1978 Ford F-150 Ranger SuperCab 4x4

Description

Initially launched as the Ford Bonus-Built, the F-Series was designed to be a versatile and durable truck for both work and personal use. The F-150 was introduced in 1975 as a bridge between the F-100 and the F-250, offering a balance of payload capacity and comfort. 

The 1978 F-150 Ranger was part of the sixth generation of F-Series trucks produced from 1973 to ’79. The F-150 Ranger was positioned as a higher trim level, with the Explorer package offering even more upgrades. Engine choices included a 300 cubic-inch inline-six, 351M V8, and 400 V8, paired with either manual or automatic transmissions. The Ranger trim level included features such as upgraded interior materials, additional chrome trim, and unique badging, while the Explorer package added special paint colors, body stripes, and other amenities. The SuperCab option offered additional interior space and seating for six. 

This 1978 Ford F-150 Ranger Explorer SuperCab 4x4 has received $16,000 in upgrades under current ownership, including a new 351M V8 crate engine, two new gas tanks, and a new black aluminum Tonneau cover. 

Highlights 

• Styleside SuperCab pickup finished in red paint over red interior with red vinyl front bench seat and black vinyl rear bench seat 

• Three-speed automatic transmission 

• Floor-shifted 4WD transfer case (4L N 2H 4H)

• Upgrades since January 2022 include (but are not limited to): 

  • New 351M V8 crate engine (5,000 miles) 

  • New carburetor 

  • New alternator 

  • New master cylinder 

  • New distributor, points, and coil 

  • New wiring harness 

  • Transmission serviced 

  • Two new gas tanks 

  • New exhaust 

  • New brakes 

  • New heater core 

  • New instrument gauges 

  • New three-point seat belts in front 

  • New Pace Edwards black aluminum Tonneau cover 

  • New front and rear all-weather floor mats 

  • All required California smog equipment purchased and installed by qualified mechanics (approximately $2700) 

• The chassis number (X14HKBE8356) decodes as: 

  • X14 – 4WD F-150 SuperCab 

  • H – Standard 351 cu-in, two-barrel V8 (since replaced by 351M V8) 

  • K – Kansas City, Missouri, assembly plant  

  • BE8356 – Serial number 

Features 

• Sliding rear glass 

• Side exhaust 

• Passenger side storage compartment under bed 

• AM/FM/MP3 stereo system 

• Dash instrumentation: 85 mph speedometer and odometer with gauges for oil pressure, fuel level, battery, and coolant temperature 

• Kelsey Energize Brake Controller 

• 15-inch Ion alloy wheels 

• Thunderer Trac Grip M/T R408 31x10.50R15LT 109Q tires 

Known Imperfections 

• Paint chips on passenger door and front fender 

• Corrosion around door frames and rocker panels has been painted over 

• Scratch on passenger side rear fender 

• Light surface corrosion on exterior mirror brackets 

• Crack in top of dashboard 

• Stereo system does not work 

• Wear on passenger side interior door handle  

• Bed liner is worn 

• Explorer badges but no other obvious Explorer upgrades (hood ornament, stripes, special exterior color, or enhanced upholstery) 

Included  

• Original Ford Motor Company 1978 Truck Shop Manuals: 

  • Volume 1: Chassis 

  • Volume 2: Engine 

  • Volume 3-4: Body-Electric 

  • Volume 5: Pre-Delivery, Maintenance, and Lubrication  

Ownership History 

The California consignor of this 1978 Ford F-150 Ranger Explorer SuperCab 4x4 purchased the pickup truck in January 2022 from World Wide Vintage Auto in Denver, Colorado.