What Exactly Is a Highboy? Plus Ultimate Highboy vs Stock!

[@vicmerle57]

Hey Matt, Thank you so much for all of the info. I had a 1971 F-250 Sport Custom tan and white 4x4 high boy bump side. I bought it used in 1980. 4 speed with the granny low. I had the Dana 44 HD front end. I loved that truck. I had it for 12 years. Sold it in 1992 when I got married with kids. That was 30 years ago now, and I still miss my truck. No power steering, no AC. 360 big block. It was completely stock when I bought it in 1980. It had the extra traction lug tires on it with the stock rims. I bought 36” tires with 16.5 rims for it, but the tires would rub. So I bought new Burbank leaf springs front and back to raise up the truck higher. Also installed headers with turbo Corvair mufflers. It was awesome. If anybody knows the whereabouts of my truck let me know. California license plate black with yellow letters(56 652 H). I sold it to someone in Rodeo California in 1992. Thank you! I am 63 years old now, thank you for taking me down memory lane👍

[@grosseileracingteam]

Hey Matt. Back in 1980 I bought a used 1976 hi-boy. Think it was a snow fighter. 7 1/2' Meyer snow plow. Had big chrome lockout hubs, disc brakes, power steering and brakes, NP 4 speed-reverse was over and down, 205 transfer case. 7 leaf springs on the front and 9 in the back with 2 helpers and factory stops for them. Made a strut rod from the transfer case to the frame. Blew up the 360 so rebuilt a stock 390 from a junkyard . Previous owner put hi-back Bronco bucket seats in. Had the factory 3 post mirrors with FoMoCo on the glass and stamped in the metal. Loved that truck. It was a BEAST! Sold it to buy a brand new 1984 F350 4x4. Still miss that truck:-(

[@MattKubik1791]

Very cool!

[@warrenmcelroy4718]

I grew up on these trucks too, and my uncle and his buddy both ordered brand new F350 4x4 reg cab single wheel Diesel pickups “ 4 spd” in 86, my uncles now has a turbod 7.3 and a ZF5 and I bought the one his buddy owned originally about twenty years ago and my brother owns it now. That one now has the cab and bed from my 84 diesel and a 7.3 out of a 1989 F250 diesel that I totaled years ago, it also has a turbocharger but still has the original 4 speed. Those two 86 F350’s came off the assembly line one after the other and arrived at the dealership on the same truck, they’re only one VIN # off from eachother and both are still in the family haha. In HighSchool I drove. 76 HiBoy with a 390 out of an old Mercury and it was a beast. I drug more Chevrolets around with that truck than I can remember hahaha. My brother drove a 66 F250 4x4 that was turquoise and had the four speed with reverse that is over and up. I’ve sold most of the trucks I owned in my youth but luckily I sold most all of them to either my uncle or my brother, and they never get rid of ANYTHING ahahaha

[@mobilewintercamp7515]

My old man bought a used 75 in 1980, with a Fischer plow, the four speed stick , 360,same as yours. He gave it to me in 89. I miss mine too, such a feel and character sitting on that bench seat holing that stick and steering wheel. Beautiful machine

[@danielcapalbo5293]

360's were notorious for breaking connecting rods. You're better off with the 390.

[@aptorres01]

Nice

[@morgansword]

Since I am a ford kind of guy, a very old one at that point. I think I have seen them all but always room for learning something. I got a brand new one in first week of 67 and it was a solid color blue, not turquoise but blue and about the color of the comment sign on the page here, had the 390 and four speed with divorced transfer case and it was a half ton. Not one extra feature, bone stock with all the gauges, no idiot lights. I went to nam for a walk about that didn't get me home till spring of 70 so I drove ol' blue for a bit then got a another one in 71 new from factory with a ranger package and it was turquoise and white... beautiful till I hit a deer.... and then it come back from the paint shop with the 72 frontend. In 76 I bought a new deep dark green one extra heavy duty three quarter ton that I put a flatbed on it with toolbox's and it was my shop truck for about five years and close to a million miles on it. I also bought the 77 three quarter ton. Special order 406 four speed with posi rear and a front axle built by some shop that had a posi lock run by vacuum and it worked really well as I raced it and beat the holy hell out of it where I finally got a 427 in it with a car four speed and it was a tire burning holy hell on wheels. I had everything chromed that could be and when I finally put another driver in it while racing he crashed in third gear with foot to the metal. Not much left of that one.... even the announcer sounded like he was crying. I had close to fifty thousand in that one. Running aviation fuel in it with a blower, musta had close to eight hundred horsepower. Main thing was my driver was okay and he felt so bad that he quit driving. It was just a truck but he sure loved it. I took a handful of them and made me a sorta big foot truck and it hinged in the middle. They were cheap back then.

