Here’s another box-checker of a truck for those of you looking for one, or who just like to look at nice pickups and dream about owning them, as I do. Presented very well and looking fantastic, this 1973 Ford F-250 4×4 Ranger has a 390 V8 and a 4-speed manual transmission. Box after box after box checked. They have it listed here on eBay in impossibly beautiful Hayden Lake, Idaho; the current bid price is $15,800, but the reserve hasn’t been met.
Beautiful, and for me, that means nice, reasonably-sized wheels and tires. I’m not a fan of giant, fat wheels on pickups, but I’ve mentioned that in past articles about 4×4 trucks. I like a more factory look, and these narrower-than-usual-in-2026 tires are perfect, as far as I’m concerned. Also, the plain white-painted steel rims are great and offset the beautiful white stripes and roof on this truck. This truck came with a couple of unofficial nicknames: Dentside for the indented body line, and Highboy due to the separate (divorced) transfer case that caused the 4×4 trucks to be a bit higher than the rear-wheel drive versions.
This truck isn’t original, but you probably already knew that. It’s been restored, or at least refurbished with new paint and a new interior. The seller says it’s a rust-free example and has new paint inside and out. They show a few underside photos, and it appears rock solid. The sixth-generation F-Series was made from 1972 for the 1973 model year until the end of 1979 here, and a bit longer elsewhere. The bed has been lined, and the shin-killer trailer hitch would have to come out for daily driver use for me, but it’s nice to see it in place for the photos.
That’s one bright seat cover, but I like it. Nothing says men’s pants in the 1970s like plaid, and this replacement seat cover doesn’t disappoint. This pattern wouldn’t have been available, at least according to this brochure, but it’s a fun upgrade. Speaking of not disappointing, you can see the 4-speed manual shifter there, along with the 2-speed divorced transfer case shifter, which gives this truck a true “high boy” look due to being higher to accommodate the separate driveshaft-driven transfer case as opposed to a “married” transmission/transfer case, where the truck could be a bit lower.
The engine is Ford’s 390-cu.in. OHV V8, which would have had 161 horsepower rolling through the transfer case and a 4-speed manual to all four wheels as needed. Power steering (hydraulic) and power brakes are on tap, and the seller says everything works as it should. Please read the eBay listing to see everything that has been done to this blue beauty. Any thoughts on this ’73 F-250 4×4?
I agree SG, a clean and straightforward restoration of this F-250. The blue/white theme looks great, including the basic white wheels. I’m of the same opinion, not every older truck needs oversized tires and wheels. Cool upholstery. I’d quickly remove the trailer hitch and the mudflaps, but that is just nitpicking.
Fifty years ago, when these were “just work trucks”, who would have thought they would become collectible. But here we are.
Yes sir, those mudflaps would come off day 1 and become door mats to my garage
I’m with ya partner, I love the stock look on those trucks. I really like the painted steel wheels and actually those tires are a little fat for my liking as those Fords came with a tall really skinny tire. I love the stock appearance on this one. Basic simple interior, all business outside unlike today’s trucks which are large sedans with a little tiny bed. I like that generation of Ford trucks, the Power Wagons were pretty darn cool too!
Definitely a nice truck. Bought a new 76 F250, Camper Spec with 390, 4 Spd, locking diff, 2WD in the same blue. It had an easy life until my 3 sons each took their turns making it “their truck”. The youngest managed to put the last miles on it however the 390 did get salvaged and installed into a friends truck. If I could pick any truck today my favorite would be either a 48-72 GMC nor 54-79 Ford, lots of room to pick a real truck from that mix.