--- title: "1973-1979 Ford F-100 Dentside Guide | fordf100s.com" description: "1973-1979 Dentside Ford F-100 guide with wheelbases, SuperCab history, year-by-year factory engines, the 1974 460 exception, buying checks, and owner FAQs." canonical_url: "https://www.fordf100s.com/generations/1973-1979/" last_updated: "2026-07-28" --- ![1973-1979 Ford F-100 Dentside Guide — 1973–1979 Ford F-100](/images/1973-1979-ford-f100-dentside.png) 1. [ Home ](/) 2. / [ Generations ](/generations/) 3. / 1973-1979 Ford F-100 Dentside Guide Generation Guide · 1973–1979 # 1973-1979 Ford F-100 Dentside Guide fordf100s.com · Updated July 28, 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/) Sources & Editorial ReviewSource reviewed Reviewed by the [FordF100s.com editorial team](/about/#editorial-standards) on July 28, 2026. F-100 body dimensions, SuperCab history, engine applications, headlamp identification, emissions, drivetrain, and sales claims were reconciled against the local 2026 research pack. The live guide separates F-100 applications from heavier F-Series equipment and preserves year, drivetrain, cab, GVW, and market qualifications. Found a conflict in factory literature or have a better source? See our [corrections process](/about/#corrections). At a Glance 1973–1979 · Dentside Market Value (April 2026) Project $5,000-$12,000 Driver $18,000-$35,000 Show $40,000-$70,000 CLASSIC.COM 6th-gen F-100 average $29,478 as of April 2026 [Decode a VIN for this generation → ](/vin-decoder/) Engines - 240 I6 — Varied by GVWR and calibration (1973-1974 in the F-100) - 300 I6 — Varied by year, GVWR, and calibration (1974-1979 in the F-100) - 302 Windsor V8 — Varied by year, GVWR, and calibration (1973-1979) - 351 Modified (351M) V8 — 149-161 (1977-1979) [View all engines → ](#engines-and-drivetrain) Wheelbase 117 in / 133 in / 139 in / 155 in Bed Length 6.75 ft / 8 ft Cab Regular cab, SuperCab (1974+, extended cab) Body Styles Pickup (Styleside), Pickup (Flareside), Chassis cab Notable Features - SuperCab extended cab introduced 1974 - F-150 introduced 1975 alongside F-100, splitting the half-ton line - 460 V8 offered in the F-100 for 1974 only (4x2; not California) - Ranger Lariat top trim debuted 1978 The **1973-1979 Ford F-100** is commonly called the **[Dentside](/glossary/dentside/)** because of the concave character line pressed into its body sides. “Dentside” is an enthusiast nickname, not Ford’s formal model name. This sixth generation introduced longer regular-cab pickup wheelbases, added the [SuperCab](/glossary/supercab/) for 1974, and overlapped with the F-150 from 1975 onward. Its engine history must be read by year and series: not every engine shown in a combined F-Series brochure was available in the F-100. ## Dentside F-100 at a Glance | Item | F-100 detail | | --------------- | --------------------------------------------------- | | Model years | 1973-1979 | | Generation | Sixth | | Short Styleside | 117-inch wheelbase, 6¾-foot box | | Long Styleside | 133-inch wheelbase, 8-foot box | | SuperCab | Introduced for 1974 | | F-150 overlap | 1975-1979 within this generation | | Predecessor | [1967-1972 Bumpside F-100](/generations/1967-1972/) | | Successor | [1980-1983 Bullnose F-100](/generations/1980-1983/) | Ford described the F-100’s ride in car-like terms, but cab, box, wheelbase, GVW, suspension, and tire choices still affect how an individual truck drives. ## Body Styles and SuperCab Regular-cab F-100 [Stylesides](/glossary/styleside/) used a 117-inch wheelbase with the 6¾-foot box or a 133-inch wheelbase with the 8-foot box. [Flareside](/glossary/flareside/) and other configurations require their own dimension checks rather than borrowing the Styleside measurements. The **1974 SuperCab** added protected passenger or cargo space behind the front seat. Later Dentside literature describes 44 cubic feet of protected in-cab cargo space and shows optional rear seating arrangements. Do not describe the SuperCab only as “18 inches longer.” Cab length, wheelbase, and overall length are different measurements, and the result changes with the selected box and chassis. ## 1973-1979 F-100 Engine Chart This matrix is limited to F-100 brochure applications. An option may still depend on 2WD or 4WD, regular cab or SuperCab, transmission, GVW, California or high-altitude calibration, and ordering restrictions. | Engine | 1973 | 1974 | 1975 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 1979 | Application notes | | --------------------- | ----------------- | -------------- | -------- | -------- | -------- | -------- | ----------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | 240 inline-six | Standard | Standard | No | No | No | No | No | F-100 standard engine for 1973-1974 | | 300 / 4.9L inline-six | No in F-100 table | Optional\* | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | 1974 application is F-100 4x2 | | 302 / 5.0L Windsor V8 | Yes\* | Yes\* | Yes\* | Yes\* | Yes\* | Yes\* | Yes\* | Generally regular-cab 4x2; the 1978 brochure shows a California restriction | | 360 FE V8 | Yes\* | Yes\* | Yes\* | Yes\* | No | No | No | Standard on some 4WD configurations; optional elsewhere | | 390 FE V8 | Yes\* | Yes\* | Yes\* | Yes\* | No | No | No | 4x2 and other application qualifications vary by year | | 351M / 5.8L V8 | No | No | No | No | Yes\* | Yes\* | Yes\* | Verify cab, drivetrain, transmission, GVW, and emissions footnotes | | 400 / 6.6L V8 | No | No | No | No | Yes\* | Yes\* | No in F-100 table | F-100 option for 1977-1978 only, with application qualifications | | 460 / 7.5L V8 | No | F-100 4x2 only | No | No | No | No | No | Exceptional 1974 F-100 offering, not a generation-wide option | ### The 351M Is Not a 351W The documented 351-cubic-inch F-100 application for 1977-1979 is the **351M**. It is not interchangeable with the 351 [Windsor](/glossary/windsor/) merely because both displace 351 cubic inches. A broad VIN-code table proves that an engine code existed in the F-Series, not that Ford offered it in every series and configuration. The 351M belongs with the Modified/400 engine family and uses different transmission, mount, oil-pan, intake, and parts considerations from a 351W. Verify the engine by casting features, bellhousing pattern, and the truck’s original documentation instead of relying on an air-cleaner decal. ### The 1974 F-100 460 Exception Ford’s 1974 brochure explicitly lists it for the F-100 4x2\. That exceptional 460 V8 offering makes the common claim that the 400 was the largest Dentside F-100 engine incorrect. The opposite generalization is also wrong: the 460 was not a normal F-100 choice throughout 1973-1979\. For other Dentside F-100 years, treat a 460 as a likely swap unless year-specific factory documentation proves otherwise. ### The 1979 F-100 Engine Range The 1979 F-100 specification lists the [300 Six](/glossary/300-six/) as standard and the 302 and 351 as optional choices. The 400 appears in higher-series applications, not the F-100 column. ## Transmissions and Four-Wheel Drive Dentside brochures list three-speed, four-speed, overdrive, and SelectShift automatic choices, but the combinations and footnotes change by year, engine, cab, GVW, and drivetrain. Avoid three generation-wide shortcuts: - the 300 did not have one unchanging standard transmission for all seven years; - sales data does not establish the C6 as the “most popular” choice across every configuration; - a four-wheel-drive badge does not prove that every Dentside used the same transfer case. Before ordering parts, record the transmission and axle codes, inspect the actual case and tag, and verify whether the truck retains its original drivetrain. The [data plate decoder](/data-plate-decoder/) is the best starting point. ## Grille and Headlamp Identification The Dentside grille changed throughout the run: - 1973-1977 brochures predominantly show round headlamps with year- and trim-specific grille treatments; - the 1978 brochure promotes rectangular headlamps as part of the revised front end; - 1978-1979 trim, equipment, and market differences can affect the visible headlamp and grille arrangement. Headlamp shape alone is not a reliable model-year decoder. Replacement front clips, trim swaps, and market-specific equipment can create combinations that did not leave the factory together. ## Emissions and Fuel Requirements Catalytic converters and unleaded-fuel requirements entered Ford’s light-truck line during the Dentside years, but not every 1975-and-later F-100 used the same equipment. Actual requirements depend on model year, series or GVW, engine, calibration, and federal or California configuration. For a particular truck, use the underhood emissions label, calibration identifiers, and exact-year service information. Do not remove or disable emissions equipment based on the truck’s age alone. Before changing the engine, fuel, exhaust, or controls, check the current rules where the truck will be titled and driven. ## F-100, F-150, and the 1977 Sales Milestone Ford introduced the F-150 for 1975 between the F-100 and F-250\. The advertised 1975 GVW ratings were 5,500 pounds for the F-100 and 6,050 pounds for the F-150. Both series remained available. Shared sheet metal does not make them mechanically identical: springs, axles, brakes, tires, engines, and other equipment can vary by rating and configuration. Our [F-100 vs. F-150 comparison](/f100-vs-f150/) covers the overlap in more detail. F-Series became America’s best-selling truck line in **1977**, during the Dentside run. It did not hold that position for every Dentside year, and the best-selling-vehicle milestone did not arrive until 1982. ## Buying and Inspection Checklist 1. Confirm that the VIN and warranty tag identify an F-100, not an F-150 with similar sheet metal. 