[@jesseduke694]

I've never heard of a 67 or newer halfton truck that had a divorce transfer case? I have had a 67 that had a 352 with a 4sp & a married transfer case. It was a one speed tcase. A Dana 21. It had 2wd or 4wd & that was it. No natural or 4 low. I ended up breaking the output shaft going from the transmission to the tcase. Actually broke 2 of them. I dont dought you had one like you say, I've just never heard of one. Having a 406 in one would be a blast as well!

[@warrenmcelroy4718]

Sorry to NitPick my friend and fellow Ford guy, but….. your truck even being a half ton would have came from the factory with a 360, not a 390… .. my uncle has a 1970 Crew Cab HiBoy that he bought in high school in 78 or 79, he used it as his sled puller for many many years it having a 427 in his as well it was damn near untouchable. It now has a 428 that isn’t half the engine that the 427 was.

[@morgansword]

@@warrenmcelroy4718 And you would be right... that said, it was ordered and on the build sheet, tain't but twenty or more horses but that torque was what was wanted.

[@warrenmcelroy4718]

@@morgansword yeah I know Ford would do a lot for their customers back then and still do to a degree, but even a special order wouldn’t allow for a 390…. I know exactly what you mean though, they’re basically the same engine but for some reason a bad 390 always seems to run better than a good 360 hahaha.

[@chocodiledundee1]

Amazing historical life dear Veteran amazingly beautiful trucks you’ve had , I’ve got a 79 Ranger XLT trailer special.happy new year from South Australia

[@jasonallen122000]

Hi Matt! Great video! I have an early 77 F 250 7700 GVW. I ordered it and got it Thanksgiving Eve of 76. built on a Thursday at the Norfolk plant. New process 435 they would not put a 400 in front of it at the time held up my order for 5 days. The 351M is a dog I was so ticked but Ford’s reasoning at that time was the drive train could not handle more power 460 now. You are right they were referred to as a “High Rider” in NAPA catalogs as well I remember that for sure. The one thing that really confuses me is the height in 76 and early 77. Guys will argue that all highboys are the same. I never saw others the same height and would have never bought mine if it had been lower. They did lower them in the middle of 77 for lack of sales to hard for the older farmers to get into. I have always thought it was much tougher built than a ¾ ton two wheel drive. I have all the service manuals and never knew it was an F 350 frame they never referred to that fact. Great information my son loves the truck. “Thank you”.

[@tylercermak1893]

This was the ultimate guide to the highboy and some possible modifications to them. I’ve have my 68 highboy for a couple years and I didn’t know half of the stuff you said.

[@stanwalls6434]

I’ve had my 66 F250 4x4 for 40 years so I just learned a lot. I bolted on 37’s with no lift kit years ago, everything is different than a standard so now I know why. Thanks for that! The battery is in the passenger floorboard for example.

[@stevenboyle6924]

Good information, Matt! I've heard people call F100/F150 4x4s highboys before and had to correct them.

[@MattKubik1791]

Thanks!

[@anthonysgarage]

Nice breakdown! Only things I would add, with the divorced case, you always got the standard rotation front diff, hence the lower pinion/yoke. With the piggyback case, you got the reverse rotation front diffs. They’re supposed to be a little weaker, but I’ve never wrecked one, and I much prefer them because of the nicer driveline angle. You are correct about the way 203 case operates, and they can be converted, but if you can get your hands on a 205 they’re much preferred, not just because they’re a part time case but they are gear driven and the 203 has a chain.

[@johnlacey5068]

Thanks for clearing up the Highboy information. I wondered why my truck is a F26 but nothing else seemed to match up to the other Highboy configurations. I never paid much attention to VIN numbers although I've owned 8 between '64 and '89 all bought new, all 3/4 tons 4wds some with 460 engines. Ranch trucks for pulling cattle and hay trailers. I really appreciate and admire the work you are doing and the knowledge you share with all.

