1973 Ford Ford truck problems

ford logo

The Ford F-Series is a series of light-duty trucks marketed and manufactured by Ford Motor Company since the 1948 model year. The F-Series is marketed as a range of full-sized pickup trucks positioned above the midsize Ranger but below the larger Super Duty in the Ford truck lineup. Alongside the F-150 (introduced in 1975), the F-Series also includes the Super Duty series (introduced in 1999), which includes the heavier-duty F-250 through F-450 pickups, F-450/F-550 chassis cabs, and F-600/F-650/F-750 Class 6–8 commercial trucks.

History

The F-Series was first introduced in 1948 as a replacement for a previous pickup model line based on car platforms.

The most popular version of the model line is the F-150 pickup truck, currently in its fourteenth generation (introduced for the 2021 model year). From 1953 to 1983, the entry-level F-Series pickup was the 1⁄2 ton F-100. Starting in 1984, the F-150 became the entry-level. The F-150 has a long-running high-performance off-road trim level introduced for 2010, the (SVT) Raptor currently consisting of three generations. Production of the F-150 SVT Raptor ended in 2014 and it was planned to be succeeded by a new F-150 Raptor, which is based on the thirteenth and fourteenth generation F-150.

The F-Series trucks have been developed into a wide range of design configurations. Alongside medium-duty trucks and "Big Job" conventional trucks (the forerunners of the Ford L-series), the model line has been marketed as a chassis-cab truck and a panel van (a predecessor of the Ford E-Series). The F-Series has served as the platform for various full-sized Ford SUVs, including the Ford Bronco, Ford Expedition/Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Excursion. The F-Series has been marketed by its three North American brands: by Mercury as the M-Series (in Canada from 1948 to 1968), and by Lincoln in the 2000s, as the Blackwood and the later Mark LT (2010s for the latter in Mexico only).

Since 1977, the F-Series has remained the best-selling pickup truck line in the United States; it has been the best-selling vehicle overall since 1981. The F-Series has been the best-selling truck in Canada for over fifty years. As of the 2018 model year, the F-Series generated $41 billion (~$49 billion in 2023) in annual revenue for Ford. By January 2022, the F-Series models have sold over 40 million units. Currently, Ford manufactures the F-Series in four facilities in the United States.

1973 Ford Ford truck

Social links

Common 1973 Ford Ford truck problems

The Ford F-Series trucks from 1973 to 1979, often referred to as the "dentside" Ford by enthusiasts, are known for their durability and reliability. However, there are common problems that owners have reported over the years.

  1. Rust: The most common issue with these trucks is rust, particularly around the base of the B pillar, the front of the bed, the wheel wells, and the windshield. Rust can cause significant damage to the truck's structure and may require expensive repairs.
  2. Engine and Transmission: The trucks came with a range of engines, including the 300 CID inline-six, 351 CID V8, and 460 CID V8. While these engines are generally reliable, they can suffer from issues such as overheating, oil leaks, and problems with the automatic transmission. The transmission can fall out of alignment if the TR/MLP sensor is faulty, causing the engine to flare as the truck is shifted into fourth gear.
  3. Suspension and Ball Joints: The ball joints on 1990-1996 Ford F-150s are particularly vulnerable to water exposure and can expire prematurely if exposed. The front suspension system on 1991 to 1994 Ford trucks can also be weak, leading to problems with the leaf springs.
  4. Electrical Issues: Electrical issues can also be a problem, particularly with the alternator belt. On 1990 to 1994 model F-150s, the alternator belt can make chirping or squealing noises if the pulley for the air conditioner or the power-steering is askew.
  5. Hard Starting: Drivers have reported complaints of hard-starting on 1990-1996 model F-150s. Ford attributed this issue to faulty harness wiring in the power control module. Symptoms of the problem include vehicular stalling, hesitation, and failure to start.

While these issues can be concerning, it's important to note that many of these problems can be addressed with routine maintenance and repairs. The trucks are known for their durability and reliability, and with proper care, they can provide years of trouble-free service.

1973 Ford Ford truck engine

How much does a 1973 Ford truck weigh?

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

DimensionMetricImperial
Ford F100 Length4953 mm16 ft 3 in
Ford F100 Wheelbase2972 mm9 ft 9 in
Ford F100 Weight1610 kg3549 lbs
Ford F100 Wheel size178x16(5)7.00x16(5)

What is the oldest Ford truck ever made?

Ford Model TT

The first Ford truck ever produced was called the Ford Model TT, which was released in 1917. This laid the tracks for the first F-150s to come onto the scene. The Model TT was sold with only a chassis, and a factory body wasn't available until 1923.

What engine came in a 1973 Ford F100?

Under the hood, 1973–74 F-100 trucks carried over slightly detuned inline six-cylinder engines (240 and 300 cubic inches), a small-block V-8 (302 cu-in) and a trio of big-block V-8s (360-, 390-, and 460 cu-in).