2. Match the cab and box to the wheelbase before ordering body, frame, exhaust, or driveshaft parts. 3. Verify the engine family physically, especially a claimed 351 or 460. 4. Inspect the cab mounts, floors, lower body panels, bed structure, spring hangers, and crossmembers for corrosion or previous repair. 5. Identify the actual transmission, transfer case, front axle, and rear axle; do not infer them from the engine or 4x4 badge. 6. Check the underhood emissions label before changing the carburetor, fuel system, exhaust, or ignition. 7. Authenticate Ranger, Ranger XLT, or other trim with the tag, documentation, and year-correct equipment rather than badges alone. 8. Compare value with recent sold examples matching year, cab, box, drivetrain, trim, condition, documentation, and location. Buyers comparing period rivals can also read our [Ford F-100 vs. Chevy C10 comparison](/ford-f100-vs-chevy-c10/). ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What years are Dentside Ford F-100s? Dentside Ford F-100s are the 1973 through 1979 model years. The nickname refers to the concave body-side character line. ### What engines came in a 1973-1979 Ford F-100? The range included the 240 and 300 sixes, 302 Windsor, 360 and 390 FE, 351M, and year-specific 400 applications. The 460 was an exceptional 1974 F-100 4x2 option. Availability depends on model year and configuration. ### Did a Dentside F-100 come with a 351W? The documented 1977-1979 F-100 351 application is the 351M, not the 351 Windsor. Because swaps and misidentified engines are common, confirm the block and bellhousing family before buying parts. ### Did Ford offer a 460 in the F-100? Yes, but only as a specific Dentside exception in the factory pickup evidence: the 1974 F-100 4x2\. A 460 in another Dentside F-100 year is likely a swap unless documentation proves a factory configuration. ### What is a Ford SuperCab? The SuperCab is an extended-cab F-Series body introduced for 1974\. It added protected cargo or optional seating space behind the front seat and was offered with multiple box and wheelbase combinations. ### When did the F-Series become the best-selling truck? F-Series began its run as America’s best-selling truck line in 1977\. It became America’s best-selling vehicle later, in 1982. Next useful step ## Choose the exact 1973–1979 model year Year-specific pages separate running changes, factory engines, wheelbases, and identification details that a generation overview cannot safely generalize. [ Browse model-year specs → ](/generations/1973-1979/#model-years-heading) [ Decode a VIN ](/vin-decoder/) Decode a 6th Gen VIN Decode series, engine, plant, sequence, and year when encoded for 1973–1979 F-100 VINs. [Look up your VIN → ](/vin-decoder/) [1961-1983 data plate decoder → ](/data-plate-decoder/) ## Model Years [ 1973 1973 Ford F-100: Dentside Debut, 6th Gen Specs & Values The 1973 Ford F-100 launched the sixth generation with an all-new Dentside body, larger cab, and styling that defined Ford trucks for the decade. ](/1973-ford-f100/)[ 1974 1974 Ford F-100: SuperCab Debut & 460 V8 Option The 1974 Ford F-100 introduced the SuperCab extended cab and was the Dentside year in which Ford explicitly offered the 460 V8 in an F-100 4x2\. ](/1974-ford-f100/)[ 1975 1975 Ford F-100: Catalytic Converter Era Specs & Values The 1975 Ford F-100 adopted catalyst-era emissions equipment and unleaded fuel, with engine output dependent on GVWR and calibration. ](/1975-ford-f100/)[ 1976 1976 Ford F-100: Final FE Year, Specs & Values The 1976 Ford F-100 continued its six-cylinder, Windsor, and FE engine lineup with an updated grille and interior refinements. ](/1976-ford-f100/)[ 1977 1977 Ford F-100: Rectangular Headlights, 351M V8 Specs & Guide The 1977 Ford F-100 featured a new grille with optional rectangular headlights and 351M/400 V8 options replacing the FE engines. ](/1977-ford-f100/)[ 1978 1978 Ford F-100: Restyled Grille, Specs & Collector Values The 1978 