[@gregpeacock1794]

What a great video Matt, I have a 72, 74 & 79 and you answered a few questions I had as well you have inspired me to get back to work on them, but man do i wish you were my neighbor

[@jerrycraig6522]

I had a 1970 F250 4x4 man that truck needed power steering, I loved that truck, 390/4spd, my son begged me for years for that truck, it was a perfect backup truck it would sit in the yard for months, get in and it fired right up and drove!!!

[@rafterL78]

That IS THE ULTIMATE HIGHBOY. Well thought out and great build. I also like the pizza cutter tires.

[@mylifethaidiy7045]

My family still has our 1970 F-250 High Boy 4x4 that grandpa ordered in brand new back in 1969 for $4000. Ours is the Aqua Green one, with the black cab and the west coast mirrors. It has the chrome front bumper and the white steel rear bumper.

[@danwoodliff7287]

A walking ford truck encyclopedia thanks for sharing your knowledge!!

[@karljay7473]

Nice collection. I have a 73 fully restored with an FE428 and the 79 real power steering box and factory A/C. They are nice trucks and very sought after. I used to have a 68 bumpside F100 and that was a very clean truck. Put a 390 and headers on that with a C6. It's getting hard to find those HighBoys now.

[@MattKubik1791]

Very cool!

[@arcadiaoutlaw]

Really like your collection , I had 72 high boy with a 360, I always thought it had Dana 60 front axle, guess I was wrong. The front axle had the extra large locking hubs which look really cool and the bigger Allen bolts made it nice to work on. My favorite truck was my 79 F250 with 351M ,C6 Automatic , 205 NP(married of course) came with real power steering (power steering box). The 79 in my opinion was the best well worked out truck, mine had 38” tires and I drove it every day, and she never let me down. When they changed to the 80’s models it was so disappointing, especially early 80’s.

[@gmjent5671]

I bought a 79 f250 custom, new off the lot had 400m 4 speed Dana 60 s front and rear midnight blue , I was 18 yrs old my old man cosigned for it. It was something like $13.500 can’t remember exact. Wished to God I never sold it.

[@richceretto5836]

Thanks for introducing me to the world of high boy trucks, all that room in the engine compartment bring me back. Thanks!

[@PaulJersey]

Great video, thank you for sharing. My 77 highboy was one of the very last ones built. It had a 7,700 gvw, 4.10 Dana 44 HD disk front/NP205 transfer case/C6 auto/400m 2v engine/4.10 Dana 60 rear. It had the power assist steering and the front cross member at the front of the front springs. It came with 9.50 x 16.5 tires on 8’ x 16.5 rims. 7 leaves in the front and 11 in the rear. You are right that they did not change much over the years. Same basic truck from 67-77.

[@MattKubik1791]

That d44HD with disks is a dang good axle!

[@PaulJersey]

@@MattKubik1791 all 1976’s & 1977’s came with that front axle I believe.

[@warrenmcelroy4718]

Your truck has either a 351M or a 400, no such engine as a 400M. I’m pretty sure the tag in the valve cover shows the displacement to let you know if it’s a 351m or a 400.

[@PaulJersey]

@@warrenmcelroy4718 you are correct it is a 400. Typo on my part.

[@time69bandit16]

Highboys were available with either a Dana 44 or a Dana 60. I own a 77, a 75, and a 74 Stock highboy with the Original Dana 60 Front end. Also a sidenote, Highboys only had 2 engine choices . A straight 6 ,or a 360 with 2 barrel carbs.

[@time69bandit16]

My bad I missed the part where you explained the engine options. But in all the info I can find never mentioned anything about a 390 option in 77?? and, one more thing the 77.5 had 3" rear springs . thanks for all of the info, you taught me a few things about the frames.

[@oregonfordguy9812]

@@time69bandit16 77 didn't have a fe option. 335 series (351m/400) or 300. and no 390 in a f2504x4 ever factory

[@warrenmcelroy4718]

All HighBoy trucks came factory with Dana 44 front axles, you’re seeing the Big Hub Dana 44 and confusing it for a Dana 60 but I assure you it is a 44.

