Back in the mid-1970s, Ford 3/4-ton pickups were built for work. They featured a lifted suspension from the factory giving them the nickname “Highboy” along with 8-lug axles and a heavy-duty drive train. This one is from 1975 and can be found here on eBay with a current bid over $12,000. Located in Cardiff by the Sea, California, the truck features a ton of original parts along with New-Old-Stock components. There are still some pieces to install, but this truck appears to be a winner the way it sits. Have a look for yourself.
The seller is very proud of the originality of this truck and there are several up-close photos of the truck. As you can see, this F-250 has the Ranger package which adds some options above the base model. As mentioned, the seller has a bunch of parts new-in-the-box that haven’t been installed yet. Everything from ignition components to a new windshield, and stereo.
Unfortunately, there aren’t great photos in the ad of the interior or engine compartment. The engine is a 360 cubic inch V8 mated to a 4-speed transmission and divorced transfer case. A lot of the drive train has been rebuilt and the engine also features headers with a new exhaust system. The ad says it runs and drives well.
Here you can see the handsome two-tone paint that the truck wears well. The tires are new and the suspension has been refreshed as well. Overall, this looks like a solid old truck, and apparently the eBay bidders feel the same way. The reserve hasn’t been met, but with all the extra parts, the seller may be thinking they will get a premium for this one. What do you think? Is a reserve of over $12,000 warranted for this truck?
These were nice tough trucks back in the day. When I got my 1/2 ton I wrestled with myself about getting a 3/4 ton instead. I used to go to the mountains snowmobiling with a friend who had one very similar to this one. It could plow through more snow than mine but then the F250 had a lot more clearance. The early ’75 3/4 tons still ran a point ignition but the later ones ran solid state, which had growing pains. Mine had solid state and the module went out. I didn’t like Ford’s diagnosis (simply install a new one–for $125.00) so I studied the schematics and figured out how to narrow it down. I ended up replacing the module but I had the satisfaction of actually figuring it out.
I special-ordered my truck. I worked for a John Deere dealership in a small wide spot in the road. The boss was negotiating with GM for a Pontiac/Buick/GMC franchise at the time and he kept promising me that he would be signing contracts ‘NEXT WEEK.’ My truck took five months to come in and the day Ford called me to tell me my truck was in, my boss signed contracts with GM. I came very close to losing my job. The boss first talked me into parking my truck in the back along with the shop vehicles, then he told me to pick a new pickup out of the lot to drive as a demo. I think he really just wanted me to leave my truck at home…
I would hope the seller put matching wheels on all 4 before selling.
I have been looking at these lately to use around the property, go get concrete etc , etc. Here in California it’s nice to get a 75′ or older in order not to have to deal with the smog BS every year. Like the Ford Bronco’s I don’t see these getting cheaper with age. No mention of the A/C working just ” all the parts are there.”
I bought ’75 F-250 4X4 loaded brand new OTD for $7500. Ranger Package PS, PB, A/C, 360 engine, 4 speed, 4.10 gears with limited slip, and just about every option that was available. The only thing that really sucked, was an 18 gallon gas tank, and an engine that sucked hard on that tank! After just 2 years, the 360 went south, and I replaced it with a 428 Police Interceptor engine! That was the best move I ever made! I increased gas millage and performance in one shot! I really wished now, that I had kept that truck!
Those 360 engines were a far cry from economical, at least from the factory. I went through two of them and we had a bunch of 360s and 390s on the ranch. But you couldn’t really expect a lot out of 1958 technology being faced with insane emission requirements. I came across an article in a Petersen Special publication where a guy got those engines performing well. Holley 500 2bbl, dual exhausts and a re-curve of the ignition. I did that to all of our trucks then a dozen more around the country. Only drawback was the manual choke. My Dad didn’t like that part because he would tend to leave the choke halfway closed and then watch it suck the gas. I understand that the Holley 500 is now available with an automatic choke. It was a good modification in its day…
My first new vehicle was a 77 F250 4×4. It was rather plain Jane with the 351M engine and granny gear 4 speed. It ha p/s & p/b but no a/c. It was a good truck, and I used it to haul an 11’ camper for several years before using it as a down payment for my first 18 wheeler. I’d love to have another one today, but not sure I want the high boy, my wife would have trouble getting in it.
Why are the front fenders a different shade of brown than the doors?
I would want to check it out in person,before spending that kind of money.
Depending in the mileage, it has an open knuckle front end and will need steering bearings and tie rod ends. Brakes will need inspected and at 500 a wheel this is worth 8K
Nice looking truck!!!