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# Highboy, High Boy, Hiboy, Hi-Boy, or HB #
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Highboy, High Boy, Hiboy, Hi-Boy, and HB are slang terms used by
enthusiasts, and are not official or correct Ford terminology. If your
goal is to use correct Ford terminology, then Ford referred to the
1967-1977.5 F-250 4x4 as a "Factory High Rider" in print advertising (the
advertisement was in 1969). Additional terms that are not correct Ford
terminology, but are used by enthusiasts, are 1977.5 to denote the
mid-year end of the Highboy, bumpside refers to the fifth generation
(1967-1972) F-series, and dentside refers to the sixth generation
(1973-1979) F-series pickup trucks. The enthusiast terms are used here.

This is a compilation of information relating to the Highboy, the
1967-1977.5 F-250 4x4, and is intended to inform people who are interested
in Highboy trucks. This information will be continuously edited and
updated. My apologies for any errors. Corrections will be updated after
verification (if possible) or general consensus.

Sections below include:

Highboy Derivations
Highboy Definition

Highboy Axles
Highboy Body
Highboy Brakes
Highboy Cabs
Highboy Engines
Highboy Frames
Highboy Gas Tanks
Highboy Model Year Summary
Highboy Significance
Highboy Steering
Highboy Suspension
Highboy Tires and Wheels
Highboy Transfer Cases
Highboy Transmissions
Highboy VIN
Highboy Wheelbase
Lowboy
Monster Trucks
To Do

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# Highboy Derivations #
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Derivations of the term Highboy
1. Highboy is an old hot-rodder's term for a 1928-1932 Ford roadster with
the fenders, running boards, and splash shields removed, which exposes the
body sitting atop the frame rails, hence: Highboy.

2. The hot-rodder probably borrowed the term from highboy furniture, which
is a tall chest of drawers divided into two sections and supported on four
legs. Highboy furniture was produced in the late 18th and early 19th
centuries.

3. A Hiboy is a specialized, high-clearance type of farm tractor designed
to operate in high crops without damaging them. The largest producer of
Hiboys is Hagie Manufacturing Company of Clarion, Iowa, United States.
The most common uses of Hiboys are for detasseling, spraying herbicides,
and applying Roundup directly to weeds growing above crop height with a
wick or wiper.

4. Vintage 1978-1980 (best guess) JC Whitney parts catalogs allegedly used
the terms hi-boy and low-boy to differentiate between 1973-1977.5 F-250
4x4's and 1977.5-1979 F-250 4x4's, regarding parts.

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# Highboy Definition #
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Highboy: 1967-1977.5 Ford F-250 4x4 Regular Cab or Crew Cab light-duty
pickup truck with a divorced transfer case and narrow frame.

The Highboy got its name from sitting higher from the factory than other
Ford pick-up trucks. The divorced transfer case (Dana 24, NP203, or NP205)
caused the front-end to be higher, so the rear-end had 4-inch lift blocks
to bring the rear-end up to the same height. Once Ford switched to married
transfer cases in mid-1977, people started referring to the 1973-1977.5
divorced transfer case trucks as Highboys and the 1977.5-1979 married
transfer case trucks as Lowboys. The previous generation, 1967-1972, was
essentially the same, and has been included in most definitions of
Highboy as well.

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# Highboy Axles #
################################################## #########################

Front axles were an 8-lug low-pinion Dana 44 (1967-1977.5), 8-lug
low-pinion Dana 44HD (1969-1975), or 8-lug low-pinion Dana 60 (1973-1975,
Crew Cab Highboys only). There were no high-pinion front axles in
Highboys, although high-pinion front axles are preferable to low-pinion
front axles. The Highboy front axles were a closed-knuckle design from
1967-1975, and open-knuckle design in 1976-1977.5. The open-knuckle
design is preferable. Many Highboy owners replace their low-pinion front
axles with a high pinion 1977.5-1979 Dana 44, or better yet, the 1979
high-pinion HD Dana 60 with 35-spline inner shafts and 30-spline outer
shafts.