[@pointingdog7235]

Great info. Thanks. It's like a walk down memory lane for me. I have remember when the bump side Ford's where everywhere.

[@dudleybaggerman9574]

On my 72 non power steering box i changed over to a 1968 international travelall 2 wheel drive box ! A 4x4 travelall box turns backwards as i found out ! The ole man at a frame shop did the work for me , Worked Perfect and put a f750 pump on it with cooler that came on the f750 stock ! Late 70s on i went to Dick cepeck tires , from a Ouite gaint 35in. And as D/C made bigger tires went up to the 44in monster mudders in the early 80s !

[@drew9316]

Great info, a lot of people like to call my f100 4x4 a high boy I have to correct them. But still has some similar stuff being a long bed. Cool vid as always

[@MattKubik1791]

Very cool. Nothing wrong with a f-100 4wd!

[@dudleybaggerman9574]

After 86 thousand pluss miles on the 360 that had timming gear problems at that time ford used a fiber timming gear that wore out fast ! After putting in a 428 Cobra jet motor in ! Was stock at 335 hp and a rebuild and a few changes made it perfect !👍👍 The Comp. Was high so i used a Water injection system from Edelbrock that worked after i changed the one gal. Tank to a 3 gal tank. No more pinggging

[@squangan]

I got to go to the dealer with my father in fall of1976 to drive his new 1977 F250 4x4 crewcab Custom home, I still remember that red truck the day it was new. It had a 4 speed standard transmission and 351W and he wasn’t to pleased with the power it put out, sometimes when pulling steep hills on the highway he’d have to drop down into 2nd gear. Also for some reason the 4 Hi on the transfer case was never ‘there’ from the factory, it was indicated on the transfer case shift lever but all he could select was 2 hi, N, or 4Lo. He sold it in 1982, it was rolled many years later but repaired and I still see it occasionally.

[@rondyechannel1399]

Scored! Was looking to convert my 1971 bumpside to 4X4. Bought a complete 1977 1/2 year rarity. Original 351M/400 converted to 460, C6 auto, Dana 44 open knuckle disc brake. Rusty cab but repairable. My 71 is rust free, so now a conundrum.

[@MattKubik1791]

hard decision!

[@cj7fun579]

Very good video. I miss my 76 F250 High boy, with factory air, 360, NP435, 205 divorced transfer case, Dana 60 4:10 rear, 4:09 44HD disc brakes, Ross steering box with Bendix power steering, I don't think I'll find another truck like that one again.

[@johnlacey5068]

I have a 1983 F250 which, thanks to your explanation of the VIN numbered Highboys, is an F26 and a Highboy. It the OEM 300 Big Six, Dana 44 front end, New Process 4 speed, N P 208 transfer case, Ford 8.8 rear end with 355 gears. Two bed mounted gas tanks. I've owned many Ford trucks, but never one like this. Anyway thanks for the F26 info, I have always wondered about that. Really dig your channel. Just found it and will view all the previous videos!

[@MattKubik1791]

“Highboys” stopped in 1977 anything after that wouldn’t be considered a highboy. The f26 however still continues to distinguish 4wd 3/4 ton truck. Still a cool truck you got there! Don’t get caught up with highboy or not a highboy it’s just a slang term to call 67-77 f-250 4wd trucks. Thanks for the kind words. Cheers!

[@josephtizol9695]

Great video! I learned a lot. Ive got a 70 F100 2 wd ….now I want a High Boy

[@jasonkubik3465]

I know a guy who had a 77 highboy, 400cid, 4.10 gears, 4 speed and the NP203.... I begged him not to sell it. Sweet video, learned a bit about the bump high boys!

[@steveashworth6707]

I have the Dana 44's with the big hubs, I put a brand new powersteering gear box and powersteering pump for a 77 f250 but the pump is a little weak so I might put a pump off a larger truck on it. I put a new adjustable drag link on and a new steering shaft!. I'm getting there!.

[@couriersix1045]

Really been enjoying the content lately man. Keep up the good work!

[@edkellogg2421]

Bought a high boy new in 77 best truck I ever owned !! 🇺🇲

[@MyLifeThai371]

My grandpa ordered his 1970 high-boy from the factory in 1969. 1970 Ford F-250, 4x4, 4 spd., 360 c.i. I remember looking it up online on Ford Forums back in 2003 and people said that the leaf springs look like a smiley face. They might even have an extra leaf spring.

