Wow is this truck awesome. We may not be the biggest bright green lovers in the world but the overall look of this 1978 Ford F-150 is absolutely freaking perfect. 12″ of lift, a 460ci big block, 44″ Swampers, lockers on both ends, a stick shift transmission, and those little bitty wheels add up to create a look that’s perfect. Today guys are building trucks with huge diameter wheels and no sidewalls, the anthesis of this. They look so dumb we can hardly stand it. When you see this truck and then look at the modern “trend” you’ll wonder where everyone went wrong because THIS is where its at.
The truck has been in the same family for like 20 years and the same guy has had it in his hands for the majority of them. He loves the truck but an expanding family means that there’s not enough room at the inn anymore and it has to go down the road. It has to be tough for the guy because he clearly loves this machine and his love manifested itself by how he built and maintained this thing.
The biggest thing that defines one of these trucks for us is how the tires look in relation to the wheel wells. In this case it is perfect. The huge rubber fills it nicely with just a little gap left over to see stuff like the front shocks. Yes, the color combo is not really us but that could be changed by someone down the road. We love the idea of a Bigfoot blue and the reappearance of the factory trim but that’s just us.
The 460 is healthy and has be warmed up with a camshaft by the sounds of the ad and while this is not a vehicle built for speed, we’re guessing the right gear ratios and that big block can move it down the road OK. The seller says that he drives it to truck shows all over. It stinks he has to let it go but boy we’d love to own it!
LINK: EBAY AD FOR THIS 1978 FORD F-150 ON 44″ SWAMPERS
When I would see a pick up come into the dealership service department modified like that what I see is power steering problems, wiped out ball joints & tie rods and burned up brakes trying to stop those Gonzo diameter wheels turning. If that 9″ diff could talk it would be saying “really?” Not touching on the visibility and basic handling issues on the streets, which looks to be it’s exclusive territory…
Pretty useless on 1/2 ton running gear. Doubt you could turn a corner in 4WD without breaking stub shafts. A couple built D60s then maybe we could have some fun. Until then you better settle for show and shine trophies.
I like it