Recalls for 1973 Ford Ranchero

R36 Coach posted a photo:

1979 was the final year for the passenger car-based Ranchero utility truck, being based on the intermediate LTD II (a rebadged Torino) between the 1977 and 1979 model years. Since the compact Falcon Ranchero was dropped in 1965, Ford moved its utility model up to the larger intermediate Fairlane/Torino platform, which was rebadged as LTD II for 1977 to be a smaller option for full sized LTD customers in response to GM's new downsized full size models.

The LTD II was among the largest passenger cars ever built in the intermediate class and was only available with V8s. With fuel economy a growing issue, Ford effectively replaced the dated LTD II with a new downsized intermediate with compact dimensions and offering similar or greater interior and cargo room, the 1978 Fairmont and Mercury Zephyr on the new Fox body platform. The Ranchero continued to the end of the 1979 model year with either a 5.0 (302) or 5.8 liter (351) V8.

By then passenger car based utility trucks were declining and Ford officially offered no successor to the Ranchero, though the 1981 Durango was built by an aftermarket company using the downsized Fox platform Fairmont and officially distributed and sold by Ford dealers with factory warranty.

This is a 500 series standard model.

Factory delivered suggested retail price $5,866 for standard 500 series, curb weight as delivered 3,698 lb, maximum 1,250 lb load rating with heavy duty package, 3,500 lb towing capacity when equipped, 133 HP (5.0/302 V8) or 151 HP (5.8 liter/351 V8).

1979 Ranchero brochure: www.lov2xlr8.no/brochures/ford/79ra/79ra.html