[@kadensperry6903]

Best channel on KZbin! I learn something new about these trucks every time I watch one of your videos

[@MattKubik1791]

Thanks!

[@billcaddick2930]

@@MattKubik1791 hi I was wondering I have a 67 Ford F-100 4x4 5 bolt rim's and the across from me said that they didn't make a 4x4 5 bolt and I had show him lol and a friend pasted away and left his son the truck so it was going to scrap so I bought it from him and starting to restore it there was I second one out back and bought it to both 4x4 I was going to leave a picture of both but can't leave pictures to see what you think of the trucks and get some information on them

[@USMC1984]

Just came across your channel! A lot of great information, thanks! I will be starting on a 76’ super cab rebuild soon and I will be using a lot of your information to help rebuild it!

[@robertclark2714]

I rebuilt/reconditioned/restored a 1996 F250 4x4 and it got in my blood so I went out into a pasture of an abandoned farm and I got a 1967 F600. Now I have bumpside fever!!!

[@dudleybaggerman9574]

I made a brace for my transfer case from the back of the case up to the rear crossmember , Never had another problem after that ! Ford come out with a cheep one that was ok But i made mine out of heavy stock , lol when u growup on a Ranch u Learn early in life ,Fix the problem one time so u Don't have to fix it over and over 👍

[@sblsbl7600]

Your level of knowledge is amazing. I have had chevs all my life. Recently bought a 2001 Dodge Cummins 3500. When I retire I want a dentside 78 or 79. I really like your ultimate highboy.

[@MattKubik1791]

Thanks!

[@larrybollinger2851]

Very through explanation. Just what I was looking for. Thanks!

[@RalphSampson...]

@3:57 you make note of the "goofy shackle thing FORD did". They were called "EZ Ride" springs. That "goofy shackle" made the springs 4" longer allowing for a smoother ride but, still kept the same eye bolt locations and were available from '67 to '71, I think those years are correct. I took a set off of a salvage yard '69 Ranger and put them on my '62 F-100 unibed. EDIT: Sorry to have interrupted the video. Please continue.

[@TCB2023.]

Just got a 72 camper special. Thank you for the information. Btw your voice is easy to listen to compared to others

[@MattKubik1791]

Glad I could help

[@davidwheatley336]

Hey there I only saw one thing that I have never come across in the high boy I bought in 2007 it's a 1976 f-250 4x4 and this one came factory and the only one I have ever heard of coming with a 390 fe actually a. 390 GT it was from New Jersey and has the large hubs , now other high boys I've seen had 35" tires x 12.5 or 15" wide rims , now this one I own is again the only one I've come across that has 40" tires,and 17" wide rims! This truck stands alone and above and beyond , skyjacker springs ! Original ,now it was rumored it was a one and only proto type design during the begging of bigfoots reign it makes sense bigfoots origins rooted in new jersey ofcorse the truck is blue it's like no other I liked your video rock on 👍

[@dandahermitseals5582]

Gonna try to find your build on that front end. Thumbs up n subbed. Glad to find all this knowledge. Thanks. Dandahermit

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

great stuff buddy , helpful ,, i got a 67 rollin up the drive way this weekend

[@MattKubik1791]

Awesome I love me a 67!

[@PDLM1221]

Thanks for explaining the high-boy , I always thought it was just a 4 wheel drive truck with regular wheels not larger wheels always thought they did it for snow plowing duties now I know! Thanks

[@UncleStevie8er]

Nice video, you hit all the "high" points. ;) I had a '73 highboy (In Michigan it's also called the tall boy) and I loved it. I had to sell her when I need money to buy LP in the winter. The buyer was supposed to restore it with his son but I've never seen it again. :(

[@HODGEPODGEDODGEGARAGE]

Great job with the walkthrough and explanation Matt! 🙂👍

[@steveashworth6707]

My 71 f250 hi-boy has a f350 frame 34" wide!, the original body was in bad shape so they put a body off a 67-70 f-100 on it which is the same and in good shape!, but the bed is a little close to the cab cause like you said the mounting holes in the beds are different!. At 65 yrs old its tuff but I home I get the restoration they started done!. It had a 6 cylinder from the factory but now it's got a 400 in it with the original 4 speed trans and transfercase which is all gears and no chain!. Trying to find stock looking rims 10" wide for the 285/75r 16's they mounted on 7.5 " rims!. They bulge way to much!. Its white just like yours but when I'm done I'll repaint it! Keep on Fordin!.

