Go Off-Road in Style: 1979 Ford F150 Ranger XLT 4×4 Short Bed with 400ci Engine

The 1979 Ford F150 Ranger XLT 4×4 Short Bed with 400ci Engine is a classic off-road truck that combines power and style. This truck was built to handle tough terrain and haul heavy loads, while also turning heads with its sleek design.

Exploring the 1979 Ford F150 Ranger XLT 4×4

The 1979 Ford F150 Ranger XLT 4×4 is a classic pickup truck that has remained popular with enthusiasts and collectors alike. This truck was part of the seventh generation of Ford F-Series trucks and was known for its ruggedness and dependability. Here are some features and details of the 1979 Ford F150 Ranger XLT 4×4:

• Body style: The F150 Ranger XLT 4×4 came in various body styles, including short bed, long bed, and extended cab. It had a classic boxy design with sharp lines and a wide grille.
• Engine: The 1979 F150 Ranger XLT 4×4 came with a 400 cubic inch (6.6-liter) V8 engine that produced 173 horsepower and 319 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a 4-speed manual transmission as standard, but buyers could opt for a 3-speed automatic transmission.
• Four-wheel drive: The F150 Ranger XLT 4×4 was designed for off-road use, and it came with a four-wheel-drive system that could be engaged manually. The truck had a high ground clearance, and the suspension system was designed to handle rough terrain.
• Interior: The Ranger XLT 4×4 had a spacious and comfortable interior with cloth or vinyl seats and a variety of options, including air conditioning, power windows, and a stereo system.
• Trim levels: The F150 Ranger XLT was the top-of-the-line trim level for the 1979 Ford F-Series trucks. It came with chrome accents, two-tone paint, and upgraded interior features.

Overall, the 1979 Ford F150 Ranger XLT 4×4 was a reliable and rugged pickup truck that was built to handle tough terrain and heavy loads. Its classic design and powerful engine have made it a popular choice for collectors and off-road enthusiasts alike.

The Power of the 400ci Engine

The 1979 Ford F150 Ranger XLT 4×4 Short Bed comes equipped with a powerful 400 cubic inch (6.6-liter) V8 engine. This engine is known for its robustness and reliability and has been a popular choice for Ford trucks. The 400ci engine was produced from 1971 to 1982 and was used in a variety of Ford vehicles, including the F-Series trucks, the Bronco, and the E-Series vans.

In the Ranger XLT 4×4, the 400ci engine is paired with a three-speed automatic transmission, which delivers power to all four wheels. This setup provides the truck with excellent off-road capabilities and makes it ideal for navigating rough terrain.

With the 400ci engine, the Ranger XLT 4×4 is capable of producing up to 173 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. This power allows the truck to tow up to 8,000 pounds, making it suitable for hauling heavy loads.

Overall, the 400ci engine is a reliable and powerful option for the Ranger XLT 4×4, providing the truck with the performance it needs to tackle a variety of tasks, both on and off the road.

Rugged Reliability: Performance and Capabilities

The 1979 Ford F150 Ranger XLT 4×4 is known for its rugged reliability and impressive capabilities, both on and off the road. With its powerful 400ci V8 engine and four-wheel drive system, this truck can handle tough terrain and heavy loads with ease.

The 400ci engine is capable of producing up to 156 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, giving the F150 Ranger XLT plenty of power to tackle any job. The truck’s four-wheel drive system provides superior traction and stability, making it ideal for off-road adventures and challenging driving conditions.

In addition to its impressive power and capabilities, the F150 Ranger XLT 4×4 also boasts a durable construction and a spacious, comfortable interior. This truck was built to last, with a solid body-on-frame construction and heavy-duty components that can withstand the rigors of daily use and tough driving conditions.

Overall, the 1979 Ford F150 Ranger XLT 4×4 is a reliable and capable truck that is well-suited for both work and play. Its powerful engine, four-wheel drive system, and durable construction make it a popular choice among truck enthusiasts and off-road enthusiasts alike.

The Distinctive Look of the Ranger XLT

The 1979 Ford F150 Ranger XLT 4×4 had a distinctive and stylish look that set it apart from other trucks of its time. The Ranger XLT package added several features to the F150, including two-tone paint, chrome accents, and a range of comfort and convenience features.

On the exterior, the Ranger XLT had a unique two-tone paint scheme with a stripe that ran along the side of the truck. The paint was typically a lighter color on top and a darker color on the bottom, with the stripe separating the two colors. The truck also had chrome accents on the grille, bumpers, and side mirrors, as well as a set of 15-inch aluminum wheels.

Inside, the Ranger XLT featured a range of upgrades that added to the truck’s comfort and convenience. This included power steering and power brakes, as well as an AM/FM stereo with a cassette player. The truck also had air conditioning and a tilt steering wheel, making it easy to find a comfortable driving position.

Overall, the Ranger XLT package added a touch of style and luxury to the rugged and reliable F150, making it a popular choice for those who wanted a truck that could handle tough jobs while still looking great on the road.

Making the F150 Ranger XLT 4×4 Yours

There are many ways to make the F150 Ranger XLT 4×4 your own and enhance its performance and appearance. Here are some ideas:

1. Lift kit: Installing a lift kit can give your F150 Ranger XLT 4×4 more ground clearance and a more aggressive look.
2. Off-road tires: Upgrading to off-road tires can give your truck better traction and handling on rough terrain.
3. Performance upgrades: Upgrading the engine, exhaust system, and other performance components can improve the truck’s acceleration and towing capacity.
4. Lighting upgrades: Installing LED lights, spotlights, or light bars can enhance visibility and give your truck a rugged appearance.
5. Audio system: Upgrading the audio system with a new head unit, speakers, and subwoofers can enhance your driving experience and make your truck stand out.
6. Exterior modifications: Adding a grille guard, bull bar, or bed liner can protect your truck from damage and give it a more customized look.
7. Interior modifications: Upgrading the interior with new seat covers, floor mats, and dashboard accessories can improve comfort and functionality.
8. Paint and bodywork: Restoring or repainting the body, or adding custom graphics, can give your truck a unique appearance and increase its value.

Remember to consider your budget and your specific needs and preferences when choosing upgrades for your F150 Ranger XLT 4×4.