,000 pounds gross vehicle weight or less to use a catalytic converter and unleaded fuel. Ford set the 1975 F-150 at a GVWR just above that 6,000-pound line, which placed it in the heavy-duty class and exempted it from the converter requirement. The result was a half-ton Ford F-150 that could still run leaded fuel and carry a slightly higher load rating than the F-100 it sat above. The 1975 F-100 of the same generation, by contrast, did receive a catalytic converter. The F-150 sat between the F-100 and the three-quarter-ton F-250 in the lineup.

Engines of the 1975-1979 Ford F-150

The base engine across the 1975-1979 Ford F-150 was the 300-cubic-inch (4.9L) inline-six, a long-stroke truck six rated in net horsepower because all 1972-and-later figures were reported as net rather than the older gross numbers. The 302-cubic-inch (5.0L) Windsor V8 was the entry V8. The larger V8 menu changed mid-generation: through 1976 the 1975-1976 Ford F-150 offered the 360 and 390 FE-family V8s, and for 1977 Ford replaced those with the 351M and 400 V8s of the 335-engine family. The 460-cubic-inch (7.5L) big-block of the 385-engine family was the top engine and was offered in two-wheel-drive Ford F-150 trucks through the period. Net output for these emissions-era engines was modest by later standards; the 300 inline-six produced roughly 114 to 120 net horsepower depending on year and configuration.

Drivetrain, axles, and four-wheel drive

The 1975-1979 Ford F-150 used a body-on-frame layout with a leaf-sprung live rear axle. Transmissions included three-speed and four-speed manuals plus the Ford C6 three-speed automatic, which was paired with the higher-torque engines. Four-wheel-drive 1975-1979 Ford F-150 trucks used a solid Dana 44 front axle, the beam-axle setup that preceded the Twin-Traction Beam independent front suspension Ford introduced for the 1980 F-150. Four-wheel drive on the extended SuperCab body became available for 1978 on the Ford F-150. The 460 big-block was not offered with four-wheel drive in this generation and was a two-wheel-drive option.

Trims and body styles

The 1975-1979 Ford F-150 was sold in a range of trim levels that included the base Custom, the Ranger, the Ranger XLT, and, added for 1978, the Ranger Lariat. The Ranger and higher trims added carpeting, color-keyed interior fabrics, and wood-tone interior trim. The Ford F-150 came as a two-door regular cab and as the extended SuperCab, which the F-Series had introduced for 1974. Bed choices were the smooth-sided Styleside and the running-board-style Flareside. For 1978 the higher Ford F-150 trims switched to rectangular headlamps while the Custom retained round lamps, and for 1979 the rectangular lamps were used across the range.

Frequently asked questions

When did the Ford F-150 first appear?

The Ford F-150 nameplate debuted for the 1975 model year inside the 1973-1979 sixth-generation "Dentside" F-Series. It was added as a heavier half-ton positioned between the F-100 and the F-250.

Why did Ford introduce the F-150 in 1975?

Ford set the 1975 Ford F-150 gross vehicle weight rating just above 6,000 pounds, which placed it in the heavy-duty emissions class and exempted it from the 1975 catalytic converter and unleaded-fuel requirement that applied to lighter trucks such as the F-100.

What engines did the 1975-1979 Ford F-150 use?

The 1975-1979 Ford F-150 used the 300-cubic-inch (4.9L) inline-six as standard, with the 302 V8 and, through 1976, the 360 and 390 FE V8s. For 1977 the 351M and 400 V8s replaced the 360 and 390, and the 460 big-block was offered in two-wheel-drive trucks across the run.

Did the 1975-1979 Ford F-150 4x4 have a solid front axle?

Yes. Four-wheel-drive 1975-1979 Ford F-150 trucks used a solid Dana 44 front axle. The Twin-Traction Beam independent front suspension did not arrive until the 1980 Ford F-150, after this generation ended.

What is the "Dentside" Ford F-150?

"Dentside" is the enthusiast nickname for the 1973-1979 sixth-generation Ford F-Series, named for the horizontal crease pressed into the body sides. The Ford F-150 versions of this body run from the nameplate's 1975 launch through the final 1979 model year.

Sources

By the SuperMotors Editorial Team · Last updated July 2026 · Spotted an error? Suggest a correction

Asked all the time

When did the Ford F-150 first appear?

The Ford F-150 nameplate debuted for the 1975 model year inside the 1973-1979 sixth-generation "Dentside" F-Series. It was added as a heavier half-ton positioned between the F-100 and the F-250.

Why did Ford introduce the F-150 in 1975?

Ford set the 1975 Ford F-150 gross vehicle weight rating just above 6,000 pounds, which placed it in the heavy-duty emissions class and exempted it from the 1975 catalytic converter and unleaded-fuel requirement that applied to lighter trucks such as the F-100.

What engines did the 1975-1979 Ford F-150 use?