[@Batalia122]

I own a 77 F250 custom highboy with a snowplow. Starts right up in cold weather and pushes all snow out of the way.

[@RalphSampson...]

Interesting definition of "Highboy". I have never heard this refering to these trucks until this video. In my day, a "HIghboy" was a 1932 Ford roadster with the fenders removed and the body still setting in the original location...on top of the frame. The body wasn't lowered onto the frame, known as channeling. Thereby, the body was setting "high", right where Henry put it.

[@MattKubik1791]

It’s just a slang term. And yeah same term used on the hot rods.

[@dudleybaggerman9574]

I Bought My 1972 f350 4x4 High Boy New in 72 ! Back then ford called it a Highboy because of the truck had a Stock 4" lift For the Factory !! 360 , 4spd , dana 44 closed nuckle and dana 60 rear with a 205 transfer case ! So Back in 72 thats wat they were called and before that i knew High boys were stock 4" lift , blocks in the back ! Mine was a Ranger with No power steering ! And in 72 my 44 HD frontend was called a Snowplow option with the Big hubs and big inter axes

[@dudleybaggerman9574]

Ur warn hubs on that bare frame was Store bought , the factory hd hubs was the same large dia. All the way out and bolted on with allen head bolts

[@edjackson4389]

I like Highboys, I grew up with these trucks on a tomato farm. Seen alot of them turned into mud racers

[@jimchevy4134]

Love your white Daily driver nice work putting it together I grew up with my dad having a 1971 F250 2wd and a 1979 F250 super cab 4wd enjoy your truck

[@MattKubik1791]

Thanks 👍

[@1oldschool70]

Love this information. Accurate and to the point. Thanks Matt

[@jimsmith9819]

thank you, you answered my question. btw my 74 GMC has the NP 203 Transfer case

[@scotty7663]

Love the Highboys, the first time I heard of a Highboy term was 4 wheeler magazine in the 70's. I like the JC Whitney story better.

[@ericbunksvintagesportsman6311]

Where did ya get the bumper with the winch? love it!! want one for my 72!

[@b0bsanders626]

Highboys are the ultimate truck hands down

[@davidroper9482]

Could😢agree more I have a 1976 behind the seat fuel tank 4 speed divorced Dana 44s with a 390. Machine shop built I found by accident,looking for some heads.

[@danoakes4071]

Great rundown! Thanks!

[@nicolasstanley1392]

Yeah, we know which truck will win, but it’s all about the struggle, right? 😆 Thanks, Matt, for another great video!

[@MattKubik1791]

Thanks!

[@Poor-old-Podunk-plow-boy]

The oil filter housings are considered car filter housings because all of the cars had a filter housing like that that hangs straight down with the filter. the trucks were two wheel drive trucks out to the side

[@brucehendrickson4629]

Hi Matt, I have a factory ultimate F26 77. It came with a new process 206 transfer case, it is not divorced. Camper suspension with a unusual automatic, the Dana 44 hd front axle. This truck came with all galvanized leafs. The drive shafts are factory and they too appear galvanized, they are much bigger in diameter. The power stering is different. The manufacturer date may make it one of thee late true F26 77 to roll off the assemble line. I ? if this truck broke all rules prior and was a proto type made before the auto industry change to fuel demands of light weight gas mileage plastic models. My truck has a perfect hand welded 1 1/2" X in the front of the hood on the passenger side. I ? if the assembly line used it to tag special build. Interesting is the gas tank is not in the cab. I also have a 1 ton frame with outside cab mounts. Of all places I believe it went to Williston, N. D. dealership. Thank you Matt for your great video on a true highboy comparison, but I may have a factory ultimate F26 77 highboy. Inside the automatic transmission is a metal tag with a person's name not numbers, could be a experiment for Ford by one of their engineers. One thing is for sure, this truck had all of Ford's best updates in a F-26 four wheel drive.