Rear axles were an 8-lug full-floating Dana 60 with 16 splines (1967-1975)
or 30 splines (1967-1977.5), but both were the same 1-5/16" diameter. It
is common for those with the 16-spline Dana 60's to replace them with a
Dana 70, GM 10.5" 14-bolt, or other rear-end.

In 1976, HD external hubs became standard.

All Highboys had 4.10:1 gear ratios.

################################################## #########################
# Highboy Body #
################################################## #########################

The body sheetmetal became thinner in 1973, when the F-series began its
sixth generation (1973-1979). The fifth generation (1967-1972) became
known as bumpsides, and the sixth generation became known as dentsides.
Even though the sheetmetal is thinner on a dentside, Ford put a corrosion-
resistant coating on it and used more galvanized metal. Bumpsides
typically have rusted-out inner fenders and core supports, compared to
dentsides.

################################################## #########################
# Highboy Brakes #
################################################## #########################

Highboys had drum brakes on all wheels (1967-1975), or a combination of
front disc brakes and rear drum brakes (1976-1977.5). Highboys had either
manual brakes (1967-1977.5) or optional power brakes (1973-1977.5).

################################################## #########################
# Highboy Cabs #
################################################## #########################

All Highboys were Regular Cab or Crew Cab. There were no F-250 4x4
SuperCabs until 1978, possibly because SuperCabs don't bolt to the narrow
frame. Because of the narrow frame rails, a Highboy's rear cab mounts are
outside of the frame rails.

################################################## #########################
# Highboy Engines #
################################################## #########################

Here is a list of Highboy engines by year (1V indicates 1-barrel carb.):
1967: 240 1V Six, 300 1V Six, 352 2V V-8
1968-1972: 240 1V Six, 300 1V Six, 360 2V V-8
1973-1976: 300 1V Six, 360 2V V-8
1977: 300 1V Six, 351M 2V V-8, 400 2V V-8

Here is a list of Highboy engines:
240 1V Six (1967-1974)
300 1V Six (1967-1977.5)
351M 2V V-8 (1977)
352 2V V-8 (1967)
360 2V V-8 (1968-1976)
400 2V V-8 (1977)

Two modifications are common. First, the 360 is identical to the 390,
with the exception of the rotating assembly. Although 390's were never
offered in Highboys, many owners with 360's replace the rotating assembly,
converting to a 390, or sometimes to a 410. The other common modification
is to replace the factory engine with a 460, which was never offered in
Highboys.

################################################## #########################
# Highboy Frames #
################################################## #########################

Highboys have a unique frame, not shared with other trucks. Like the F-350
frame, all Highboys have a narrow frame, which is 33.5-inches wide. Fifth
generation (1967-1972) F-series trucks had narrow frames as well. Sixth
generation (1973-1979) F-series trucks had wider 37.5-inch rear frame
rails, except for the 1973-1977.5 Highboy frame and the 1973-1979 F-350
with 139-inch wheelbase. This frame rail width is measured directly
behind the rear bumper, from outside of rail to outside of rail. The F-350
frame was narrowed for duallies. The Highboy frame does not bend to the
left or right (unlike the other F-100, F-150, or F-250 frames), though it
does bend up and down to accommodate the cab. A front crossmember,
positioned just below the front bumper and visible while standing in front
of the truck, separates the Highboy frame from the bumpside F-350 frame.
No other truck had this crossmember. Since Highboys have a frame that is
different from other F-series trucks, Highboys require different beds than
other F-series. The Highboy frame was never used on another truck.

Ford frames have a stamped ID number on the right frame rail-outer-front,
near the engine crossmember.

The first digit is decade, where C=1960's and D=1970's.
The second digit is the year.
The third digit is T for Truck.
The fourth digit is Z, indicating a Ford part.
For example, C7TZ indicates a 1967 truck part.

Note: Ford updates part numbers, which is why the 131" wheelbase
1973-75's have a 1976 part number, and the 1976 150" wheelbase has a
1977 part number.