The 1975-1979 Ford F-150 used the 300-cubic-inch (4.9L) inline-six as standard, with the 302 V8 and, through 1976, the 360 and 390 FE V8s. For 1977 the 351M and 400 V8s replaced the 360 and 390, and the 460 big-block was offered in two-wheel-drive trucks across the run.

Did the 1975-1979 Ford F-150 4x4 have a solid front axle?

Yes. Four-wheel-drive 1975-1979 Ford F-150 trucks used a solid Dana 44 front axle. The Twin-Traction Beam independent front suspension did not arrive until the 1980 Ford F-150, after this generation ended.

What is the "Dentside" Ford F-150?

"Dentside" is the enthusiast nickname for the 1973-1979 sixth-generation Ford F-Series, named for the horizontal crease pressed into the body sides. The Ford F-150 versions of this body run from the nameplate's 1975 launch through the final 1979 model year.

Technical Reference

Member-uploaded diagrams & documents for this generation. AI-classified; community-verified where badged.

Wiring Diagrams (10)

Exploded Parts (5)

Torque Specs (1)

Brochures & Literature (7)

Manual Pages (2)

Schematics (2)

Vacuum Routing (1)

Service Procedures (5)

Data/Spec Plates (1)

The wall · registered 1975–1979 F-150s

Sorted by depth of documentation. Click any vehicle to open its permanent record.