[@chocodiledundee1]

You’re very lucky to have this 77 ultimate build man sounds awesome 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@erickmarkon9337]

My 77 has the d44 hd with a weight rating of 4500lb. Both my 73 and 74 came factory with the regular d44. And my 72 had a np 205 factory. The 203 was mainly but not always with the automatic but never available with the manual. Also the 4wds (1/2 and 3/4 tons) were never available with a 390 or 460

[@michaelreinsmith6947]

A high boy comes from back in the 50s. It's simply when you put the axles on top of the suspension. Meaning your suspension will be on mounted on the axel

[@dougtotten1767]

Lots of great information and great looking trucks.

[@vickykent-hw2bh]

Thought I might mention that Hi Boys were also assembled in the Ford Australia, Brisbane plant, and converted to Right hand drive for the Australian market, also 2 and 4WD F100/250 and 350 R/H drive F series were exported to South Africa and New Zealand from here as they are also R/H drive countries. Argentina Ford also produced F series. I still own an Australian assembled !973 R/h drive dent-side Hi boy, (yes a 1973 ) with New Process 205 transfer and HD Dana 44 front, Dana 60 rear, originally a 300 Cu 6 cylinder with New Process gearbox, box, I believe all Australian Hi Boys were HD spec although not that many produced here, maybe 60 or so, compared with far more common F100 4WD's in the 73/4 years. Mine had the American steel dashboard with round speedo etc and tank behind the seat however due to damage i replaced it with a 1975 Australian dent side cab that has a unique dash compared to the American cab and of course steering wheel and guage cluster on R/H side of cab, gear shift is also shaped towards the right side. The fuel tank is fitted under the rear of the vehicle. I've dropped an Australian cast (heavy wall) 351 Cleveland into my truck with 58 cc quench heads and slightly concave pistons running 10:1 comp now and it runs quite well. I note that the front leaf springs are wider than the rear, and the real wheel travel is due to the amazing amount of chassis flex and due to the long leaf springs the ride is actually very good, I also believe that the steering is more positive than the equivalent 2WD F 250's with the twin I beam suspension. many of these over here in Australia required re-bending the I beams to suit right hand drive camber as we tend have more camber over here than most American roads and the axles arrived from the US for assembly here. A warn 8000Ib electric winch and twin AGM battery setup (with a later H/output alternator is one of the modifications) located in a heavy duty bull-bar common here in Australia. I

[@MrHowieZ1973]

I live here close to Louisville Kentucky where these trucks were built. Everyone I ever had, had the Dana 60 front axle and disk brakes with power assist steering. Must be a snowplow option.

[@dandahermitseals5582]

I'm gonna have to see that build.

[@richardbates2367]

4 wheel drum brakes and no dome lights on the floor but it had the one in the cab roof, steel metal door panels and it had the basic armrest on the door panels, standard heater no factory radio option or cigar lighter,no horn cap ring just the cap, manual brakes and power steering with the option heavy duty power steering cooler i have always wondered if that power steering column and the heavy duty power steering cooler was harvested from the dump truck the manual shift 4spd transmission came from,,Only exterior trim was the aluminum side center spear running down the sides of the truck.

[@oregonfordguy9812]

pretty decent video. some of the comment section is off.. and there was a 60 lp closed knuckle front. I belive 75/76.

[@MattKubik1791]

You are correct! Installed on the crew cab highboys.

[@richardbates2367]

People who put down the Dana 44, several 73-79 gm square body trucks, Blazer and suburban have Dana 44 front axles, and the second gen dodge ram 1500 4x4 has a Dana 44 front and rear different version of course but still Dana 44 front axle except the second gen dodge ram 1500 4x4 Dana 44 front and rear axles

[@jamesford2942]

Forgot to mention the transmission stick is bent to clear the transfer case shifter.

[@dandahermitseals5582]

So I expect the proper set up includes a straight front axle.Dandahermit

[@Mantaracer]

Yes on the comparison video👍

[@The1965mustang]

Love the channel!!

[@mikeswartz3146]

Yes take them out. Also Matt what would a solid hubby mild rebuild run me near Scranton, PA. Love these trucks.

