1972 Ranchero Specs

Discussion in 'General Ranchero Help' started by submariner, Sep 5, 2011.

  1. submariner

    submariner In Second Gear

    Messages:
    72
    Location:
    Gulfcoast ,MS
    Hello Guys,

    this is my first post and question, so please be patient.

    I am in the search (but no Hurry) to find me a 1972 Ranchero , daily driver.


    I have a couple of questions and hope you guys can help me:

    -where would i find complete specifications of the 1970 to 1975 ranchero models particular the 1972, which i believe is the largest made.
    I am looking for : engine ratings, length , width, empty and gross weight as well as the manufacturer towing capacity as well as loading capacity.

    - i have a 1959 airstream, 26ft single axle and plan on pulling it with the Ranchero, but only if i find the correct specs on the car, where it tells me i can.

    hope to get some info here .
     
  2. burninbush

    burninbush In Maximum Overdrive

    Messages:
    8,512
    Location:
    near SF
    Just a couple hints; 70 and 71 are still the unibody cars, only weigh around 3400 lbs, probably not your best choice for towing even though some came with 429 motors. 1972 up has a full frame, weigh around 4,000+, apart from the look of the front clip there's little difference in them. 1973 might be the sweetest spot.

    Lots of people have 72 - 75 years with 460 motors, bolt-in with stock parts -- hard to do better than that. Next choice would be a 400, still has lots of torque.
     
  3. Dan the ranchero man

    Dan the ranchero man MODERATOR Staff Member

    Messages:
    4,203
    Location:
    Mchenry , IL
    72-76 rancheros (full frame) with a 460/C6 trans and trailer tow package will tow up to 6000 LBs with a class III hitch. The 70-71 rancheros are a unibody type construction and I would not tow anything real heavy (over 4000 LBs) with those modle years. The 72-79 are your full frame cars. The 351W,M and C the 400 and the 429/460 are all good towing engines. The 429/460 is your best for low end tourqe. I have used my 74 ranchero with a class three trailer tow package to move a car trailer with another ranchero on it from memphis, TN to Chicago. IL.

    [​IMG]

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    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 5, 2011
  4. submariner

    submariner In Second Gear

    Messages:
    72
    Location:
    Gulfcoast ,MS
    that is some good info. Thanks Guys.

    Why do you say 1973 might be the sweetest spot?
     
  5. ribald1

    ribald1 Banned PLATINUM MEMBER

    Messages:
    19,727
    Location:
    California
    The Ranchero is a 1/2 ton truck, and should not be used with a trailer like that without modifications. However, with suspension modifications and a frame mounted trailer hitch any other than the unibody years are up to the job. I would strongly advise having brakes on the trailer.
    The 72 is longer by a small amount due to the front end shape.
     
  6. submariner

    submariner In Second Gear

    Messages:
    72
    Location:
    Gulfcoast ,MS
    the Airstream i have is a single axle with electric brakes. the overall weight is 3950lbs with a 250lbs hitch weight.

    i might end up a little higher on the weight after restoration is complete, but not much. i do have weight distribution hitches and sway control.
     
  7. burninbush

    burninbush In Maximum Overdrive

    Messages:
    8,512
    Location:
    near SF
    Why do you say 1973 might be the sweetest spot? >submariner

    ++++++++++++

    Ehhh ... small details. The 73-74-75 has a real front bumper, might be useful for something, and it would be more likely than a 1972 to survive a small bump -- it's conceivable you could push another car with it if you had to. Of those three, I slightly prefer the look of the 1973 over the two later choices. I think they all had front disk brakes starting in 1973. Any of those three will be cheaper to buy than a 1972, all else being equal. They're all equal in terms of your original specs.
     
  8. submariner

    submariner In Second Gear

    Messages:
    72
    Location:
    Gulfcoast ,MS
    so i guess the 72 still had drum brakes front ?

    i surely would prefer some good disc brakes.
    can you get somewhere a rear disk break conversion?


    i did noticed, that the dash has changed from 72 to 73 with more instruments.
     
  9. 5.0 Chero

    5.0 Chero Bahumbug Staff Member

    Messages:
    14,289
    Location:
    Prunetucky California

    72 had disc up front and yes 4 wheel disc is a fairly easy swap..

    mine is a 73 with a 72 front clip and 74 up lincoln mark iv disc brakes front and rear..



    73 up 5 mpph bumper looks like crap to me....
     
  10. submariner

    submariner In Second Gear

    Messages:
    72
    Location:
    Gulfcoast ,MS
    to be honest, im not quiet a fan of the 5mph bumper either. thats why i would prefer the 72.. but then again, the 73 are less expensive.
     
  11. hotz

    hotz In Second Gear

    Messages:
    43
    I can say this for sure-- My dad towed a 23" covered wagon trailer for years with, what is my now, 72 with a 351c with out ever having any diffucility even in the hills and mountains of Penna. It was equipped with electric brakes, stabilizer hitch and a tranny cooler. Very very seldom downshifted an never bagged in the rear
     
  12. submariner

    submariner In Second Gear

    Messages:
    72
    Location:
    Gulfcoast ,MS
    thanks guys for all the info . i knew i was signing up for the right place :)

    now.. i just need to find the right rancho for me :D
     

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