What Years Did Ford Make The Highboy? (And How To Identify One)

Ford is renowned for its trucks, and throughout its more than 120 years in the automotive industry, the American automaker has introduced many iconic pickup designs, including the Ford Model T and the F-100. Among these innovations, there was a unique series that looked like it came with aftermarket modifications straight from the factory. Debuted more than half a century ago, the Ford Highboy offered consumers a unique driving experience with its elevated stance and rugged appearance. Today, it is one of the most sought-after vehicles among collectors and truck enthusiasts due to its robust design and enduring appeal.

What makes the Highboy particularly interesting is that its name is unofficial and absent from any Ford documentation. Ford truck enthusiasts came up with the moniker to describe the vehicle's notable high ground clearance. Technically, the term "Ford Highboy" refers to the 4WD F-250 pickups produced by the manufacturer between 1967 and the first half of 1977. Multiple sources emphasize the cutoff in mid-1977, since Ford transitioned to similar-looking models with reduced ground clearance starting in the second half of that year.

The defining characteristic of the Highboy was its elevated ground clearance. There is no official information on its exact height, but the tall suspension accommodated larger tires — up to 38 inches — without requiring additional modifications. This was made possible by the truck's divorced transfer case. The term "divorced" refers to the transfer case being mounted separately from the transmission, thus, requiring a longer front driveshaft to connect the components.

To maintain the Ford Highboy's balanced stance despite its height, the carmaker raised the front suspension and incorporated a 4-inch rear lift block. This setup gave even the standard Highboy the appearance of being equipped with an aftermarket lift kit. Many Ford Highboys were also fitted with a Dana 44 front axle for enhanced strength, durability, and off-road performance. Later iterations arrived with open-knuckle axles for improved turning ability and better reliability.

Ford offered the Highboy with three engine options: a 240 CID inline-six, a 300 CID inline-six, and a 360 CID V8. The 240 CID variant delivered 150 horsepower and 234 lb-ft of torque, but this variant is considered a rare find among surviving Highboys today. Most collectibles are equipped with the 360 CID V8, which produces 206 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque. The demand for the more powerful engine variant was likely driven by the Highboy's popularity among farmers, ranchers, and off-road adventurers, who needed vehicles capable of tackling rough terrain and demanding conditions.

The Ford Highboy pickups were available in regular-cab and crew-cab models, making them practical rides for families and workers all the same. They also launched with a narrow frame to complement the iconic series' high-stance design. However, due to the same narrow design, the F-250 Highboys had their gas tanks mounted inside the cab — a feature that was purportedly discontinued in the final year of the Highboy's production.