The following are listed below: Frame ID, height in inches of frame rail
just behind the cab, width of frame rail, thickness of rail, SM is
section modulus (one component of frame strength), WB is wheelbase,
years produced, model, and cab type (where CC is Crew Cab, RC is Regular
Cab, and SC is SuperCab):

### Highboy Frames
Frame ID , Height, Width, Thick, SM, WB, Years, Model, Cab
C7TZ-5005-EF, 7 01/16, 3 00/00, 13/64, 5.58, 131, 67-72, F-250 4x4, RC
D4TZ-5005-K , 7 01/16, 3 00/00, 01/04, 6.23, 150, 73-75, F-250 4x4, CC
D6TZ-5005-K , 7 00/00, 3 00/00, 13/64, 5.58, 133, 73-77, F-250 4x4, RC
D6TZ-5005-T , 7 01/16, 3 00/00, 01/04, 6.23, 150, 76-76, F-250 4x4, CC
D7TZ-5005-S , 7 01/16, 3 00/00, 01/04, 6.23, 150, 77-77, F-250 4x4, CC

### Lowboy Frames
D6TZ-5005-V*, 6 07/08, 2 13/32, 03/16, 4.33, 133, 77-77, F-250 4x4, RC
D7TZ-5005-W*, 7 01/04, 2 01/02, 01/04, 5.67, 150, 77-78, F-250 4x4, CC
D9TZ-5005-D , 7 01/04, 2 01/02, 01/04, 5.67, 150, 79-79, F-250 4x4, CC
D9TZ-5005-U , 6 07/08, 2 13/32, 03/16, 4.33, 133, 78-79, F-250 4x4, RC
D9TZ-5005-V , 8 01/32, 2 01/02, 01/04, 6.67, 155, 78-79, F-250 4x4, SC

### Non-Highboy Frames (Sample)
D3TZ-5005-D , 8 00/00, 3 00/00, 01/04, 7.84, 160, 73-75, F-350 4x2, CC
D3TZ-5005-J , 6 03/04, 2 07/16, 03/16, 4.14, 133, 73-73, F-100 4x4, RC
D4TZ-5005-F , 6 21/32, 2 03/08, 05/32, 3.26, 133, 73-74, F-100 4x2, RC
D4TZ-5005-L , 7 01/16, 3 00/00, 01/04, 6.23, 150, 73-75, F-250 4x2, CC
D4TZ-5005-T , 7 01/32, 2 03/04, 07/32, 5.53, 138, 73-75, F-250 4x2, SC
D6TZ-5005-L , 8 01/32, 2 01/02, 07/32, 4.43, 138, 76-76, F-250 4x2, SC
D6TZ-5005-B , 6 21/32, 2 03/08, 09/64, 3.08, 116, 73-75, F-100 4x2, RC
D6TZ-5005-G , 7 00/00, 3 00/00, 13/64, 5.58, 136, 73-76, F-350 4x2, RC
D6TZ-5005-N , 8 01/32, 2 01/02, 07/32, 5.95, 155, 73-76, F-250 4x2, SC
D6TZ-5005-S , 7 01/16, 3 00/00, 01/04, 6.23, 150, 76-76, F-250 4x2, CC
D7TZ-5005-E , 6 07/08, 2 13/32, 03/16, 4.33, 133, 73-77, F-250 4x2, RC
D7TZ-5005-F , 6 07/08, 2 13/32, 03/16, 4.33, 138, 77-77, F-250 4x2, SC
D7TZ-5005-H , 7 01/32, 2 03/04, 07/32, 5.53, 155, 77-77, F-250 4x2, SC
D7TZ-5005-R , 7 01/16, 3 00/00, 01/04, 6.23, 150, 77-78, F-250 4x2, CC
D8TZ-5005-F , 8 01/32, 2 01/02, 01/04, 6.67, 155, 77-77, F-250 4x2, SC
D8TZ-5005-H , 6 07/08, 2 13/32, 03/16, 4.33, 133, 78-78, F-250 4x2, RC
D8TZ-5005-J , 6 07/08, 2 13/32, 03/16, 4.33, 138, 78-78, F-250 4x2, SC
D8TZ-5005-L , 8 01/32, 2 01/02, 01/04, 6.67, 155, 78-78, F-250 4x2, SC
D8TZ-5005-M , 7 01/32, 2 03/04, 07/32, 5.53, 155, 78-78, F-250 4x2, SC
D8TZ-5005-R , 6 03/04, 2 27/64, 03/16, 3.91, 116, 73-76, F-100 4x4, RC
D8TZ-5005-R , 6 03/04, 2 27/64, 03/16, 3.91, 116, 77-77, F-150 4x4, RC
D8TZ-5005-R , 6 03/04, 2 07/16, 03/16, 3.95, 116, 78-78, F-150 4x4, RC
D9TZ-5005-B , 7 01/16, 3 00/00, 01/04, 6.23, 150, 79-79, F-250 4x2, CC
D9TZ-5005-N , 8 01/32, 2 01/02, 07/32, 4.43, 138, 79-79, F-250 4x2, SC
D9TZ-5005-S , 7 01/32, 2 03/04, 07/32, 5.53, 155, 79-79, F-250 4x2, SC
D9TZ-5005-T , 8 01/32, 2 01/02, 07/32, 5.95, 155, 79-79, F-250 4x2, SC
D9TZ-5005-Z , 6 07/08, 2 13/32, 03/16, 4.33, 133, 79-79, F-250 4x2, RC

