My boss wants to build a truck for his daughter who is turning 16 next year. He is blaming me for giving her the off road bug so he has asked (instructed) me to take on the task.

She has it in her mind that she wants a Ford but doesnt seem to care about the year. In fact, all she knows is that she wants a full size Ford 4X4, which makes my job easier.

This is where I need help. What are the ideal years to go after as far as axles and drive train (think beef). The truck will end up with custom long travel suspension on 38"- 40" tires.

Lemme hear some opinions:D

If shes looking for a long rig, Id say find a 70's High boy..
Also a 78 or 79 Bronco is a great way to start...

As Your in California I'd search for a '73 or older so that Smog Laws don't come into question, The best year ihmo is '78, an F-150 of that year will not have Cats, GVW should be over #6000 (#6050 for a F-150). '76-79 F-150 will be HP D-44 with disc brakes and power steering standerd, 9" rear. '77 1/2-'79 F-250 Will have power steering and disc brakes standerd too.

'78-'79 F-350 is the ultimate for a stock ford D60 HP front with D60 or D70 rear, a F-250 of the same two years that was ordered with the SnowFighter package will have the D60 front also.

'78 Bronco is best because no Cats with #6050 GVW :) , in 1979 Bronco's got Cats :(

Good luck.

Eric

Right on guys! Thats what im lookin for. My first truck (when I was 16) was a 76 hi-boy and I loved so I was leaning toward mid 70's. Thanks Alpo23, the year specific details are what I was after.:D