How to Buy a Used Ford Pickup

T-Case Tips

Most 'wheelers think all 4x4s have a transfer case with a low-range position, but early 1/2-ton Fords used a cast-iron Dana 21 'case without low range. While this option seems odd today, many truck users had little need for low range if they had a granny-gear four-speed. For heavy use, the F-250 came with the Dana 24 'case, a small, strong box with a 1.86:1 low-range ratio. Though the 'case looked somewhat unchanged, the extra position on the shifter handle clearly identified what it was capable of.

With the major change in body style came the advent of the New Process 'cases. The NP203 is a chaindrive full-time 'case identifiable by the three separate sections of the T-case. Though the NP203 is a strong box that's easily converted to part-time status, most hard-core 'wheelers opted for the NP205. This is the same heavy-duty cast-iron T-case that Chevy and Dodge used, but Ford's had the front output exiting on the driver side to match the front axles. This was the hard-core choice, as it is virtually indestructible if kept full of oil. The 'case has a centershaft with a nut on one end and a three-bolt retainer on the other.

The Best Year

Many feel that the '79 F-350 is the best-built Ford with the strongest components, and that's a hard point to argue. Equipped with a 60 and 70 axle, a 205 'case, and a C6, this is one tough truck. But the lack of a 460 engine or an earlier 360 causes one to think. A '77 F-250 came with 60s front and rear, and the truck came with the same drivetrain and disc brakes as the '79 but had a 360 engine. The only drawback would be the ram-style power steering, but a steering swap is usually cheaper and easier than an engine swap. Stylewise, the '72-and-earlier body style is more vintage, and the later design is stronger, lighter, and holds up to rust and corrosion better. As with any truck, building your own design out of available components will satisfy your needs for the "best" truck.