*The information on these frames differs from that of the source, because
it is strongly suspected that the source was incorrect, suggesting these
Lowboy frames were identical to the Highboy frames. The dimensions and
section modulus has been changed to that of the later Lowboy.

1973-1979 Ford frame information above was obtained from the following
publication: Ford 1973/79 Truck Series 100-500 Master Parts and
Accessories Catalog, Section 50, p.2-4. Numerous other non-Highboy frame
dimensions were not included.

The Highboy Regular Cab frame is the strongest for its wheelbase, tying
with some F-350's at SM=5.58, though it breaks the tie because it has an
additional crossmember that is not taken into account, as it shouldn't be,
when calculating section modulus. The Highboy Regular Cab frame is 28.8%
stronger than the Lowboy Regular Cab frame, and the Highboy Crew Cab frame
is 9.8% stronger than the Lowboy Crew Cab frame. The Lowboy SuperCab is
the strongest F-250 frame, and the F-350 Crew Cab has the strongest frame.

### Chrysler/GM Comparisons
1975 Dodge W200, 131 WB, 3.88 SM
1979 Chevrolet K20, 3.92 SM

There are no 1973-1979 Ford F-250 frames, whether 4x2 or 4x4, that are as
weak as the 1975 Dodge W200 131-inch wheelbase, or the 1979 Chevrolet K20.

################################################## #########################
# Highboy Gas Tanks #
################################################## #########################

Highboys came only with in-cab gas tanks, and optionally, with an
additional side-mounted gas tank, but never with a rear gas tank. A rear
gas tank is too wide to fit between the narrower 33.5-inch-wide rear frame
rails of the unique Highboy frame, and can only fit between the
37.5-inch-wide non-Highboy rear frame rails.

All F-series light-duty pickup trucks during 1956-1972 had in-cab gas
tanks. In 1973, Ford moved the gas tank to the rear under the bed, except
for Highboys. 1977 was the last year for the in-cab gas tank, because US
vehicle safety standards outlawed it. Make sure the filler neck grommet
remains completely sealed against the cab, and occupants will not smell
gas fumes. If both the cab and gas tank are breached in a serious
collision, the occupants probably will not be alive to worry about the
potential fire. In this respect, the gas tank is safer in the cab, since
it is less likely to be breached in the cab than under the bed, especially
while off-roading.

################################################## #########################
# Highboy Model Year Summary #
################################################## #########################

Highboys were manufactured from 1967-1977.5 (assembled before serial
number Y20,001). The last Highboy was produced in February, 1977. Below
is a summary of changes to Highboys by model year:

1967
The fifth generation F-series begins, and the Highboy is born. This is
the only year for the 352 2V V-8.

1968
The 360 2V V-8 replaces the 352 2V V-8 as the optional V-8. Regarding
seat belts, shoulder harnesses became an option.

1969
The low-pinion Dana 44 HD front axle was introduced.

1970

1971
This is the last year for the Ford Toploader 3-speed manual transmission
in the Highboy.

1972
This is the last year for the fifth generation F-series, and the 240 1V
Six (though it continued in other F-series trucks through 1974). The NP-435
4-speed manual transmission became the standard transmission, and for this
year only, the only transmission.

