1978 Ford F-250 Ranger Lariat 4x4

Description

Produced from 1973 through 1979, the sixth-generation F-Series trucks helped cement Ford’s position as a leader in the American pickup market by combining rugged capability with increasingly refined comfort and features. The Ranger Lariat package represented the top trim level in the F-Series lineup, offering upgraded interior appointments, distinctive exterior trim, and premium features aimed at buyers seeking both utility and everyday drivability.

This 1978 Ford F-250 Ranger Lariat 4x4 reportedly underwent frame-off refurbishment completed in June 2025 by RPG Automotive of Hampton, New Jersey. The seller notes the body was soda blasted and refinished in a Dark Brown Metallic and Wimbledon White two-tone color scheme, while the frame and undercarriage were sandblasted, sealed, and refinished. The stock trim was refurbished, and color-matched Raptor liner was applied to the bed, firewall, rockers, and additional vulnerable surfaces.

Power comes from a 400ci V8 engine fitted with an Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor, electronic ignition, a variable-speed electric cooling fan, and dual exhaust. Power is delivered through a three-speed automatic transmission and dual-range transfer case.

Refinished in two-tone Dark Brown Metallic and Wimbledon White over a retrimmed brown vinyl interior, the truck is equipped with a Vintage Air climate control system, a Bluetooth-capable vintage-style radio, dual fuel tanks, manually locking front hubs, and 16-inch color-keyed steel wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 tires.

This 1978 Ford F-250 Ranger Lariat 4x4 is now offered with rebuild documentation, a bed-mounted full size matching spare tire, removed original trim and body tags, and a clean New Jersey title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• Documented refurbishment completed in June 2025 (over $61,500 invested)

• 400ci V8 engine paired with a 3-speed automatic transmission

• Dual-range transfer case

• Refinished in Dark Brown Metallic and Wimbledon White paint

• Refurbished and retrimmed brown vinyl interior

• Bluetooth-equipped vintage-style radio

• Dual exhaust system and dual fuel tanks

Factory Equipment

• Ranger Lariat trim package

• Four-wheel drive system

• Manually locking front hubs

• Power steering

• Power brakes

• Dual fuel tanks

• Vinyl upholstery

• Full-size spare tire

Modifications

• Edelbrock AVS2 650-CFM 4-barrel carburetor

• Edelbrock aluminum intake manifold

• Electronic ignition system

• Variable-speed electric cooling fan

• Dual exhaust system with Thrush mufflers

• Vintage Air climate control system

• Bluetooth-equipped vintage-style radio

• Color-matched 16" steel wheels

• BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 tires

Servicing & Documentation

According to the seller and refurbishment documentation (see "Service Records" attached), the following work was completed between 2024 and 2025:

• Body removed from frame and disassembled

• Body, bed, and related components media blasted

• Frame stripped, rebuilt, and refinished

• Frame and undercarriage sandblasted, sealed, and painted

• Body repaired, primed, and refinished in Dark Brown Metallic and Wimbledon White

• Cerakote treatment applied to exterior paint

• Color-matched Raptor liner applied to the bed, firewall, rockers, and related surfaces

• Exterior moldings, emblems, bumpers, seals, glass channels, weatherstripping, and trim components refurbished or replaced

• 400ci V8 engine rebuilt

• Cylinder heads reconditioned

• Crankshaft ground and polished

• Replacement pistons, rings, bearings, gaskets, oil pump, water pump, fuel pump, radiator, starter, and alternator installed

• Complete chassis and body wiring harness replacement

• Differentials rebuilt and transfer case resealed

• Suspension components, steering linkage, bushings, ball joints, and steering damper replaced

• Brake system refurbished with replacement master cylinder, wheel cylinders, hardware, hoses, and parking brake cables

• Windshield washer system, lighting components, switches, and electrical accessories replaced or refurbished

• Brown interior refurbished and reupholstered

Known Imperfections

• Air conditioning system operates, but seller notes cooling performance may be reduced in temperatures above 90°F and believes the system may benefit from a refrigerant recharge

• Cosmetic imperfections consistent with limited use since refurbishment

Ownership History

According to the seller, the refurbishment was completed by RPG Automotive of Hampton, New Jersey, in June 2025 and included a rebuild of the 400ci V8 engine. The seller reports approximately 3,000 miles have been driven since completion. Refurbishment invoices, build photographs, and related documentation accompany the truck.

Included Items

• Bed-mounted full-size matching spare tire

• Restoration invoices and work orders

• Restoration process photographs

• Removed stock body tags

• Service records