What transmission came in a 1979 F 150?
The 1979 Ford F-150 did not have a single standard transmission; most models used the Ford C4 three-speed automatic (Cruise-O-Matic family), with heavier engines capable of using the C6 three-speed automatic, and a four-speed manual offered on some configurations.
The question reflects the mix of options Ford offered that model year. Transmission choices varied by engine (inline-6 vs V8, small-block vs big-block) and drivetrain (two-wheel drive vs four-wheel drive). The following sections outline the typical configurations.
Primary transmission options for the 1979 F-150
Before listing the options, note that the pickup lineup included both automatic and manual transmissions, with selection tied to engine and drivetrain. The two broad categories below cover the common setups in that year.
Automatic transmissions
- C4 three-speed automatic (Cruise-O-Matic family) — used behind most inline-6 and small- to mid-size V8 engines.
- C6 three-speed automatic — a heavier-duty option used behind larger engines and higher-torque configurations.
The automatic transmissions were by far the most common configuration for everyday F-150 use in 1979, with the C4 serving as the standard automatic in many trims.
Manual transmissions
- 4-speed manual transmission (Ford Toploader-style) — typically paired with inline-6 engines and certain V8 configurations, offered for buyers seeking a manual option.
Manual transmissions were less common by the late 1970s in the F-Series, but they remained available on select engines and trims, particularly in 2WD models or for buyers seeking more direct control.
Additional considerations
For 4x4 models, the transmission option aligned with the same choices noted above, but the transfer case and gearing influenced off-road performance. Some 4x4 configurations used two-speed transfer cases with either an automatic or manual transmission depending on the build.
Summary
In short, the 1979 Ford F-150 offered multiple transmissions: the majority used the C4 3-speed automatic behind common engines, heavier-duty setups could use the C6 automatic, and a 4-speed manual was available on certain configurations. The exact setup depended on engine, drivetrain (2WD vs 4x4), and trim level.
How do I tell what transmission I have on my Ford F-150?
You can find your transmission type on your window sticker, a Build Sheet, or a Vehicle Identification (VIN) Decode Letter. To find the transmission types on any of our current models: Visit the Ford website. Click on Vehicles to select a vehicle.
What engines were available in a 1979 Ford F150?
Powertrain details
| Engine | Years | Power (SAE net) |
|---|---|---|
| 250 CID Straight-6 | 1974–79 | 106 hp (79 kW) @ 3500 rpm in 1975 |
| 300 CID Straight-6 | 1973–77 | 117 hp (87 kW) |
| 302 CID Cleveland V8 | 1974–79 | 130 hp (97 kW) @ 4000 rpm in 1975 |
| 351 CID Cleveland V8 | 1978–79 |
What is a 1979 F-150 worth today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $21,348 for a 1979 Ford F-150 1/2 Ton in good condition with average spec.
What is the E4OD transmission?
Electronically Controlled. 4 Forward Gears. OD = Over Drive. Introduced in 1989, the E4OD was Ford's first electronically controlled transmission. Based on core components of the C6, this transmission was used in many light and heavy duty vehicles including the Bronco, F-150, F-250, and F-350.
