Billy’s 1977 Ford: A Diesel Build with His Son

The timeline and plans reflect the owner’s original account.

Billy bought his 1977 Highboy as its third owner, with the truck still completely original. Eight years into ownership when he shared the account, he had done all the work himself. The 351M and C6 had given way to a 6.9L IDI, T19 and hydraulic clutch, while the divorced transfer case remained.

Billy's 1977 Ford Highboy — 6.9 IDI Diesel Dentside

He had wanted a standard-cab, four-wheel-drive winter driver. Instead, he joked that it had become too pretty to drive and too stubborn to start below 70 degrees. The better result was bonding with his son, who was building his own Highboy. They planned a pair of 1968s together. A turbo rebuild for the 6.9 or a 7.3 Power Stroke swap was still possible.

Read the owner’s original account and build details

Find him on Instagram: @billy_327

Truck year:

1977.

Ownership when this account was shared:

8 years.

How the truck came home

I was looking for another Highboy to add to my collection.

The memories behind the truck

This truck was completely original when I bought it, and I’m the third owner. It’s not all original anymore — I’ve done all the work myself.

Build details, in the owner’s words

Swapped the 351M/C6 for a 6.9L IDI with a T19 manual transmission, hydraulic clutch, and still kept the divorced transfer case. It’s sitting on 33x12.50-15 tires.

Plans at the time of the story

Eventually the 6.9 will get rebuilt with a turbo kit — or I may swap in a 7.3 Powerstroke.

More from the owner

I built it because I wanted a winter driver — standard cab and 4WD. Instead, I ended up with something too pretty to drive and too stubborn to start unless it’s 70° or warmer. But the best part? Building this truck helped my son and I bond, and now he’s building his own Highboy. We’re planning to build a pair of ’68s together.

From the original story: @billy_327.