Dentside Highboy: 1974 Ford F-250 Ranger XLT 4X4

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Dentside and Highboy aren’t generally thought of as official FoMoCo terminology, but use either word around a Ford truck enthusiast and chances are he’ll know exactly what you’re talking about.  The dentside simply refers to the indented area that runs along the side of a pickup, and the highboy is a 4X4, both of which apply to this 1974 Ford F-250 Ranger XLT for sale here on eBay.  If you’ve been in the market for one of these tried and true trucks, this one may be worth a look.  It’s located in Caldwell, Idaho, a short drive west of Boise, and so far bidding is up to $10,600.

There’s little specific information provided as to this truck’s history, but we definitely get a lot of photos, and while this one’s not a showstopper things sure do look like they live up to the seller’s description of tough and rugged.  No mention of how old that finish is, and even though the body is nowhere near perfect things outside look fairly decent overall, with the bottom of the tailgate and rear bumper perhaps showing the most wear, and even most of that appears as if it may just be on the surface.  The area around the back sliding glass seems OK, and although we don’t get to view the bed in its entirety the parts that are visible look to be reasonably solid.  The driver’s side fender could stand some attention, but for a work pickup or off-road truck, it’s probably OK like it is.

Under the hood is Ford’s 360 powerplant, with the only thing specifically said regarding the motor being that it’s strong and rock solid.  There’s no word on whether or not the V8 has ever had an overhaul, or even if it’s the original component, but the engine bay seems to be in pretty good working order, with maybe a recent coat of blue paint on the top parts.  This is connected to a 4-Speed manual transmission, plus there’s a tow package and Warn locking hubs, and the tires seem to be in good shape.

To be nearing the 50-year mark, things inside are looking OK too, nothing spectacular but about what you’d expect.  The factory radio has been replaced with a Stereo that includes a CD player, but most other parts apart from the add-ons appear to be factory.  Down below where it counts seems nice and solid, with a bit of surface rust but nothing I could spot that looks like an immediate cause for concern.  This is also a no-reserve listing, so the high bidder owns the truck.  What are your thoughts on this one?

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Comments

  1. JW454

    Fun fact… The original “Bigfoot” built by Bob Chandler was a 1974 Ford F-250 4X4. That truck started it all for outrageously huge trucks.

    Like 11
  2. Big C

    Been around a long time. And I’ve owned a couple 70’s F150’s. And I’ve never heard anyone refer to them as “Dentsides.” Is that a western thing?

    Like 7
    • Stanly

      Hey Big C I’m not sure where that terminology started at or from but like Mike Stephens said it may not be official terminology and it does refer to the indent along the side, so you may or may not have heard of the terminology for the 1967/1972 Ford F series trucks are sometimes refereed as bumpsides for the same reason but opposite, LOL and the 1980/1986 Fords are refereed as Bullnose cuz of well the front end, that’s all I got just some fun stuff have a good one,, not a bad looking truck tho I wouldn’t mind it for the right price

      Like 2
    • Jim Cottrell

      Yes definitely. As well as I owned d several of these and never referred to them as that.

      Like 0
  3. Thomas Goerke

    From Caldwell, Idaho Class of 1961. This once wonderful pickup is in pretty rough shape. Good news is that they are quite easily restored at a reasonable price. I just bought a pristine very low miles 1978 F-350 for under $20,000. Absolutely nothing needs done except fill up the two gas tanks and take off.

    Like 6
  4. CenturyTurbo Coupe

    Nice square body!! Or is it a crease side?? I just can’t remember the stupid name for this…

    Like 0

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