1973
The sixth generation F-series begins. Body sheetmetal becomes thinner,
the wheelbase changes, and the Highboy acquired the following new options:
SelectShift Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission, power ram assist
steering, and power brakes. This is the last year for the Dana 24 transfer
case, and simultaneously, the first year for the (standard) NP205 part-time
and (optional) NP203 full-time divorced transfer cases. The 300 1V Six
replaces the 240 1V Six as the standard engine.

1974

1975
This is the last year for the low-pinion Dana 44 HD front axle, front
drum brakes, and closed knuckle axles.

1976
This is the last year for the optional 360 2V V-8. The Highboy gets front
disc brakes, open-knuckle axles, and standard HD external hubs. Many
assert that 1976 is the best year for a stock Highboy, because of disc
brakes, open-knuckles, HD hubs, and the FE engine.

1977
The 351M 2V V-8 and 400 2V V-8 engines replace the 360 2V V-8 as optional
V-8's. Highboy production ceased in February 1977, before serial number
Y20,001. Many assert that 1977 is the best year for a Highboy if the
intentions are to swap in a 460, because it has all the benefits of the
1976 year, and the 460 is easy to swap in as a replacement for the 351M or
400.

################################################## #########################
# Highboy Significance #
################################################## #########################

The Highboy is significant as the most desirable factory 4x4 of its era
due to its stout frame, increased height compared to other light-duty
pickup trucks, and divorced transfer case. Chrysler and GM did not have a
counterpart. The Highboy is also historically significant as the basis of
the first monster truck: Bigfoot 1.

################################################## #########################
# Highboy Steering #
################################################## #########################

Highboy steering was either manual (1967-1977.5) or optional power ram
assist (1973-1977.5). The power ram assist steering is problematic due to
its complexity with numerous hoses that get hit by road (or off-road)
debris, and the parts are now expensive and rare. There were two
different types of power ram assist steering on the Highboy: Garrison and
Bendix. Highboy steering, manual or optional power ram assist, is very
susceptible to bumpsteer. Many owners find it most desirable to convert to
crossover steering.

################################################## #########################
# Highboy Suspension #
################################################## #########################

Highboys had front leaf springs with 5-6 leafs (depending on GVW) that
were 3 inches wide. Highboy front leaf springs were more arched than
non-Highboy front leaf springs.

Highboys had progressive-type rear leaf springs with 9 leafs that were
2 1/4" wide, compared to non-Highboy rear leaf springs, which were 3 inches
wide. Highboy rear leaf springs were 48-inches eye to eye.

Many people refer to Highboys as trucks with a factory lift, which is
incorrect. Although Highboys were taller than other trucks, the suspension
was not lifted. The front suspension did not have a lift block, and was
taller to accommodate the divorced transfer case. The rear suspension had
a block between the axle and leaf springs to lift the rear of the truck,
but most trucks had a rear lift block, so it is incorrect to refer to
either Highboys or most trucks as factory lifted trucks.

The 1970 Body Builder's Layout Book, p.143, lists body dimensions for the
Styleside pickups, specifically the overall loaded and unloaded height:

Truck, Bed: Unloaded Height, Loaded Height
F-100 4x2, 6.5: 70.77, 68.94
F-100 4x4, 6.5: 74.29, 72.44
F-100 4x2, 8.0: 70.47, 68.94
F-100 4x4, 8.0: 74.10, 72.44
F-250 4x2, 8.0: 71.63, 69.61
F-250 4x4, 8.0: 76.87, 75.21

This indicates the Bumpside (1967-1972) Highboy was higher than the
F-100 4x4 by at least 2.58-2.77 inches (unloaded vs. loaded), higher than
the F-250 4x2 by 5.24-5.6 inches, and towered over the F-100 4x2 by
6.1-6.4 inches. When loaded, the gap widened.

Total height may not have changed much for the Dentside Highboy. For
example, several people with stock suspensions in good condition
approximate their Dentside Highboy to be 79 inches with 35-inch tires.

