--- title: "1979 Ford F-100: Free Wheeling Package, Final Dentside Specs | fordf100s.com" description: "The 1979 Ford F-100 closed the Dentside era with the Free Wheeling package and special appearance options. Specs, engine choices, and collector values." canonical_url: "https://www.fordf100s.com/1979-ford-f100/" last_updated: "2026-07-17" --- 1. [ Home ](/) 2. / [ Generations ](/generations/) 3. / [ 1973-1979 Ford F-100 Dentside Guide ](/generations/1973-1979/) 4. / 1979 Ford F-100: Free Wheeling Package, Final Dentside Specs Generation 6 · 1973–1979 # 1979 Ford F-100: Free Wheeling Package, Final Dentside Specs Top Engine 351M V8 · 152 hp Wheelbase 117 in (short bed), 133 in (long bed), 139/155 in (SuperCab) Original MSRP $4,768 Production 225,893 fordf100s.com · Updated July 17, 2026 Jump to Year [ 1973 ](/1973-ford-f100/)[ 1974 ](/1974-ford-f100/)[ 1975 ](/1975-ford-f100/)[ 1976 ](/1976-ford-f100/)[ 1977 ](/1977-ford-f100/)[ 1978 ](/1978-ford-f100/)[ 1979 ](/1979-ford-f100/) Factory Spec Sheet MODEL YEAR 1979 __General Specifications__ | Wheelbase | 117 in (short bed), 133 in (long bed), 139/155 in (SuperCab) | | ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------ | | Curb Weight | 3,870 lbs | | Body Styles | pickup, styleside, flareside | | Original MSRP | $4,768 | | Production Numbers | 225,893 | __Engine Options__ | Engine | Displacement | Horsepower | Type | | -------------- | ------------ | ---------- | -------- | | 300 Six | 300 ci | 116 hp | inline-6 | | 302 Windsor V8 | 302 ci | 139 hp | v8 | | 351M V8 | 351 ci | 152 hp | v8 | Available Transmissions - 3-speed manual - 4-speed manual - C6 3-speed automatic Sources & Editorial ReviewSource reviewed Reviewed by the [FordF100s.com editorial team](/about/#editorial-standards) on July 17, 2026. The model-year engine applications, horsepower ratings, major design changes, and identification claims were reconciled against period literature and year-specific specialist references. Full-line F-Series applications were excluded when the source did not support an F-100 application. References used 1. [Ford Heritage Vault](https://fordheritagevault.com/) — Ford Motor Company · Factory literaturePeriod brochures, sales literature, and manuals used to check model-year claims. 2. [Ford truck literature library](https://www.fordification.com/library/) — Fordification.com · Specialist reference Horsepower changed from SAE gross to SAE net reporting for 1972, so figures on opposite sides of that change are not directly comparable. Production totals, weights, prices, option availability, and midyear changes can vary by source and configuration; treat them as reference points, not proof of a specific truck's original equipment. Found a conflict in factory literature or have a better source? See our [corrections process](/about/#corrections). The 1979 Ford F-100 closed out the [sixth-generation Dentside](/generations/1973-1979/) — the final year of a run that had established the F-Series as America’s best-selling truck line. While the basic truck was mechanically familiar after seven years of production, Ford marked the send-off with distinctive appearance packages, most notably the Free Wheeling package that gave the [Dentside](/glossary/dentside/) a youthful, recreational character right as the oil crisis of 1979 was reshaping the American truck market. ## Free Wheeling Package: 1979’s Signature Option The Free Wheeling package was Ford’s response to the late-1970s trend toward trucks as lifestyle vehicles rather than strictly work tools. The package was offered on Custom, Ranger, and Ranger XLT trims and can be identified today by several distinctive features: - **Multi-color body-side tape stripes** in coordinated combinations (most commonly orange-red-yellow fading, though black-red and blue-silver combinations were also available) - **Argent-painted styled steel wheels** as standard, with optional aluminum slot-style wheels - **Raised white letter tires** (typically Goodyear Tracker A/T or similar) - **Blacked-out grille surround** and