Found this F100...

[rumblecloud]

I've been looking for a project vehicle - I posted an earlier find in another string, a Mustang 5.0L - still haven't been able to get in touch with the owner - long story...
However, went out test driving the Ranger and ran across this one:


It's an 81 F100. inline six, 3-speed manual on the floor with no reverse, 2-wheel drive. It's a little rough cosmetically, but pretty solid. Frame is good. Has not been started in a couple of years. Most of the body damage is from deer.
Also comes with a 460 big block, disassembled. Engine compartment is really clean considering. Asking $1300.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Stepside is going to be a double edged sword.

Cool because they are uncommon (back of cab is different if it is factory)

PITA to fix because it is uncommon.

 

[ekrampitzjr]

Keep the six (unless it's beyond fixing), sell the 460.

 

[snoranger]

Fun ‘81 F100 fact:

If it has power brakes, the wheels are the (same as a Ranger) 5x4.5 bolt pattern.
If it has manual brakes, it will have the common F150 5x5.5 bolt pattern.

Second fun fact: Its not a step side (that’s a Chevy term), Ford calls it a Flareside.

 

[superj]

dude, that could be such a cool truck. that is the type i always wanted. i would keep the 300 too, and just do some bolt ons to it.

a step side in a ranger is not as fun as a step side in a full size. its very hard to find anything that fits a ranger step side bed where a full size step side can usually use any mid size tool boxes and can still carry lots of things. since that is older, its probably similar to an old chevy step side size so you can probably find roll bars and all kinds of things

 

[rumblecloud]

Fun ‘81 F100 fact:

If it has power brakes, the wheels are the (same as a Ranger) 5x4.5 bolt pattern.
If it has manual brakes, it will have the common F150 5x5.5 bolt pattern.

Second fun fact: Its not a step side (that’s a Chevy term), Ford calls it a Flareside.

You'd think since I worked for Ford advertising for over 30 years I'd remember that old stepside, flareside, styleside thing, but that's the benefit of being old. Started my employment writing catalogs - and did write the ones for the F-Series in 81. Saved hundreds of them for many years. Sadly all the knowledge I gained didn't seem important at the time.

There's a big old power boost behind the master cylinder, so fun fact number one is good to know.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Fun ‘81 F100 fact:

If it has power brakes, the wheels are the (same as a Ranger) 5x4.5 bolt pattern.
If it has manual brakes, it will have the common F150 5x5.5 bolt pattern.

Second fun fact: Its not a step side (that’s a Chevy term), Ford calls it a Flareside.

As long as it has posi that is all that really matters...

 

[superj]

single gas tank. not going far on each fill up

 

[tinman_72]

Looks like it has the car lug pattern. Ford also cut huge holes out of the frame on those models to make it lighter. This also makes it weaker. You might want to look in to beefing it up if you put that 460 in there.

 

[4x4prepper]

If it has a clean title that can be put in your name, I would buy it. Then do a 4x4 conversion on it along with a common 351w _ C-6 _ NP-208 swap.