What engines were available in the 1973 F-250?

For the sixth generation, the F-250 4x4 initially offered with three engines, including the 240 inline-6 (1973-1974) and 300 cubic-inch inline-6 (1973-1977), and a 360 cubic-inch V8 (1973-1976); for 1977, the 360 was replaced by the 351M and 400 V8s.

What is the biggest problem with Ford trucks?

10speed transmission. It's a learning transmission. And so it adjusts to your driving. Needs. And so that causes some problems as well.

How reliable are old Ford trucks?

Ford F-Series pickups have been the best-selling trucks in the country since 1977. If you take care of them, these long-lasting trucks can run for decades, reaching 200,000 miles or more. Models 25+ years old are sturdy enough to be your daily driver, unlike other classic cars you can buy but only drive occasionally.

What engine came in a 1973 Ford F100?

Under the hood, 1973–74 F-100 trucks carried over slightly detuned inline six-cylinder engines (240 and 300 cubic inches), a small-block V-8 (302 cu-in) and a trio of big-block V-8s (360-, 390-, and 460 cu-in).

What engines were available in the 1973 f250?

For the sixth generation, the F-250 4x4 initially offered with three engines, including the 240 inline-6 (1973-1974) and 300 cubic-inch inline-6 (1973-1977), and a 360 cubic-inch V8 (1973-1976); for 1977, the 360 was replaced by the 351M and 400 V8s.

1973 Ford Ford truck car problems categorized by type of issue

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

  • Power train problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1973 Ford Ford truck vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1973 Ford Ford truck complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1973 Ford Ford truck.

1994-09-26

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-07-22
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TRANSMISSION JUMPED OUT OF GEAR, CAUSING ACCIDENT/INJURY. *TW

1973 Ford Ford truck recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1973 Ford Ford truck.

1981-01-12
  • Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  • Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
  • Summary: THIS IS A MANUFACTURER"S NOTICE TO ADVISE OWNERS OF PROPER VEHICLE OPERATION. THE PARKING GEAR MAY NOT BE SECURELY ENGAGED AFTER THE OPERATOR HAS ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT TO PARK. THE VEHICLE MAY APPEAR TO BE IN PARK THOUGH ACTUALLY IN REVERSE. THIS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO MOVE UNEXPECTEDLY.
  • Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SELF-STICKING LABEL CONTAINING IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AS A DAILY REMINDER OF THE SERIOUS HAZARDS OF UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOTION. IT SHOULD BE PLACED INSIDE THE VEHICLE IN AN EASILY SEEN LOCATION.
Leave your review of 1973 Ford Ford truck

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1973 Ford Ford truck problems:

1979 f-150... common problems? - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
1979 f-150... common problems? - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/814172-1979-f-150-common-problems.html

Jan 23, 2009 ... 1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks - 1979 f-150... common problems? - I'm lookig to purchase a pretty clean 1979 f-150 with a ...

Q&A: 1973 Ford F100 360 2V Auto - Common Problems, Carburetor ...
Q&A: 1973 Ford F100 360 2V Auto - Common Problems, Carburetor ...
https://www.justanswer.com/classic-cars/79bk6-ford-f100-1973-ford-f100-360-2v-auto-tough-one.html

Oct 21, 2012 ... It sounds to me like you may have a weak ignition issue. The tip off is that the carburetor cleaner did not make any difference. Check the ...

6th gen f series problems - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
6th gen f series problems - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1570156-6th-gen-f-series-problems.html

Jan 25, 2019 ... ... well used. What are common problems with this age of truck that I should look out for when purchasing. Also how much do repairs typically cost?

Do Ford trucks have issues? - Quora
Do Ford trucks have issues? - Quora
https://www.quora.com/Do-Ford-trucks-have-issues

Oct 1, 2021 ... Former Mechanic, tyre fitter and Engineer Most of My Life (1973 ... What are some of the common problems with Ford vehicles? ... What is the best ...

Electrical Problem on 1973 f250 camper special - Ford Truck ...
Electrical Problem on 1973 f250 camper special - Ford Truck ...
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/598641-electrical-problem-on-1973-f250-camper-special.html

Apr 3, 2007 ... Electrical gremlins are common due to the age of these trucks. There are no fuses in the starting circuit. Can you jump the battery to the ...

Other years of Ford Ford truck

ford ford truck 1974 photo
Ford truck 1974
Ford

2

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ford ford truck 1977 photo
Ford truck 1977
Ford

1

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ford ford truck 1983 photo
Ford truck 1983
Ford

1

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ford ford truck 1984 photo
Ford truck 1984
Ford

1

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ford ford truck 1985 photo
Ford truck 1985
Ford

2

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ford ford truck 1986 photo
Ford truck 1986
Ford

2

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Are you having problems with your 1973 Ford Ford truck?

Add car complaint
1973 Ford Ford truck photo