painted chrome pieces on some color combinations - **Free Wheeling decals** on the front fenders or bed side - **Specific interior touches** including upgraded seat fabric and door trim color-matched to the exterior stripes The package has become one of the most sought-after options among Dentside collectors — a clean, unrestored Free Wheeling truck will often bring a premium over an equivalent Custom or base trim because the stripes are era-specific and difficult to reproduce faithfully. ## Engine Options Ford’s 1979 pickup ordering chart lists the standard [300 Six](/glossary/300-six/) and optional 302 [Windsor](/glossary/windsor/) and 351M V8 for the F-100: | Engine | HP (net) | Typical Use Case | | -------------- | -------- | ------------------------------------------------- | | 300 Six | 116 | Base engine, fleet and work-truck buyers | | 302 Windsor V8 | 139 | Light-duty V8 application | | 351M V8 | 152 | 335-family step-up V8, closely related to the 400 | The C6 3-speed automatic was the most popular transmission by a wide margin. The 3-speed and 4-speed manuals remained on the order sheet but increasingly went to fleet buyers. For more on how the 1979 engines pair with modern [transmissions](/parts/transmissions/) and modern swap options, see our [engine compatibility guide](/parts/engine-compatibility/). ## Trims and Interior The Ranger XLT continued as the dominant trim level for retail buyers, with Custom and base trims available for those who wanted a more work-oriented truck. The [SuperCab](/glossary/supercab/) remained popular with 139- and 155-inch wheelbase choices, offering the extended cab versatility that had proven so successful since its 1974 introduction. Interior amenities were at their highest level for the Dentside generation: - Factory air conditioning - Cruise control and tilt steering column - Power windows and door locks - AM/FM stereo with cassette player - Available captain’s chairs on Ranger XLT SuperCab - Full instrumentation including tachometer, oil pressure, and ammeter gauges ## Production and the Oil Crisis Context Production for 1979 totaled approximately **225,893 F-100 units** — a late-generation rebound, but still well below the F-150’s volume by this point. When the Iranian revolution disrupted global oil supplies in the spring of 1979, fuel prices climbed sharply, and American truck buyers began re-evaluating their priorities. The F-150, introduced in 1975 as a heavy half-ton, had been steadily absorbing the F-100’s customer base; the 1979 oil shock accelerated that trend and ultimately sealed the F-100’s fate for the 1980 redesign and beyond. The original MSRP started at **$4,768** for a base Custom — the equivalent of roughly $21,000 in today’s dollars, making the 1979 F-100 one of the most accessible light-duty trucks ever built. ## Buying a 1979 Ford F-100: What to Look For If you’re shopping for a 1979 specifically, there are a few year-specific things to check: - **Free Wheeling stripes**: verify originality by checking the build plate and looking for repaint evidence over the factory stripes. Reproduction stripes exist but the original adhesive pattern leaves tell-tale lines underneath. - **Rear body mount rust**: the 1979 is old enough that the Dentside’s known rear cab mount rust issue is now a common problem. Inspect from underneath before buying. - **Smog-era tune**: emissions equipment on 1979 trucks is notoriously fussy when out of spec. Verify the EGR, carburetor, and distributor are all factory or a documented rebuild. - **Transmission linkage**: the C6 shift linkage on 1979 trucks wears out. Easy fix but worth confirming. - **Matching-numbers engine**: with 225,893 F-100 units built, a matching-numbers 1979 is still findable, but Free Wheeling trucks specifically are worth the extra verification. For a full inspection checklist, see the [1977 Ford F-100 buyer’s guide](/buying-a-1977-ford-f100/) (the same checklist applies year-to-year across the Dentside run). ## Why the 1979 F-100 Matters to Collectors The 1979 F-100 holds a special place in the [Dentside story](/generations/1973-1979/). It was the last of its kind, the final expression of a body style that had served Ford well across seven model years and millions of trucks. The 1980 redesign would bring an entirely new look and new engineering, but the Dentside generation had proven that American truck buyers wanted comfort, style, and capability in equal measure. For enthusiasts today, the 1979 represents the most fully developed version of the Dentside, with the broadest option list and the benefit of seven years of production refinement. