Red 1977 Ford F100 Pre-Runner by RJ Fab Goes Airborne Using 427 Power
Vintage trucks transformed into Pre-Runners are some of the most remarkable vehicles in America. They are incredibly rare and meticulously crafted, often costing as much as a Lamborghini. Among these extraordinary machines is the V8-powered 1977 Ford F100 Pre-Runner, masterfully built by RJ Fab and recently showcased by AutotopiaLA.
AutotopiaLA is renowned for its videos featuring muscle cars. However, occasionally they venture to places like sunny Hesperia, California to capture Pre-Runners like this one. Their previous feature was a Ford Ranger with F-150 Raptor aesthetics, a perfect embodiment of what a Pre-Runner should be.
At first glance, this truck appears like any other lifted truck from the late 70s or early 80s, the type you’d commonly see on college campuses. It boasts the classic KC lights you’d find on a K5 Blazer or even the Toyota pickup truck from Back to the Future. However, beneath its vintage red paint lies a completely rebuilt 1977 Ford F100, with hardly any original components remaining.
Originally constructed by another company, this truck suffered a devastating crash just four weeks after being purchased by its owner. It eventually ended up at RJ Fab, where it underwent a complete reconstruction. The cab is essentially the sole remaining F100 component, and even that required extensive repairs. The roll cage was also reinforced, ensuring greater thickness and strength.
Pre-Runner Suspension, Brakes, and V8 Power
Due to the abundance of metal utilized in its construction, this beast weighs in at approximately 5,800 lbs, necessitating a powerful engine. Under the hood, you’ll find a 427 Ford small-block, although it’s not a Cobra engine. Instead, it’s a 351 Windsor that has been stroked out. Currently equipped with fuel injection via a Holley Terminator system, it churns out 325 horsepower to the wheels. Considering the heavy gearing, it likely generates around 500 hp at the crank.
This truck features suspension technology that would have seemed futuristic in 1977. It boasts Fox shocks with 5-tube bypasses and coilovers, along with a generous amount of suspension travel. With 21 inches of wheel travel at the front and 28 inches at the rear, it truly deserves the title of a Pre-Runner.
When conquering desert dunes, this level of suspension travel is indispensable. Additionally, it is equipped with 40-inch off-road tires, complete with two spare tires mounted on matching beadlock wheels at the rear. Thankfully, the braking system is also up to the task, featuring 14-inch Wilwood rotors with 6-piston calipers.
The interior of this truck is surprisingly luxurious, boasting heated seats and an array of additional gauges. Given the level of craftsmanship and performance on display, it would come as no surprise if this remarkable machine commanded a price tag of $500,000. Witnessing it soar through the air is a truly breathtaking spectacle.
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