1978

The 1978 Ford F-100 received another styling refresh as the Dentside generation entered its later years. A redesigned grille gave the front end a cleaner look, and updated exterior trim kept the truck visually current. Under the surface, the mechanical package was largely carried over, but the market dynamics around the F-100 were shifting as the F-150 continued to gain ground.

The new grille for 1978 featured a revised crosshatch pattern with cleaner lines and updated Ford lettering. Both round and rectangular headlight configurations continued, with the rectangular units remaining the more popular choice after their introduction in 1977. Side trim and badging were updated, and new paint color options gave buyers fresh choices. The changes were evolutionary rather than revolutionary, typical of a generation in its sixth year of production, but they were enough to keep the truck looking current on dealer lots.

The engine lineup was stable. The 300 Six held at 118 net horsepower, the 302 Windsor at 134, the 351W at 156, the 351M at 152, and the 400M at 173. The 460 big-block continued at 205 horsepower. This was the last model year in which the 390 FE V8 could be found anywhere in the Ford truck catalog, though by 1978 it was limited to heavier-duty applications and was no longer a common choice for the F-100 specifically. The transition away from the FE engine family was essentially complete, with the Modified and Windsor engine families carrying the load.

Inside, the Ranger XLT trim continued to define the premium F-100 experience. Upgraded seat fabrics, woodgrain dash trim, color-keyed carpeting, and a full complement of gauges made the XLT-equipped truck a comfortable daily driver. Options like air conditioning, cruise control, tilt steering, and power windows were available and increasingly popular. The truck market was evolving, and buyers expected amenities that would have been unthinkable in a pickup a decade earlier.

The SuperCab remained a strong seller on its 139-inch wheelbase, and the regular cab was available in both short bed and long bed configurations. The Flareside body continued to be cataloged, though its share of total production was small compared to the Styleside.

A significant undercurrent in 1978 was the growing prominence of the F-150. Ford had introduced the F-150 in 1975 as a model slotted between the F-100 and F-250, with a heavier GVWR that exempted it from some of the emissions and fuel economy regulations that applied to lighter trucks. As those regulations grew more burdensome, the F-150 became increasingly attractive to both Ford and its customers. The writing was on the wall for the F-100 nameplate, though it would soldier on for a few more years.

Production for 1978 reached approximately 480,874 units. The F-100 was still selling well, but its days as the primary half-ton Ford truck were numbered. The 1978 model represents the mature Dentside, a thoroughly developed truck that delivered reliable performance and comfortable accommodations in a proven package.