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Was 1979 the last year of the Dentside F-100? Yes. The 1979 model year was the final Dentside F-100\. For 1980, Ford introduced an entirely redesigned truck with new sheetmetal, a revised chassis, and a more aerodynamic profile. The 1979 is therefore the last full expression of the 1973-started Dentside body style. ### How do I identify a Free Wheeling package truck? Look for factory multi-color body-side stripes (typically orange-red-yellow fade, but also black-red or blue-silver), argent or aluminum styled wheels, raised white letter tires, a blacked-out grille surround, and “Free Wheeling” decals on the front fenders or bedsides. The build plate will also reference the Free Wheeling option package code. ### What is the difference between a 1979 F-100 and a 1979 F-150? The F-100 was Ford’s half-ton truck (6,050 lb GVWR or lower on most configurations), while the F-150 was a heavy half-ton (6,050-6,950 lb GVWR) introduced in 1975 to sidestep certain emissions and safety regulations. The F-150 grew rapidly in the late 1970s and replaced the F-100 entirely after 1983\. In 1979, both trucks shared sheetmetal but had different suspension components, axles, and emissions equipment. ### What engines were available in the 1979 Ford F-100? The 1979 F-100 had three factory-listed engines: the 300 cubic-inch inline-six (116 hp), 302 Windsor V8 (139 hp), and 351M V8 (152 hp). Ford’s pickup ordering chart lists the 400 and 460 for heavier F-Series models, not the F-100\. Transmission availability depended on engine, GVWR, and drivetrain; verify the [data plate](/glossary/data-plate/) rather than assuming the C6 was original. ### How many 1979 Ford F-100s were built? Ford produced approximately 225,893 F-100s in the 1979 model year — a strong late-generation rebound, though the F-150 was outselling the F-100 by 1979 as the half-ton segment shifted toward the heavier-rated truck. ### Is a 1979 F-100 a good candidate for restoration? Yes. Body panels, weatherstrip, interior parts, and mechanical components are all well-supported by the aftermarket. Rust is the primary structural concern — particularly rear cab mounts and bed floors — but reproduction sheetmetal is available, and the Dentside chassis is simple and forgiving to work on. See our [Dentside generation guide](/generations/1973-1979/) for a full survey of the era’s restoration ecosystem. Next useful step ## Put this 1979 in generation context Compare its factory changes, engines, and neighboring model years before planning a purchase or restoration. [ Open the generation guide → ](/generations/1973-1979/) [ Decode a VIN ](/vin-decoder/) [← 1978 Ford F-100](/1978-ford-f100/)[1980 Ford F-100 →](/1980-ford-f100/) ## Build a 1979 F-100 [RestorationDaily Driver F-100: Modern Upgrade GuideTurn your F-100 into a reliable daily driver with this guide covering disc brakes, power steering, EFI, AC, wiring, and safety upgrades.](/restoration/daily-driver-build-guide/)[RestorationElectric F-100: EV Conversion GuideFord Eluminator, NetGain Hyper 9, and Tesla drive unit options compared. Costs, range expectations, battery sizing, and build approaches for every F-100.](/restoration/ev-conversion-guide/)[RestorationF-100 EFI Conversion: Carb to Fuel InjectionConvert your Ford F-100 from carburetor to EFI with this complete guide covering Holley Sniper, FiTech, fuel system upgrades, wiring, and tuning.](/restoration/efi-conversion-guide/)[PartsF100 Wiring Harness