Ford F-100 got a restyled grille, continued the late-Dentside engine lineup, and saw the F-150 gain more half-ton market share. ](/1978-ford-f100/)[ 1979 1979 Ford F-100: Free Wheeling Package, Final Dentside Specs The 1979 Ford F-100 closed the Dentside era with the Free Wheeling package and special appearance options. Specs, engine choices, and collector values. ](/1979-ford-f100/) ## Related Resources [ Restoration How to Plan an F-100 Engine Swap Plan an F-100 engine swap from measurements and mock-up through fabrication, wiring, first start, road testing, inspection, and complete build documentation. ](/restoration/engine-swap-guide/)[ Restoration Your First F-100 Project Truck: Beginner's Guide Buying your first F-100 project truck? Learn which generation to choose, what to inspect, budget planning, tools, and mistakes to avoid. ](/restoration/first-project-truck-guide/)[ Restoration Coyote 5.0 Swap Guide for Ford F-100 Trucks Swap a Ford Coyote 5.0L V8 into your F-100 with this complete guide to engine sourcing, swap kits, transmissions, fuel, and wiring. ](/restoration/coyote-swap-guide/)[ Restoration 7.3L Godzilla Swap Guide for Ford F-100 Trucks Swap Ford's 7.3L Godzilla V8 into your F-100 for 430+ hp with pushrod simplicity. Covers engine sourcing, swap kits, wiring, and transmissions. ](/restoration/godzilla-swap-guide/)[ Parts Ford F-100 Paint Code Location & Matching Find Ford F-100 paint-code tag locations by model year, understand changing code formats, and follow a reliable process for matching original truck paint. ](/parts/paint-color-codes/)[ Parts Ford F-100 Parts Suppliers: The Complete Directory Every major Ford F-100 parts supplier, from Dennis Carpenter and LMC Truck to bed wood, chassis, and swap kit specialists. ](/parts/parts-suppliers-directory/)[ Parts F100 Radiator and Cooling System Upgrade Guide Guide to upgrading your F100 cooling system with aluminum radiators, electric fan conversions, and water pump upgrades for reliable temperature control. ](/parts/radiators-cooling/)[ Parts F100 Rear Axle and Differential Guide Ford F100 rear axle guide covering the 9-inch, Dana 44, 8-inch, and Sterling 10.25 with gear ratios, identification tips, and upgrades. ](/parts/rear-axles/) 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 - [Dentside F-100 at a Glance](#dentside-f-100-at-a-glance) - [Body Styles and SuperCab](#body-styles-and-supercab) - [1973-1979 F-100 Engine Chart](#1973-1979-f-100-engine-chart) - [The 351M Is Not a 351W](#the-351m-is-not-a-351w) - [The 1974 F-100 460 Exception](#the-1974-f-100-460-exception) - [The 1979 F-100 Engine Range](#the-1979-f-100-engine-range) - [Transmissions and Four-Wheel Drive](#transmissions-and-four-wheel-drive) - [Grille and Headlamp Identification](#grille-and-headlamp-identification) - [Emissions and Fuel Requirements](#emissions-and-fuel-requirements) - [F-100, F-150, and the 1977 Sales Milestone](#f-100-f-150-and-the-1977-sales-milestone) - [Buying and Inspection Checklist](#buying-and-inspection-checklist) On this page - [Dentside F-100 at a Glance](#dentside-f-100-at-a-glance) - [Body Styles and SuperCab](#body-styles-and-supercab) - [1973-1979 F-100 Engine Chart](#1973-1979-f-100-engine-chart) - [The 351M Is Not a 351W](#the-351m-is-not-a-351w) - [The 1974 F-100 460 Exception](#the-1974-f-100-460-exception) - [The 1979 F-100 Engine Range](#the-1979-f-100-engine-range) - [Transmissions and Four-Wheel Drive](#transmissions-and-four-wheel-drive) - [Grille and Headlamp Identification](#grille-and-headlamp-identification) - [Emissions and Fuel Requirements](#emissions-and-fuel-requirements) - [F-100, F-150, and the 1977 Sales Milestone](#f-100-f-150-and-the-1977-sales-milestone) - [Buying and Inspection Checklist](#buying-and-inspection-checklist) 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/) ## Keep Exploring [ToolVIN DecoderDecode a VIN from this generation](/vin-decoder/)[PartsParts ReferenceEngines, transmissions, and more](/parts/)[Buyer's GuideBuying a 1977 Ford F100: Complete Buyer's GuideWhat to know before buying a 1977 Ford F100 Dentside -- the most affordable F100 generation with easy parts sourcing and daily-driver potential.](/buying-a-1977-ford-f100/)[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/)[RestorationRestoration GuidesHands-on guides for rust repair, engine swaps, disc brakes, and more](/restoration/)[HistoryF-100 Timeline 1948–1983Complete year-by-year timeline across all seven generations](/history/f100-timeline/)[GenerationsAll GenerationsBrowse all seven generations of the Ford F-100](/generations/)