Back in high school, Nathan Wenger owned a big-block, four-speed 1979 Ford F-250 4×4. Eleven years later, the truck was gone—but not forgotten. So when his buddy listed a 1978 Ford F-250 for sale, Nathan jumped at the chance to make it his next build. We saw it at the 2025 Fall 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals in Danville, Indiana, and it’s a beast.

 A 1978 Ford F-250 With An Earlier Model Vibe

Why does the truck have a grille from a 1973–1977 model? It comes down to personal preference. Nathan says, “The truck is a 1978, although at first glance it would appear to be a 1973–1977 based on the front grille shell. I opted to build a 1978 and swap in the older-style grille because I feel the 1978–1979 ‘lowboy’ trucks offer the best technology available from the 1973–1979 Ford lineup. However, I prefer the split-grille look. When I say ‘best technology,’ I’m referring to the Dana 60 front and rear axles, superior braking and steering, and the ease of swapping in a 460, which uses the same bellhousing as the original 400-cubic-inch engine.”

Powerhouse 460 V8

Out went the stock 400-cubic-inch engine, and in its place is tethered a built 460-cubic-inch V8. Up top sits an Edelbrock Performer intake paired with a Holley 750-cfm double-pumper carb. Other features include Ford Racing valve covers, an MSD ignition, and hardware from L&L Products—motor mounts, clutch, and flywheel. Exhaust flows through 2.5-inch tubes and Flowmaster 40 Series mufflers. A stock radiator and engine-driven Flex-A-Lite Flex Fan keep temps in check.

Borg-Warner T19 Four-Speed, NP205 T-Case

When Nathan bought the F-250, it was fitted with an NP435 four-speed manual transmission, but he chose to replace the gearbox. He says, “I swapped in a medium-ratio BorgWarner T19 four-speed in place of the original NP435 because the T19 has a synchronized First gear. It also has a 5.11:1 First-gear ratio, which falls between a creeper gear and a traditional 4:1 First gear.” The T19 feeds the truck’s original NP205 two-speed transfer case.

Dana 60s, Four-Inch Lift, 36s

Up front, there’s a Snowfighter high-pinion Dana 60 with Mile Marker manual hubs, while out back is the factory Dana 60. That rear axle isn’t stock anymore, though. “After snapping the first set of hardened axles,” Nathan says, “I bored out the spindles and stepped up to Yukon 35-spline axle shafts and a Dana Powr-Lok limited-slip.” Both axles spin 4.11:1 gears. Finally, a Hydratech hydroboost system gives the brakes upgraded bite.

Suspension duties fall to Skyjacker 4-inch lift springs and Fox dampers—Fox Performance Series 2.0 piggybacks up front and aluminum-body monotubes in the rear. Nathan’s rig rides on 36×15.50R20LT Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ Radials wrapped around 14-inch-wide Fuel Hostage wheels.

1978 Ford F-250: Outside And Inside

Nathan gave the F-250 a full frame-off restoration, stripping the body and starting fresh. Before reassembly, he sandblasted and painted the chassis, both axles, and the transfer case. Up front, an LMC Truck-sourced bumper replaced the factory unit, while the rear bumper was deleted in favor of a Lund roll pan. He also added Bully side steps built for a 1996 Ford truck and a tonneau cover. Custom-fabricated grille inserts set the build apart, and one-year-only outside rearview mirrors complete the look.

Inside, the updates continue with 2004 F-150 FX4 seats, an Auto Meter tach, an aftermarket steering wheel, and an upgraded audio head unit.

The Bottom Line

It took Nathan 1 1/2 years to create his 1978 Ford F-250. The result is an exceptional vintage dentside with creative modifications. For more info, visit Nathan’s Instagram page.