1979 Ford F100 problems

General information about Ford-F100
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The fifth generation of the Ford F-Series is a line of pickup trucks and commercial trucks that were produced by Ford from the 1967 to 1972 model years. Built on the same platform as the fourth generation F-Series, the fifth generation had sharper styling lines, a larger cab, and expanded engine options.

Three trim levels were available during the production of the fifth generation F-Series, though the names were changed in 1970. The "Base" trim became the "Custom" and the "Custom Cab" became the "Sport Custom" joining "Ranger" as optional levels of equipment and trim. Late in production the Ranger trim level was upgraded with the additional "Ranger XLT" option.

Year by year changes

1967: Introduction of fifth-generation F-Series in 1966 for the 1967 model year
1968: As federal regulations required all automotive manufacturers to install side marker reflectors or lights, Ford redesigned the hood emblems to incorporate reflectors as well as added reflectors to the rear of the bed
1969: New grille design, new 302 Windsor V8 engine option
1970: Mid-cycle update with many detail changes including a completely new grille including wraparound front turn signals, exterior trim changes, and new side marker lights

Argentina

A new engine choice to the local market is introduced in that year: the diesel engine, which was a Perkins 3.3 L (203 cu in) l4 engine with 120 hp SAE at 3,000 RPM. Also, another change is the alternator, replacing the dynamo.

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Common 1979 Ford F100 problems

The 1979 Ford F100 is a popular classic truck, but like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues based on owner complaints:

Rust: Rust is a significant problem in 1979 Ford F100 trucks, particularly in the B pillar, the front of the bed, wheel wells, and around the windshield. Water tends to pool in these areas, causing rust damage over time. If left untreated, rust can weaken the truck's structure, making it unsafe to drive.
Electrical issues: Electrical problems are common in 1979 Ford F100 trucks, often manifesting as lights in the dash staying on. These issues can be challenging to diagnose and solve, requiring careful tracing of wires and testing of components.
Engine problems: Some 1979 Ford F100 trucks have issues with the safety valve in the engine's cummins common rail. This problem can prevent the engine from starting, requiring replacement of the valve.
Steering issues: At high speeds, some 1979 Ford F100 trucks may experience excessive swinging, making it difficult to keep the steering stable. This issue may be due to worn-out components or improper alignment of the front end.
Acceleration issues: Some 1979 Ford F100 trucks may have problems with acceleration and deceleration, with the engine taking a long time to respond. This issue may be due to electronic injection problems or other engine-related issues.
Starting issues: Some 1979 Ford F100 trucks may have trouble starting, with the engine failing to generate the necessary explosions despite sparking. This issue may be due to fuel, spark, or compression problems or incorrect installation of engine components.
Trembling when starting: Some 1979 Ford F100 trucks may experience trembling when starting, particularly when shifting into reverse. This issue may be due to clutch or transmission problems.
Alignment issues: The twin-i-beam front end of the 1979 Ford F100 truck may become misaligned, causing uneven wear on the front tires. This issue may require professional alignment to correct.
Grille shell: The aluminum grille shell of the 1979 Ford F100 truck is a hard-to-find part, as they often take a beating and are replaced.
Paint issues: The 1979 Ford F100 truck may have paint issues, including orange peel and peeling clear coat, particularly on silver and maroon trucks.

To avoid these issues, potential buyers should carefully inspect any 1979 Ford F100 truck they are considering purchasing, looking for signs of rust, electrical problems, engine issues, and other common problems. A pre-purchase inspection by a specialist can also help identify any potential issues before purchase.

What is the most sought after Ford F100?

The 1965 Ford F-100 is a highly sought-after classic truck that boasts: A unique design. A range of robust engine options. A widened front that seamlessly integrates the cab and front fenders.

Why was the F-100 discontinued?

Ford F-100: Discontinued in 1983 as Ford Shuffles their Truck Line-Up. The Ford F-100 was discontinued in 1983 (at least for the U.S. market) as it started to look a bit redundant next to the F-150 which offered everything its predecessor had, plus a bit more.

What was the top speed of the F-100?

822 miles per hour

Its maximum speed was 822 miles per hour (1,323 km/h) at 35,000 feet (11,000 metres), and its ceiling was over 50,000 feet (15,000 metres).

How much horsepower does a 1979 Ford F150 have?

Here's a breakdown of the engine specifications for all models of the 1979 Ford F150: 4.9L Inline-6 (300 CID): This engine was the base option for many F-150s, known for its reliability and decent fuel efficiency for the time. It produced around 114 horsepower and 223 lb-ft of torque.

What was the top speed of the F-100?

It was a single-seat, low-wing monoplane with wings swept back 45 degrees. Its maximum speed was 822 miles per hour (1,323 km/h) at 35,000 feet (11,000 metres), and its ceiling was over 50,000 feet (15,000 metres).

What engine is in a Ford F100?

