1967-79 Ford F-Series Truck
The fifth and sixth generations of the Ford F-Series (1967–1979) represent the golden era of American trucks, famously known as the "Bumpside" and "Dentside" eras. During this period, Ford transformed the F-Series from a spartan workhorse into a comfortable, stylish daily driver, laying the groundwork for it to become America’s best-selling vehicle.
1967–1972: The "Bumpside" GenerationThe fifth generation introduced a sharper, more modern design defined by a prominent horizontal ridge running along the side of the body.
1973–1979: The "Dentside" GenerationThe sixth generation reversed the body line into a distinctive concave groove running down the side, creating a rugged, muscular stance.
The "Highboy" is the most legendary and sought-after four-wheel-drive configuration in the 1967–1977 Ford F-Series lineup. The name is a nickname created by enthusiasts, not an official Ford marketing term. It refers to factory-built F-250 4x4 trucks that stood significantly higher than their two-wheel-drive counterparts.
What Makes a "Highboy" Unique
The Frame: Built on a narrower, heavy-duty 34-inch frame rail inherited from the fifth-generation (1967–1972) chassis layout.
The Lift: Ford used a divorced transfer case, meaning the transfer case sat independently from the transmission, connected by a short driveshaft. To clear this setup, the trucks featured a taller factory ride height with arched front leaf springs.
The Fuel Tank: Because the narrow frame could not accommodate a fuel tank between the rails, Highboys kept the fuel tank inside the cab behind the seat.
Key Identification Factors
Model and Years: Strictly limited to F-250 4x4 models built from 1967 until mid-1977.
The Cutoff: Production ended in February 1977 when Ford switched to a wider frame, married transfer case, and lower stance (often called "Lowboys").
Front Crossmember: A prominent, heavy steel crossmember is highly visible directly under the front bumper.
In 1977, midway through the sixth generation, the F-Series claimed the title of the best-selling truck in America—a crown it has held ever since. Today, these trucks are highly sought-after classics valued for their mechanical simplicity, rugged durability, and timeless, boxy aesthetic.
