What was the curb weight of the 1979 Ranchero?
The curb weight of the 1979 Ranchero varied by engine and equipment, but it generally ranged from about 2,900 to 3,400 pounds depending on whether it had a four-cylinder, V6, or V8 engine and other options.
Context and design of the 1979 Ranchero
The Ranchero in 1979 sat on Ford's Fox-platform, the same basic underpinnings used by compact sedans like the Fairmont. This shared architecture meant the curb weight fluctuated with the chosen powertrain and trim features, such as air conditioning, transmission type, and whether the bed length or optional equipment affected weight. As the final year of this model line, weights reflected a late-70s blend of performance and efficiency considerations.
Weight ranges by engine and configuration
Below are typical curb weights for the main engine choices offered in the 1979 Ranchero. Values can vary by transmission, options, and whether air conditioning was installed.
- 2.3-liter inline-four (I4): approximately 2,900–3,000 pounds
- 3.3-liter V6: approximately 3,000–3,100 pounds
- 5.0-liter (302) V8: approximately 3,200–3,400 pounds
Note: Some configurations or option packages could shift the weight by a few dozen pounds. For a precise figure on a particular vehicle, the factory window sticker or original data sheets are the best sources.
Additional context on weight variation
Weight differences arise from equipment like air conditioning, power accessories, and whether the model carried heavier bed options or towing packages. In practice, buyers and restorers often rely on the exact door jamb sticker or manufacturer documentation to determine the precise curb weight of a specific Ranchero.
Summary
In summary, the 1979 Ranchero did not have a single fixed curb weight. It varied with engine choice and equipment, but most were in the 2,900–3,400-pound range. For accuracy on a given vehicle, consult the original window sticker or official factory data; this will reflect the exact weight based on its configuration.
