1974 Ford F-250: Vintage Steel, Supercharged 5.0, Four-Link, More

In 2013, Robert Phillips set out to track down a sixth-generation 1973-1979 Ford F-250 crew cab 4×4. The hunt wasn’t easy. After eight months of searching, he finally found a truck that checked every box. It was a 1974 Ford F-250 High-Boy listed on eBay with no reserve. Robert won the auction and was soon on a plane to Idaho to pick up the truck and drive it home to Arizona.

The truck had no air conditioning, drum brakes on all four corners, dual fuel tanks, and 33-inch tires. It had been “halfway restored” a couple of times and wore a layer of patina, including rust on the roof and bedsides. The F-250 served as Robert’s daily driver for eight years. Then he tore into a full restoration packed with upgrades. The work happened in stages over several years and resulted in the rig you see here.

Supercharged V8, Six-Speed Auto

When Robert bought the truck, it was powered by a 460 cubic-inch V8 backed by an NP435 four-speed manual. The combo worked, but he eventually decided it was time to modernize the drivetrain. He pulled the pair, sold them to a buddy, and believes they’re still working today. In their place, he dropped in a 5.0-liter V8 sourced from a wrecked 2017 Ford F-150. It’s matched with a 6R80 six-speed automatic from the same donor. The engine had only 44,000 miles on it when Robert picked it up, and it became the starting point for a power-focused build. Upgrades include a Roush supercharger plus a collection of billet parts and new pulleys.

Super Duty Axles, Upgraded Braking

A BorgWarner 4418 two-speed transfer case snagged from a 2013 Ford F-150 sends power to the axles. Robert selects the transfer case’s drive mode using a Mars Ford Electronic Shift Controller mounted on the driver-side center console. The stock axles were swapped for a pair from a 2008 Ford F-350 that he bought from a seller in Arizona. Both carry factory 4.10:1 gears, and the rear houses a factory limited-slip differential. Braking power comes from PowerStop components fed by a Battle Born Brakes High Clearance 1967-1979 Ford Truck Super Duty Hydroboost Brake Conversion FB2HC.

Four-Link Suspension With Coilovers And Air Bags

Robert designed and fabricated the truck’s four-link suspension. The link bars are built from 2-inch-diameter, 0.250-inch-wall DOM tubing, and each one runs joints from Barnes 4WD. The center mount is made from 1/4-inch-thick material and reinforced with cross braces built from 2-inch DOM.

Up front, AccuTune Offroad supplied and tuned the coilovers, which consist of 8-inch-travel Fox 2.5 adjustable remote-reservoir shocks matched with Eibach springs. The rear suspension runs Firestone air bags with internal bumpstops and Fox 2.0 remote-reservoir shocks. Robert says the setup delivers 11.7 inches of travel.

Rolling on 38s

The big Ford rides on 38×15.50R20LT Mickey Thompson Baja Legend MTZ tires mounted to 14-inch-wide Liberty Forged LBTY13 wheels. 

Ford F-150 King Ranch Seating And More

Inside, Robert upped the Ford’s comfort game with front and rear seats from a 2008 F-150 King Ranch. He also installed the King Ranch center console and custom-fit Apex Leather carpet. Leather covers the dash, door panels, and shifter. Additionally, the cabin packs a JBL audio system with dual 12-inch subwoofers and Dakota Digital gauges. A Nostalgic AC system keeps Robert and his passengers cool during scorching Arizona summers.

Owner Designed And Applied Vinyl Wrap

One of the truck’s most eye-catching features is its five-color exterior wrap. Robert applied it himself using materials from four different companies. Exterior upgrades also include a GoRhino bed bar and light bar, Quake LED lighting, and a Gen-Y trailer hitch.

“It Is The Best Looking Truck Ever Built”

Robert has a long history of off-roading and is often found exploring the Arizona backcountry. He chose this truck because, in his words, “It is the best looking truck ever built.” Today, it isn’t just good looking, it’s also powerful and beefy.

Photos by Ken Brubaker and Robert Phillips