One owner 1979 F250 400 cid Ranger, 91,685 documented miles, C6, Part-time 4WD

1979 Ford F-250 Camper Special Additional Info:

This was my first “new vehicle,” and I went overboard on the specs. I wanted to be able to tow a big trailer, so got the heavy duty towing package which came with the biggest engine available in California, 4.1 axles, limited slip differential and a C6 transmission with cooler. I got the super cooling package with the big radiator. I wanted to be able to carry a camper, so got the camper special package with radial tires and 7,400lb springs. I got the heavy duty electrical package that came with dual batteries and a heavy duty alternator. I ordered part-time 4 wheel drive, dual fuel tanks (26 gal front, 19 gal rear), tool box, lock group, trim package, a/c, cruise control, tilt wheel, Ranger package, intermittent wipers, step bumper, spare wheel mounting with slide-out, and copper metallic paint. On delivery its skinny wheels and whitewall tires looked ridiculous, so I put on ‘wagon wheels’ with 12.5x33 BFG tires, and sprayed black rubber undercoating on the ‘tucked under’ lower body to protect it from rock chips. It was also gutless, so I installed an Edelbrock Performer 400 intake manifold (catalog #2171), Performer-Plus camshaft and lifters (Catalog #2172), Holly 600cfm 4bbl carb #8005 (4160 series with electric choke and vacuum secondaries), exhaust headers and dual pipes. Then it performed likes 400 cubic inches are supposed to perform. It took me skiing in winter and camping in summer, and in between sat in my home garage. Last summer, at 90,900 miles, I began a mechanical renovation project, which included: R&R fuel tanks to replace all rubber hoses - fillers, vent, supply and emissions - all the way from tanks to carburetor, installed new fuel pump and gas caps. R&R spare wheel and carrier for painting. R&R exterior lights, replaced bulbs and sockets as necessary. R&R instrument panel, repaired/replaced lighting as necessary. R&R engine oil pan, repainted old Ford Blue, installed new pan gasket. I had the transmission serviced with new filter and 26 pints of fluid. I installed 4 new 35x12.5x16.5 BFG KO tires on new aluminum wheels. I installed a new set of Flowtech exhaust headers (made by Holley) with new bolts, and had a mandrel bent exhaust system custom made and installed with quick disconnects at the headers, a Magnaflow stainless steel muffler 2 x 2.5” in, 1 x 3” out, and stainless steel exhaust tip. It produces a deep, mellow and fairly quiet exhaust tone. I installed new 3x14 open filament Holly air cleaner with spacer which flows 600 cfm+. I removed the a/c condenser, receiver dryer and compressor, which proved ineffective with R134, replaced the original radiator with an all aluminum American Eagle dual row radiator with 1” tubes plus a stainless steel coolant expansion tank, all new coolant hoses, Prestone coolant and distilled water. It is rated to cool a 650hp engine. I installed a custom fabricated stone guard. In April 2016 I installed a rebuilt distributor, and in September 2016 a new battery, cables and hold-downs. At 90,669 miles the driveline was rebuilt (straightened, balanced, new U joints. At 87,233 the brakes were replaced: new calipers and pads, new rear cylinders and shoes, new master cylinder and all new hardware. It has a sprayed-on Rhino over-the-rail liner, and the bed is undented and undamaged. It has Sears lifetime wheel balance and alignment agreements. It has a ‘Valley’ class 4 tow hitch with both trailer and fifth wheel wiring connectors. It has a minor oil leak from the front crankshaft seal. The seal is in the timing cover and is an easy repair. While in there, I would install a new timing set. The cruise control sometimes works properly, at other times the speed slowly increases, which would indicate a poor electrical connection is the likely cause. It has new front and rear window rubbers on the original glass, and new wiper blades on the original arms. The left front fender was replaced before original delivery, and the paint on it has begun to ‘eggshell.’ Everything else including the paint is original, and is in remarkably good condition considering its 38 years of age. Please examine the pictures for nicks and scrapes. It has never been used on salted roads. All of the original parts: wheels, radiator, a/c components, intake and exhaust manifolds, cam and lifters, carburetor, lights, air pump, cat converter, air cleaner, hoses etc., have been retained, making it possible to easily convert back to ‘stock’ should anyone wish to do so. I have a weight distributing hitch available, also a tow bar for the front bumper which enables the truck itself to be towed. Also available is a behind-the-seat rifle safe. My reason for sale is heart failure and arthritis. I need the money for medical bills, and 6 vehicles are too many to maintain.