################################################## #########################
# Highboy Tires and Wheels #
################################################## #########################

Highboys came with tall, thin tires with an off-road tread. Many people
put larger tires on. A stock Highboy with its suspension in good
condition can handle 37-inch tall tires, as long as the tires are fairly
narrow, such as 12.5-inches wide, and the wheels have appropriate
back-spacing. Some people have managed 38-inch tall tires, although
usually, this is the point where suspension or body lift is required.

Highboy wheels were 8.00x16.5 inches, and are often replaced with 16-inch
wheels.

################################################## #########################
# Highboy Transfer Cases #
################################################## #########################

All Highboys had divorced transfer cases, as opposed to married transfer
cases. A married transfer case is bolted directly to the transmission. A
divorced transfer case is bolted onto its own cross-member, and is
separated from the transmission by a driveshaft. Highboys had Dana 24
part-time transfer cases from 1967-1973, and either the standard NP205
part-time or optional NP203 full-time transfer cases from 1973-1977.5.
The NP205 is the strongest and most desirable factory transfer case.

The Dana 24 is a cast-iron, gear-driven, part-time, 2-speed case with
1.86:1 gears. The NP203 is a chain-driven, full-time, 2-speed case with
2.00:1 gears. The NP205 is a cast-iron, gear-driven, part-time, 2-speed
case with 1.96:1 gears.

################################################## #########################
# Highboy Transmissions #
################################################## #########################

Highboys had either a 3-speed Ford Toploader manual (1967-1971), the
NP-435 4x2 4-speed manual (1967-1977.5 -- yes, the 4x4 got the 4x2
transmission), or the optional SelectShift Cruise-O-Matic C-6 in
1973-1977.5. The reason that 4x2 transmissions were used in these 4x4's
was due to the divorced transfer case. The NP-435 was optional in
1967-1971, and standard in 1972-1977.5.

Toploader Models (Engines): RAN-E1 (240 1V), RAN-G1 (240 1V), RAT-G
(300 1V, 360 2V), RAT-H (300 1V, 360 2V)

Toploader Gear Ratios (1,2,3,R): 2.99, 1.75, 1.00, 3.17
NP-435 Gear Ratios: (1,2,3,4,R): 6.69, 3.34, 1.79, 1.00, 8.00
Cruise-O-Matic Gear Ratios: (1,2,3,R): 2.46, 1.46, 1.00, 2.20

################################################## #########################
# Highboy VIN #
################################################## #########################

An example Highboy VIN is F26YRTxxxxx. F26 designates a F-250 4x4. All
Highboys begin with F26. The 'Y' indicates a 360 2V V-8 engine
(1968-1976), although other engines were offered, such as the 240 1V Six
(1967-1972), 300 1V Six (1967-1977.5), 351M 2V V-8 (1977), 352 2V V-8
(1967), and 400 2V V-8 (1977).

################################################## #########################
# Highboy Wheelbase #
################################################## #########################

The Highboy Regular Cab wheelbase changed from 131 inches in the fifth
generation (1967-1972) to 133 inches in the sixth generation (1973-1979)
F-series, and the Highboy Crew Cab was 150 inches in 1973-1979.

################################################## #########################
# Lowboy #
################################################## #########################

All F-250 4x4's after 1977.5 (specifically, beginning in March 1977) are
considered "Lowboys". Lowboys continued with the NP203 transfer case, and
could also have the NP205 transfer case, although from 1977.5-1979 it was
a married transfer case. Due to the married transfer case on the Lowboy,
the rear did not need the 4-inch lift block to match the front height. The
Lowboy used the wider F-250 frame, having 37.5-inch wide frame rails.
The Highboy Regular Cab frame is 28.8% stronger than the Lowboy Regular
Cab frame, and the Highboy Crew Cab frame is 9.8% stronger than the Lowboy
Crew Cab frame. The Lowboy's wider rear frame gave greater stability,
allowed the gas tank to be mounted under the bed, and makes it easier to
swap beds (since most beds are non-Highboy beds, and the two types of beds
do not interchange). Other Lowboy improvements over 1977 Highboys were
optional high-pinion front Dana 60's (such as in the Sno-Fighter), optional
integrated power steering, and 3-inch wide rear leaf springs.

