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!
The original wheels were split ring 16.5”. They were hard to find tires for and the split ring could kill ya if it popped out when airing them up while mounting them.
This was back when Ford “Built” a truck. Not an Escort with a pickup box on the back.
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.
My Dad had several friends who were “Ford” guys, and I have many fond memories of them. And seeing this old Ford just brought them back. Live the blue and white color combo. And I’m with all the above…. Exnay on the mudflaps. And I love that seat, even if it isn’t original, it just hollers 1973!!! Thanks Scotty for stirring up some great childhood memories.
Won’t find a longer gear shift lever anywhere. Everyone loves these tough Ford 4wd trucks. Thanks SG.
I’m on the east coast and it feels like these trucks are always in Idaho or Washington. Actual they are always in Idaho or Washington.
That’s because anything on the east coast has long since dissappeared into a pile of rust and scale.
I’d leave the mud flaps on it ..since it’s a little tall it would tend to sandblast,gravel what ever you tow .I have same truck ,79 model and my camper is dotted all over the front wall..
Very nice 4×4 Ford P/U
Maybe power washing and detailing the engine compartment could finish this bad boy off.
If this thing could talk you’d hear “I’m old and cranky, so get the hell out of my way, I don’t handle so good, or stop so good either so have some respect for your elders.” Them mud flaps show some respect for anyone following behind. Great truck seller!
surprised to see a red engine. i would pull that out and paint it the correct color for sure
wrkin on 1 right now from Boise, Idaho by way of Cali, bought in NY state (50 mi, hr’na 1/2 away). Some story right there.
390 as well, but 2WD I’m pretty sure. Just doin the chassy maintenance basics (long list, right?). It was a builder’s (name still on there in faint blk paint, on white, F250). Bearings, radius arm bushings, all breaks (inc E), entire fuel system, minor driver’s flr mig-in, rear chunk (they’d let the bearings go’n ring had chewed the housing up)…
No NP435 but probably the T-18 like this? If mine I’d make sure on both (get rid of the divorced?) & pudina 300 i6, all 3 due to the ‘off rd” (may B even straight frnt axel?)
Sure nice trucks (my fav lookin vehicle when the short bed/step side). We specalize in these ‘hi-boys’.
With all the talk of the mudflaps & having lived out west for several years with a mildly lifted F350 SD, I can tell you most western states have laws mandating mudflaps if the lower edge of your bedside is above the centerline of your rear axle. I’ve had this argument in the past with several DOT guys because a lot of trucks nowadays come from the FACTORY like this but don’t have mudflaps. It’s all a moneygrab with AZ being by far the worst. They liked coming after me because I have a CDL & was considered commercial with a GVW over 10K. I ended up making quick-release magnetic flaps that I stuck on at the state line just for riding thru that state. YMMV but that’s been my experience.
Good looking old truck!
I’ll bite, what’s the 2sp shift button on the shifter for?
360 would have been the stock engine, but the red paint makes me think this isn’t the original powerplant.
I agree with everything except the plaid pants. I would not have been caught dead in plaid pants in the 70s. Nor would I now. The plaid seat cover however, is fine.
Auction update: this beauty sold for $25,200.