Guide: Rewiring Your Ford TruckGuide to rewiring your Ford F100 with harness options from Painless, American Autowire, plus alternator conversions and fuse box upgrades.](/parts/wiring-harness/)[PartsF100 Bed Floor Replacement Guide: Wood vs Steel OptionsGuide to replacing your F100 truck bed floor, comparing wood species, steel panels, bed strip options, and suppliers like Mar-K and Bed Wood and Parts.](/parts/bed-floors/)[PartsF-100 Body Styles: Styleside vs Flareside & MoreFord F-100 body styles explained -- Styleside, Flareside, panel delivery, chassis-cab, and SuperCab. Differences, years offered, and which fits your build.](/parts/body-styles/) ## Keep Exploring [Generation Guide1973-1979 Ford F-100 Dentside GuideFull generation overview — design changes, engines, and buying advice](/generations/1973-1979/)[ComparisonFord F-100 vs Chevy C10: Specs, Prices & Which to BuyFord F100 vs Chevy C10 compared: design, engines, suspension, aftermarket support, restomod potential, and market values from the 1960s-1970s.](/ford-f100-vs-chevy-c10/)[ReferenceF-100 Timeline 1948–1983Every model year and generation in one view](/history/f100-timeline/)[ToolVIN DecoderVerify the year, engine, and plant on any 1979 F-100](/vin-decoder/) Model Years - [1973 Ford F-100: Dentside Debut, 6th Gen Specs & Values](/1973-ford-f100/) - [1974 Ford F-100: SuperCab Debut & 460 V8 Option](/1974-ford-f100/) - [1975 Ford F-100: Catalytic Converter Era Specs & Values](/1975-ford-f100/) - [1976 Ford F-100: Final FE Year, Specs & Values](/1976-ford-f100/) - [1977 Ford F-100: Rectangular Headlights, 351M V8 Specs & Guide](/1977-ford-f100/) - [1978 Ford F-100: Restyled Grille, Specs & Collector Values](/1978-ford-f100/) - [1979 Ford F-100: Free Wheeling Package, Final Dentside Specs](/1979-ford-f100/) Model Years - [1973 Ford F-100: Dentside Debut, 6th Gen Specs & Values](/1973-ford-f100/) - [1974 Ford F-100: SuperCab Debut & 460 V8 Option](/1974-ford-f100/) - [1975 Ford F-100: Catalytic Converter Era Specs & Values](/1975-ford-f100/) - [1976 Ford F-100: Final FE Year, Specs & Values](/1976-ford-f100/) - [1977 Ford F-100: Rectangular Headlights, 351M V8 Specs & Guide](/1977-ford-f100/) - [1978 Ford F-100: Restyled Grille, Specs & Collector Values](/1978-ford-f100/) - [1979 Ford F-100: Free Wheeling Package, Final Dentside Specs](/1979-ford-f100/) On this page - [Free Wheeling Package: 1979’s Signature Option](#free-wheeling-package-1979s-signature-option) - [Engine Options](#engine-options) - [Trims and Interior](#trims-and-interior) - [Production and the Oil Crisis Context](#production-and-the-oil-crisis-context) - [Buying a 1979 Ford F-100: What to Look For](#buying-a-1979-ford-f-100-what-to-look-for) - [Why the 1979 F-100 Matters to Collectors](#why-the-1979-f-100-matters-to-collectors) On this page - [Free Wheeling Package: 1979’s Signature Option](#free-wheeling-package-1979s-signature-option) - [Engine Options](#engine-options) - [Trims and Interior](#trims-and-interior) - [Production and the Oil Crisis Context](#production-and-the-oil-crisis-context) - [Buying a 1979 Ford F-100: What to Look For](#buying-a-1979-ford-f-100-what-to-look-for) - [Why the 1979 F-100 Matters to Collectors](#why-the-1979-f-100-matters-to-collectors) VIN Decoder Decode supported F-100 VIN formats, or use the 1961-1983 data plate decoder for source-backed paint, trim, axle, and transmission codes. [Decode a VIN → ](/vin-decoder/) [1961-1983 Data Plate Decoder → ](/data-plate-decoder/) ### Guides for This Era - Restoration [ Daily Driver F-100: Modern Upgrade Guide ](/restoration/daily-driver-build-guide/) - Restoration [ Electric F-100: EV Conversion Guide ](/restoration/ev-conversion-guide/) - Restoration [ F-100 EFI Conversion: Carb to Fuel Injection ](/restoration/efi-conversion-guide/) - Parts [ F100 Wiring Harness Guide: Rewiring Your Ford Truck ](/parts/wiring-harness/) - Parts [ F100 Bed Floor Replacement Guide: Wood vs Steel Options ](/parts/bed-floors/) - Parts [ F-100 Body Styles: Styleside vs Flareside & More ](/parts/body-styles/)