Some people question whether it is better to have a Highboy or Lowboy as a
base to build, and of course, it depends on how it is desired to be built.
Comparing a Lowboy to the latest (1977) Highboy, the Highboy may receive a
460 engine, Dana 60 front, and a different power steering system, while the
Lowboy may receive a 460, lift kit, and a NP205 divorced transfer case.
Both may require three modifications to be at nearly comparable builds,
however, the Highboy still has the stouter frame, and therefore wins this
particular comparison.

################################################## #########################
# Monster Trucks #
################################################## #########################

The first monster truck, Bigfoot 1, was a Highboy. Bigfoot 1 was a 1974
Ford Ranger F-250 4x4 with Bright Dark Blue Metallic paint (code S). In
1975, Bob Chandler built Bigfoot 1. In 1979, the 1974 front clip was
replaced with a 1979 front clip that was made to flip forward to allow
greater access to the engine. Bigfoot 1 was mostly used as a display
vehicle in front of Bob Chandler's shop in Hazelwood, Missouri. His shop
is called "Midwest Four Wheel Drive and Performance Center". Bob Chandler
performed the first public car-crushing in 1981 with Bigfoot 1. Bigfoot 1
appeared in the 1981 film "Take This Job and Shove It". The frame of
Bigfoot 1 got bent during the movie, and so Bigfoot 2 replaced it.

################################################## #########################
# To Do #
################################################## #########################

What was Ford's purpose in building the Highboy? Was it designed as a
farm truck? A purpose-built off-roader? A general-purpose off-road truck?

 

This post is a space-holder, just in case the first post gets too big due to editing, I will expand to here.

 

Question for the moderators:

Due to the high volume of Highboy threads asking basic information, could this thread be made a sticky?

Thank you for your consideration.

 

Highboys: Regular Cabs and Crew Cabs.

The term "Standard" Cab means the truck is not a Custom Cab, Ranger, Ranger XLT.

The 240 was cancelled at the end of the 1974 model run, hence is was available in 1974.

Highboys have rear frame rails that are 33 1/2" apart, ditto all 1961/72 F100/350's.

1973/79 F350's on the 140" wheelbase also have 33 1/2" rear frame rails: 1973/76 F350 Super Camper Special / 1973/79 Regular Cab Trailer Special / 1977/79 F350 Regular Cab Camper Special.

All other 1973/79 F100/350's have 37 1/2" rear frame rails.

Lap seat belts became mandatory for Passenger Cars effective 1/1/1966.

Lap seat belts became mandatory for trucks, Bronco's and Econolines at the beginning of the 1967 model run.

btw: I typed much of this same info here on FTE over 500 times, where you got some of it from.

 

Did you put all that together yourself? Any particular source? That was actually a pretty good read. I've only had my highboy for about a week so I learned a bit.
I didn't know (haven't tried to figure it out yet) what gears I have but I guess the answer is 4.10. That was going to be my guess just from driving it. I know the 77.5-79 F-250 could have had a 3.54, I had no idea all highboys were 4.10.
I also did not know NP203 was standard. I had a 1975 Highboy that I sold to my uncle. It has a C6 and a 203 case. My current 1976 also has a C6 but has a 205. My uncle thought all the highboy autos had a 203 case but I didn't think that was correct, he thought mine was swapped. However I don't think Ford ever offered a manual transmission with the 203 case in any truck. If this is true then I would have to say the standard highboy case with a manual trans would be a 205 since you could not get a 203 at all? There might be some debate to that. I had to weld a rubbed through area on my high pressure power assist line but now that that is fixed my power assist works great! My brother says it is the easiest steering vehicle he has driven other than my dads Cummins Ram.
I traded a tractor for my current 1976. When he told me the year, I was like sweet thats the best year! Funny that you mentioned that. Even though thats really opinion I definitely prefer the disc brakes and FE engine myself. Sounds like it might have a better rear diff as well- if I read that correctly. Though I think an argument could be made for 1977 since the 460 swap is simple on those. If I was going to build a highboy I'd prefer a 1977 but to leave one mostly stock I'd say 1976.