The F-100 was offered with the gasoline-powered Y-Block 272 V8 and the Lima OHC 2.3L inline-four in both gasoline and dedicated ethanol versions. It was only available in a single cab, short box body style, and 2-wheel drive. The F-100 was discontinued in 1985. The F-1000 was produced since 1979 until 1992.

How long is a 1979 F-100?

(base), 4.1L, Leaded Petrol, 4 SPEED MANUAL

Dimension	Metric	Imperial
Ford F100 Length	4953 mm	16 ft 3 in
Ford F100 Wheelbase	2972 mm	9 ft 9 in
Ford F100 Weight	1610 kg	3549 lbs
Ford F100 Wheel size	178x16(5)	7.00x16(5)

Why was the F-100 discontinued?

1979 Ford F100 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford F100 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Fuel system problems
Gasoline problems
Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1979 Ford F100 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1979 Ford F100 complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1979 Ford F100.

2004-08-31

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2004-08-30
Fire: 1
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: WHILE DRIVING AND TURNING TO THE LEFT CARBURETOR OVERFLOWED AND W VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK

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2001-09-10

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1988-07-20
VIN: F10GRFE4864
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Add Complaint

1979 Ford F100 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 9 recalls for different components of the 1979 Ford F100.

2007-08-27

Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Summary: CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.
Consequence: A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.

1979-09-17

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: WHEELS
Summary: A NUMBER OF WHEEL ASSEMBLIES ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE SUBSTANDARD WELDS IN THE AREA WHERE THE DISC IS ATTACHED TO THE RIM. SUBSTANDARD WELDS CAN CAUSE CRACKS TO OCCUR IN THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY. RAPID LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE IN THE TIRE OR SEPARATION OF THE WHEEL RIM FROM THE DISC COULD RESULT.
Remedy: IF SEPARATION AND LOSS OF AIR OCCURS WHILE VEHICLE IS IN OPERATION, LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. CORRECTIVE ACTION: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE WHEELS WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.

1979-08-07

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: WHEELS
Summary: THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY MAY CONTAIN SUBSTANDARD WELDS IN THE AREA WHERE THE DISC IS ATTACHED TO THE RIM. AS A RESULT, CRACKS CAN FORM IN THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY, CAUSING AIR LOSS AND AN UNDERINFLATED TIRE.
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE ANY DEFECTIVE WHEELS WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.

1979-05-15

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH BRAKE PUSH-ROD TO BRAKE PEDAL RETAINING PINS WHICH WERE NOT HEAT-TREATED AS SPECIFIED. THIS COULD ALLOW THE BRAKE PEDAL TO BECOME DISENGAGED FROM THE PUSH-ROD.
Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT BRAKE RETAINING PIN.

1979-01-26

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING
Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITHOUT A FUEL TANK SHIELD AT THE FRONT RIGHT CORNER OF THE MIDSHIP FUEL TANK. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY". IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT, EXCESSIVE FUEL SPILLAGE COULD RESULT.
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSTALL THE REQUIRED FUEL TANK SHIELD WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.

1979-01-15

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, "WINDSHIELD MOUNTING", IN THAT SOME OF THE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITHOUT THE SPECIFIED WINDSHIELD WEATHERSTRIP RETAINING COMPONENTS.
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSTALL THE WINDSHIELD WEATHERSTRIP RETAINING COMPONENTS AT NO COST TO OWNER.

1978-11-27

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS IN WHICH THE PARKING PAWL WAS NOT HEAT-TREATED. DURING NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION, A PARKING PAWL THAT HAS NOT BEEN HEAT-TREATED COULD BECOME DEFORMED OR WORN TO THE POINT THAT THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT LOCK IN "PARK". AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL FREE IF THE DRIVER DOES NOT SET THE PARKING BRAKE WHEN PARKING OR LEAVING VEHICLE UNATTENDED.
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PARKING PAWL WITH ONE THAT HAS BEEN HEAT-TREATED.

1978-09-15

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Summary: THESE TRANSMISSIONS MAY CONTAIN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED PARKING PAWL ACTUATING RODS. CONSEQUENTLY, THE UNHARDENED CAM SURFACE OF THESE RODS CAN ALLOW THE ROD TO DEFORM DURING USE WITH RESULTANT INCREASE IN SHIFT EFFORTS AND DIFFICULTY IN RELEASING THE PARKING PAWL AND ENGAGING THE PARKING GEAR.
Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL ACTUATING ROD WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.

1978-09-11

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING
Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES DO NOT CONTAIN A FUEL TANK SHIELD AT THE FRONT RIGHT CORNER OF THE MID-SHIP FUEL TANK. IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL IMPACT, EXCESSIVE FUEL SPILLAGE FROM THE FUEL TANK MAY OCCUR. THIS FAILS TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY".
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSTALL THE NECESSARY FUEL TANK SHIELD WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1979 Ford F100 problems:

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