Mud-covered 1979 Ford F-150 with large off-road tires, lifted suspension, and aftermarket lights on a dirt trail1979 F-1501979 F-150 · Dale Schell2,981 photos 1977 Ford F-150 cab with roll cage installed, sitting on a trailer in a garage“The Camo Truck”1977 F-150 · BrokeCuzWheelin614 photos Brown and tan Ford pickup truck with a brush guard and off-road tires. License plate reads 1BAD79“Trusty Rusty”1979 F-150 · Chris Barrett450 photos Brown Ford Bronco driving on a muddy off-road course with a person visible inside“WhiteHorse”1979 F-150 · Rocco Bronco444 photos 1979 Ford F-150 front grille and headlight, with two large tires secured by a yellow strap“Last Minute Prom Date”1979 F-150 · nascarfreak88222 photos Red 1978 Ford F-150 pickup truck towing a tan Ford Bronco on a trailer down a dirt road“high maintenance”1978 F-150 · IDIeselman213 photos 1979 Ford F-150 chassis and cab, side view. A pop-up camper is visible behind it“Ol' Muddy”1979 F-150 · Goose186 photos White Ford Bronco with a woman standing next to it. The vehicle has a two-tone paint scheme and chrome accents“Monster”1976 F-150 · Fordfilly181 photos 1978 Ford F-150 pickup truck, blue, parked on dirt road next to a sign in a snowy landscape“ol' blue-grey”1978 F-150 · unreng126 photos Blue 1978 Ford F-150 driving on a rocky forest road, with other vehicles behind it1978 F-1501978 F-150 · bronc_17113114 photos Orange and white 1979 Ford F-150 with a red snow plow and auxiliary lights“Swamp Master”1979 F-150 · Craig Cherry111 photos White lifted 1970s Ford truck rear quarter on big tires, gravel lot, trees“custom BUILT”1976 F-150 · Aren Hansen100 photos Mud-caked orange vintage 4x4 with vertical-slat grille and number 63 in a mud pit“Ripper”1977 F-150 · Fordfilly99 photos 1978 Ford Bronco parked on a residential street with autumn leaves on the ground1977 F-1501977 F-150 · 96bluvic97 photos Black 1978 Ford Bronco driving through mud, spare tire on rear, trees in background“Red Beast”1978 F-150 · DvlRacer89 photos Teal 1979 Ford F-150 front view, chrome grille, "WANTED" license plate1979 F-1501979 F-150 · trapper4x488 photos 1977 Ford F-150 front grille1977 F-1501977 F-150 · BBF15075 photos 1977 Ford F-150 pickup truck with brown and tan paint, camper shell, and aftermarket bumper“The Dually”1979 F-150 · Adrianspeeder73 photos 1979 Ford F-150 front bumper with winch and Alaska license plate“Ole Red”1979 F-150 · Moose Johnson65 photos Blue 1979 Ford F-150 pickup truck with a white roof, parked outside on grass“Blue Phoenix”1979 F-150 · Camo_Monster13163 photos Dark-blue 1970s Ford pickup with Remodeling business lettering parked on winter grass“Bluzey”1975 F-150 · Rocco Bronco57 photos Blue oval Ford logo with white script text“Ole Red”1976 F-150 · Mark Barton51 photos White lifted Ford pickup on big tires climbing a dirt mound at an off-road event with spectators watching.“White Whale”1979 F-150 · Dave Young51 photos Red 1979 Ford F-150 pickup truck with chrome trim and aftermarket wheels, parked on a gravel surface“Old Red”1979 F-150 · redmt7950 photos Rear view of truck bumper with Ontario license plate WW4-798 and red fuel filter“ThunderTruck”1977 F-150 · John Webster48 photos Brown and blue 1976 Ford F-150 pickup truck, 3/4 front view“Lovejoy”1976 F-150 · Alaskan-78XLT44 photos 1979 Ford F-150 pickup truck, red cab and rear fender, blue bed1979 F-1501979 F-150 · james freitag44 photos Red 1977 Ford F-150 pickup truck parked in a grassy yard, front 3/4 view“Brown Turd”1977 F-150 · Reynard10139 photos Black 1979 Ford F-150 with orange stripes, front quarter view, jack under front wheel“Black Explorer”1979 F-150 · Ranger42937 photos close-up of rusty rear axle, suspension, and tire on a truck“ol' silver girl”1979 F-150 · countryboy_787937 photos Red lifted 1970s Ford F-series short-bed pickup, driver-side profile on a suburban driveway“F-150”1979 F-150 · Mike Lipford37 photos Green 1977 Ford F-150 pickup truck parked on gravel“Kermit the Ford - TRADED!”1977 F-150 · 4XPepe34 photos Ford Bronco in a garage with people working on it. It's lifted with big tires1979 F-1501979 F-150 · aamay198630 photos 1976 Ford F-150 side decal with eagle and '1776 1976' text“Spirit of '76”1976 F-150 · HoofBeats30 photos Close-up of a vehicle's firewall area and a large tire. The firewall is rusty and appears to be part of a project vehicle“Crew”1977 F-150 · trapper4x428 photos Side view of a red 1978 Ford F-150 pickup truck with dual exhaust stacks in the snow“old red”1978 F-150 · robbie28 photos 1970s Ford F-150 pickup truck, light blue, hood open, engine visible, large tire and ladder nearby.“Electric Lichen”1978 F-150 · BigBlue9427 photos Dark blue Ford F-150 parked on gravel in front of a barn“flairside custom”1979 F-150 · chucklebill24 photos 1979 Ford F-150 with hood removed, engine being lowered into place by an engine hoist1979 F-1501979 F-150 · Doug Stevenson23 photos Gray flatbed Ford pickup with spare tire against cab, parked in a cluttered garage1979 F-1501979 F-150 · chrono422 photos Green Ford pickup truck parked on grass in a field“not yet”1979 F-150 · TN472R21 photos Yellow and white 1978 Ford F-150 Ranger XLT side view, showing door and fender“Ole Betsy”1978 F-150 · Steven Scott20 photos Mud-covered off-road vehicle with a shark-tooth grille stuck in a muddy ditch“FUCD”1979 F-150 · Bronx19 photos Blue coupe with aftermarket hood scoop and custom hood pins“blue thunder”1979 F-150 · pdpgg19 photos Close-up of a truck's rear axle and leaf springs“big green”1977 F-150 · WickedFab18 photos Ford pickup doing a burnout with huge white smoke cloud at a fairground“Primer Evil”1977 F-150 · Dustin Rinne17 photos White lifted Ford pickup with big off-road tires and tube bumper on gravel road“Johnny Reb”1978 F-150 · johnphanson16 photos 1979 Ford F-150 rear quarter panel and wheel, two-tone white and brown paint, chrome trim, off-road tire“SOLD”1979 F-150 · Squid16 photos 1977 Ford F-150 pickup truck, orange with red and yellow side stripes, parked in driveway1977 F-1501977 F-150 · Chris Barrett15 photos Orange Ford pickup, 3/4 front, hood up, lifted on Mud Rover tires, parked on grass“Rough-N-Ready”1977 F-150 · countryboy79mi15 photos 1978 Ford F-150 pickup truck, white with red stripe, rear quarter view1978 F-1501978 F-150 · Ragged_Ol_8615 photos Blue V8 engine in pickup engine bay with disconnected wiring, mid-restoration1978 F-1501978 F-150 · Jay Walker15 photos Dark Jeep Wrangler driving through mud and splashing water“the Boss”1979 F-150 · loveroffords13 photos Side view of a brown 1978 Ford F-150 pickup truck with a camper shell. Another van is parked behind it1978 F-1501978 F-150 · Timothypm11 photos Dark coupe rear view with aftermarket wheels and a license plate1977 F-1501977 F-150 · my77xlt11 photos Tan two-tone Ford parked beside a red International pickup on a paved lot“The big truck”1976 F-150 · 79bigbronco11 photos Black 1977 Ford F-150 pickup truck parked on grass next to a shed, with a yellow truck behind it1977 F-1501977 F-150 · appy10 photos 1978 Ford F-150 truck, two-tone blue and white, with a camper shell. Front view1978 F-1501978 F-150 · Mike Alt10 photos Front view of a light blue lifted Ford pickup with chrome grille and roof KC lights1978 F-1501978 F-150 · dsapp7810 photos Green pickup truck with off-road tires, side view. Some snow on the ground1979 F-1501979 F-150 · spbronc9 photos
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