And I'm glad you put this in there. I can't stand it when people say they have a factory lift kit just because they sit higher than other vehicles. That's like comparing my Focus to my Mustang and saying since a Focus sits 3 inches higher than a Mustang then all Focus' comes with a factory 3 inch lift kit. haha.

Even though a Highboy sits higher than a 77.5-79 it looks to me like the transfer case might actually be closer to the ground.

And don't get me wrong, I love my 1976 but I still think a 77.5-79 might be a better truck. The 77.5-79 has the tank out of cab, discs, open knuckle, high pinion, optional HP D60, power steering, standard width rear frame, T-case doesn't hang down. And all you have to do is buy some springs to get the height on par if you are worried about that. But that being said, I would not trade my 1976 for an equally equipped 77.5-79.

I was not aware of the standard cab only. Mine says Custom on the glove box, so that does not belong there? Its a different looking emblem than I've seen on the 77.5-79 trucks.

My 1976 has 2 seat belt retractors on each side. One up top like the 77-79 trucks and one down at the floor, kinda weird. It looks like it could be easily updated to the newer style but any idea what the story on those is? My passeger side seat belt is torn so I need to address it.

And I will look into a possible sticky!

 

Thanks for the good feedback. I will do my best to be as factual as I can.

Let's see how it goes with what was standard, regarding manual vs. auto and the associated transfer cases. Good point!

I forgot that the 460 swap is easier when you start with a 351M or 400, so I will edit that note in there.

It sounds like I'm misusing the term standard cab, and would like to see more replies about that. I'm thinking now I should've said regular cab, and will change it if that is confirmed.

I know next to nothing about seat belt retractors. Anybody?

You also make a good point about 77.5-79 trucks, but I will not mention the point because this topic is restricted to 67-77.5 Highboys...if I started making comparisons outside of that, who knows where I'd end up...probably posting about some early Datsun or something

77.5-79's are definitely great trucks, and better in many ways. I was always partial to the '79 F-350 4x4. Cheers.

 

Custom Cab does belong there.

1961/72: There were Standard and Custom Cabs, Rangers (1965/72) and Ranger XLT's (1970/72).

Standard Cabs were basic trucks, came without stainless steel windshield revel mouldings, have bare bones interiors, all had painted grilles thru 1969...and etc etc etc.

I could type more inre to Standard Cabs, but I haven't the time...see the P/M I sent you.

Shoulder harnesses were first offered as an option in 1968, became mandatory mid-model year 1977.

Speaking of correct Ford terminology = There is no such thing as a 1977.5. The last 1977 F250 4WD 'High Boy' was assembled before serial numbe Y20,001.

Y20,001 occured mid-model year 1977 (I believe that was February).

 

Thanks for the feedback NumberDummy. I will make the corrections now. A lot of this information comes from you, and I always value it. Thanks again.

 

NumberDummy, quick question about the 240 Six. It may have been in the F-series line in 1974, but was it in Highboys in 1973-4? I have a dealer brochure (73 and 74) that lists only the 300 Six and the 360.

If this is right, then as far as Highboys go, the 240 Six ended in 1972, and the 300 Six replaced it as the standard Highboy engine in 1973? Just trying to get my ducks in a row.

Thanks.

 

Truck parts catalogs lists motor mounts for 240's thru 1974 for both 2WD & 4WD's.

 

Don't you have a plane to catch Bill? Hee Hee. Have fun and bring me a Hula dancer. AH! Female please.

 

Leavin' on a jet plane, do know when I'll be back again...

 

According to my brochures, the 240 Six was in the 1973-1974 F-100 4x4, but not the F-250 4x4. Just the same, I edited, and noted it (hopefully) more clearly. Thanks, have a good trip.

PS
When you're back, I'd like to go through the cab information with you, if interested. Cheers.

 

Quote: "Derivations of the term Highboy
1. Highboy is an old hot-rodder's term for a 1928-1932 Ford roadster with
the fenders, running boards, and splash shields removed, which exposes the
body sitting atop the frame rails, hence: Highboy"


Wrong

They are called a Hi-Boy


Have you seen Post #8 on this thread

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ease-read.html

 

Thanks for the correction, I have edited it. As I've put this together, hopefully I have looked at most Highboy threads on this site, and will look at these.