[@doughorr7260]

Absolutely do the shot out I would love to see how I matches up against your ultimate highboy

[@dandahermitseals5582]

So you're looking at the open knuckle high pinion Dana 44

[@dandahermitseals5582]

Oh shit . My bad. I hate the ball axle. Prefer the open knuckle. Does that Dana have a high pinion?? I've got a yard full of Dana 6os. All F 250 4/4 diesels.

[@Curt-do7cl]

Had one a 1971 I bought from coco cola in 1986 when I was in high school for $726. Wish I had it still a highboy is a f250 with 8 foot bed , divorced transfer case only. Not a half ton, not a a Chevy or dodge. I believe in 78 there was no more divorced transfer case I also had a 79 short bed 4x4 but wish I kept the 71

[@jamieryall8341]

A highboy is a 1930-1934 Ford coupe, convertible or sedan without fenders or running boards, but with the hood present.

[@MattKubik1791]

Yes this term is not exclusive to 3/4 ton ford 4wd trucks.

[@rogerwatson5995]

For me I wish majorly I could find a 67 thru 72 high boy Ford and enjoyed the 390s majorly

[@dandahermitseals5582]

I'm 80 years old and was shopping for nearly all my hotrod stuff at JC whitneys in the early 60s and in for many years. Every page in their Catelog said if you can't find it here Contact us and we'll find it. And they did. Interesting stories bout them but won't bore you now) I live up in the snow waaay off grid. And I have an 84 F150 ( alas it has the cursed I beam front axle) old is better. Dandahermit

[@blindtomsadventures2067]

I agree with about 90% of what you said I’ve had about 15 in these trucks but it seems like a lot of comparison you were doing was between the two are driving the Ford Drive not between the so-called highboy and the so-called lowboy trucks

[@wadepederson8457]

It was nice to see this video since I have some of these, 67 2 wheel f250 71 2 wheel f250, and f250 high boy 76, 71 full sized van, 79,80,84 f150s so it was good to see, have to figure out the steering because the power assist is junk, I may swap out the 76 to the 67 body with the 252 engine, lots to do, health got knocked down a bit so have to get back on track,thanks for the video. GOD bless the great USA !

[@gloriahenderlong8900]

I had a 1972 F100 HI BOY, 2wheel dr, It said so on the title, take that for what its worth.

[@diyjeff1838]

Great video!! Keep up the great work.

[@MattKubik1791]

Thank you!

[@dandahermitseals5582]

Is that hd a high pinion?? I need one. What did u source it off of?? Thanks. Dandahermit

[@MrJeep75]

They are spacer block to compensate for the front-end

[@dandahermitseals5582]

What are you building for that HD Dana 44?

[@heavymetalvintage4x4]

Great video! How common is a bumpside Highboy with an inline 6 cylinder?

[@mobilewintercamp7515]

Thanks for this rundown. My old man gave me his 75 with the side dent in not out. It had that heavy duty front end Dana. Was it a 60 rear? Why the 44 in such a tough truck? Why the divorced transfer case? Thanks

[@williamramsey2851]

Highboy power assist steering boxes are different gear ratio than non power. Look the same. Highboy and F350 use same front bumper brackets. Bumpside crew cab highboy = shortbed.

[@doogieshats6435]

Matt I have a 1969 f350 flat dump. Like your farm truck same color. Is it possible to turn it into a Highboy using the 2x4 frame. Not looking to pass it off as a correct highboy would like to have a f350 4x4 Dually in your opinion is it doable. could you do a show showing how to if possible? Love your show.

[@twomedicine]

Nice work!! Thank you 👍🏼

[@stevepearson6316]

I have a 1977 f250 4×4 just had it will to me , I think it has a 400 engine...dad replaced the cab with a 1977 should be the same right? ...it seems now the crome /body lines doant match the box

[@edregener7018]

Very informative thanks for your knowledge

[@MattKubik1791]

You’re very much welcome!

[@briandietrich1373]

How difficult is it to add disc brakes to the older axles? Power steering? Is it the old hydraulic ram system?

[@dandahermitseals5582]

So are you saying ( aside from heavier springing) the only difference between the standard Dana 44 and the HD was the heavier hubs?? Thanks. Dandahermit

[@MattKubik1791]

The closed knuckles are also larger overall the ends of the axles are just all around beefier. But yeah the tubes and center section are the same.

[@dandahermitseals5582]

@@MattKubik1791 ok fine