Generation 6
1977 Ford F-100: Rectangular Headlights, 351W V8 Specs & Guide
Published by fordf100s.com · Last updated
| General Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 117 in (short bed), 133 in (long bed), 139 in (SuperCab) |
| Curb Weight | 3,840 lbs |
| Body Styles | pickup, styleside, flareside |
| Original MSRP | $4,116 |
| Production Numbers | 551,288 |
| Engine Options | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | Displacement | Horsepower | Type |
| 300 Six | 300 ci | 118 hp | inline-6 |
| 302 Windsor V8 | 302 ci | 134 hp | v8 |
| 351W Windsor V8 | 351 ci | 156 hp | v8 |
| 351M V8 | 351 ci | 152 hp | v8 |
| 400M V8 | 400 ci | 173 hp | v8 |
| 460 V8 | 460 ci | 205 hp | v8 |
| Available Transmissions |
|---|
| 3-speed manual |
| 4-speed manual |
| C6 3-speed automatic |
The 1977 Ford F-100 arrived with the most noticeable styling update since the generation’s 1973 launch. A new grille design gave the truck a distinctly different face, and for the first time, rectangular headlights were available as an option in place of the traditional round units. The engine lineup was also rationalized, with the aging FE engines finally retired and the 351 Windsor V8 stepping in as a popular mid-range choice.
The rectangular headlight option was the most visible change and gave the 1977 F-100 a more modern appearance. Federal regulations had only recently permitted non-round sealed beam headlights, and Ford was quick to adopt the new format. Trucks equipped with the rectangular lights had a grille designed to accommodate them, while trucks with round headlights received a different grille insert. Both versions shared the same surround and overall front-end proportions. The rectangular headlight trucks are easy to identify and have become the more desirable configuration among collectors.
The powertrain lineup underwent its most significant change of the generation. The 360 and 390 FE engines were dropped from the F-100 catalog, ending an engine family that had served Ford trucks since 1958. In their place, the 351 Windsor V8 became available, producing 156 net horsepower. The 351W was a different engine from the 351M despite sharing the same displacement. The Windsor used a smaller, lighter block with a different bellhousing pattern, and it had a reputation for better throttle response and a more willing personality than the Modified engines. The 351M continued at 152 horsepower and the 400M at 173, while the 302 Windsor held at 134 and the 300 Six at 118. The 460 remained the top engine option, though output slipped to 205 horsepower as emissions tuning continued to take its toll.
Inside, the cab received updated trim options. The Ranger XLT benefited from new fabric choices and revised door panel trim. Air conditioning continued as a popular option, as did power steering and power brakes, which were becoming expected equipment rather than luxury add-ons. An AM/FM radio was available, and Ford offered an optional 8-track tape player for buyers who wanted music on the road.
The SuperCab maintained its 139-inch wheelbase and continued to gain market share as buyers discovered the practicality of the extended cab layout. Both the Styleside and Flareside beds remained available on regular cab trucks.
Production climbed to approximately 551,288 units, reflecting the F-Series’ growing dominance in the truck market. The F-150, which Ford had introduced in 1975 as an intermediate model between the F-100 and F-250, was also gaining traction and would eventually replace the F-100 entirely. But for 1977, the F-100 was still the core half-ton offering, and the combination of updated styling, the new 351W engine option, and the refined Dentside package made it a compelling truck.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What changed in the 1977 Ford F-100?
For the 1977 model year, notable changes included: undefined As the fifth year of the sixth-generation F-100 (Dentside), the 1977 Ford F100 built on the prior year while setting up what came next in the 1973-1979 run.
Where does the 1977 Ford F100 sit within the 1973-1979 generation?
The 1977 Ford F-100 was the fifth model year of the sixth-generation F-100 (Dentside), placing it at the midpoint of the 1973-1979 run. By 1977, the generation had stabilized and buyers benefited from several years of running changes. The 1977 specifically added: undefined
What engines were available in the 1977 Ford F-100?
The 1977 Ford F-100 offered 6 engine options: 300 Six (300 ci, 118 hp); 302 Windsor V8 (302 ci, 134 hp); 351W Windsor V8 (351 ci, 156 hp); 351M V8 (351 ci, 152 hp); 400M V8 (400 ci, 173 hp); 460 V8 (460 ci, 205 hp). The lineup drew from the small-block Windsor, the 335-family M-series, the 385-series 460, Ford’s inline-six. The strongest available was the 460 V8 at 205 horsepower, while the base engine was the 300 Six at 118 horsepower. Transmission choices were 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, C6 3-speed automatic.
What does a 1977 Ford F100 weigh and measure?
The 1977 Ford F-100 had a wheelbase of 117 in (short bed), 133 in (long bed), 139 in (SuperCab) and a curb weight of 3,840 lbs. Factory body styles included pickup, styleside and flareside. It was part of the sixth-generation F-100 (Dentside) (1973-1979), a generation defined by the Dentside body-side crease, SuperCab availability, and the broadest V8 lineup in F-100 history.
What should I look for when buying a 1977 Ford F100?
Focus your inspection on the 1977-specific items: undefined With 6 factory engine options spanning 118 to 205 horsepower, verifying that a specific 1977 truck has its original engine matters more for value than for most years before or after. Production of roughly 551,288 means survivor 1977 Ford F100s still turn up regularly, so patience rewards careful buyers. Prioritize trucks with documented history over cosmetic presentation — a clean 1977 with receipts beats a repainted example with an unknown past.