1979 Ford F-150 Ranger, all-original black two-wheel-drive Dentside

Why we picked it

A private seller lists this black 1979 F-150 Ranger with a red interior as all original, with 72,015 miles on the odometer. The seller says they priced it lower because it needs brakes, new tires and a battery. The VIN's H engine code points to a 351M or 400 V8 with an automatic, while the listing specs say 351 Windsor, so ask which engine it has.

Original two-wheel-drive Ranger trucks like this have been selling for about $12,700 to $19,500. The listing went up in July and is brief, with no word on rust or title, so confirm it is still available and ask for underbody photos first.

The value check

The seller is asking $12,500. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $12,723–$19,500, so the middle of the market is about $16,111.50. That put this car 22% under.

Original two-wheel-drive Dentsides with V8s sold for $12,723 to $19,500 from July to October 2026 (BaT, Hemmings, Mecum). At $12,500 this truck is about 22% under the $16,100 midpoint. Its known needs are brakes, tires and a battery.

Where the numbers come from:

• 1973 F-100 Ranger 2WD, 360, original, 77k - BaT $12,723 (Oct 2026)
• 1973 F-100 Ranger 2WD, 302, original - BaT $15,000 (Jul 2026)
• 1976 F-100 Ranger 2WD, 302, original, 92k - BaT $16,500 (Jul 2026)
• 1974 F-100 Ranger XLT 2WD, 360, original - BaT $19,500 (Sep 2026)

What to check

• 1973-79 Dentsides rust in the cab corners, rocker panels, floors, cab mounts and the front of the bed sides near the wheel arches
• Check the front spring hangers and frame rails for rot, especially on a Wisconsin truck
• Confirm the engine (351M/400 per VIN code vs 351W per listing) and that it starts and drives
• Brakes, tires and battery are needed per the seller; budget for full brake lines and hoses
• Title isn't mentioned; confirm a clean title. Listed since July 2026, so confirm it is still for sale

Making it drive like new

A Dentside is an easy truck to modernize. Front disc and booster upgrades, a dual-piston caliper kit, and fresh bushings make a big difference, and lowering springs or a drop kit tighten the handling. If the 351M/400 is tired, a 5.0 Coyote or a stroked Windsor with an AOD or 4R70W overdrive will cut highway rpm. Keep the original Ranger trim and paint.

3 builders make a complete chassis for the 1973–79 F-100 pickup (Dentside). Compare them side by side, along with what it takes to stiffen the factory frame.