Regan Brown
The 1973 Ford F100 was the first year of the sixth generation of the F-Series, with over 463,000 units manufactured. The standard fuel tank on the F100 was 19 gallons, with an optional auxiliary tank of 20.5 gallons. The F100 had four engine options: a 240 inline six (standard), 302, 360, and 390 V8. The fuel mileage of the 1973 F100 has been a topic of discussion among truck enthusiasts, with some reporting mileage of 10-11 mpg, while others claim it should be closer to 13-16 mpg. The fuel economy of the 1973 F100 is an important aspect for owners and enthusiasts, with various modifications and setups explored to improve power and efficiency.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year | 1973 |
| Model | Ford F-100 |
| Generation | Sixth generation |
| Number manufactured | 463,000+ units |
| Engine | 3.9L 240 inline-six (std), 5.0 L 302 V8, 5.9 L 360 V8, 6.4 L 390 V8 |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual (std), 4-speed, Cruise-O-Matic |
| Fuel mileage | 10-11 mpg |
| Fuel tank capacity | 19 gallons (standard), 20.5 gallons (auxiliary) |
| Cargo bed length | 6 3/4', 8' |
| GVW | 4600-5500 lbs |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The 1973 Ford F100's standard fuel tank was 19 gallons
The 1973 Ford F-100 was the first year of the sixth generation of the F-Series. Over 463,000 units were manufactured that year, with a range of engine options. The standard engine was a 3.9L 240 inline-six, with three V8 options providing more power: 5.0L 302 V8, 5.9L 360 V8, and 6.4L 390 V8.
The standard fuel tank on the 1973 F-100 was 19 gallons, with an auxiliary tank option of 20.5 gallons available. The fuel economy of the F-100 was a combined average of 10.24 MPG, with some owners reporting fuel efficiency of 9-11 MPG, and others achieving 13-16 MPG.
The 1973 F-100 featured new rear leaf springs to handle the weight of the heavy fuel tank, and upgraded tire treads to improve handling and ride quality. The truck was available in three trim levels: Custom, Ranger, and Ranger XLT. The GVW of the '73 F100 varied between 4600-5500 lbs, and the cargo bed was offered in 6 3/4' and 8' lengths.
The 1973 Ford F-100 was a popular truck, with almost half a million units manufactured, and it remains a sought-after classic today.
Lamborghini Fuel Costs: Expensive to Fill Up?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$39.99
Owners could opt for an auxiliary tank of 20.5 gallons
The fuel tank capacity of a 1973 Ford F100 is an important factor to consider when discussing its fuel efficiency and range. While the standard fuel tank in the 1973 F100 had a capacity of around 20 gallons, owners had the option to specify their trucks with a larger fuel tank, catering to those who anticipated greater fuel needs, whether through frequent long-distance driving or the simple desire for extended range and fewer refueling stops.
Ford offered an auxiliary fuel tank with a capacity of 20.5 gallons, a substantial increase over the standard tank. This option would have been particularly appealing to those who used their F100 for towing or frequent long-distance travel, providing a welcome reserve of fuel that extended the distance that could be covered between fill-ups. This larger tank offered not only peace of mind but also a degree of freedom and flexibility for those with more demanding driving requirements.
Opting for the auxiliary tank meant that the 1973 Ford F100's total fuel capacity increased significantly, providing a total fuel reserve of around 40 gallons, depending on the specific configuration and options chosen. This would have been a significant advantage for those who relied on their trucks for extended trips or for work purposes, reducing the frequency of refueling stops and providing a degree of reassurance that a suitable refueling station could be reached.
It is worth noting that while a larger fuel tank offers clear benefits in certain situations, it also contributes to the vehicle's overall weight, which may have a minor impact on fuel economy. However, for those who frequently drove long distances, the benefits of extended range and reduced refueling stops likely outweighed any minor sacrifices in fuel efficiency.
Today, owners of classic Ford F100 trucks, including the 1973 model, can still opt for similar modifications if they desire. Installing larger fuel tanks or auxiliary tanks is a common practice among classic car and truck enthusiasts, particularly those who participate in long-distance driving events or simply enjoy extended road trips in their vintage vehicles.
Should an owner of a 1973 Ford F100 wish to install a similar auxiliary fuel tank today, they would need to source a compatible tank and consult a professional installer to ensure that all necessary modifications are performed correctly and safely. This may include modifying the fuel lines, ensuring proper ventilation, and making any necessary adjustments to the vehicle's chassis or body to accommodate the auxiliary tank.
Barrel Weights: Fossil Fuels and Energy's Heavy Burden
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The 1973 model had four engine choices
The 1973 Ford F100 was the first year of the sixth generation of the F-Series, with over 463,000 units manufactured. The 1973 model had four engine choices: a 3.9L 240 inline-six (standard), and three V8 options (5.0L 302 V8, 5.9L 360 V8, and 6.4L 390 V8) that provided more power. The 240 inline-six engine was replaced by a 300 inline six the following year, but the 360 and 390 V8 options were kept for three more years. The 360 engine was also available in an automatic version.
The 1973 Ford F100 had a standard fuel tank capacity of 19 gallons, with an optional auxiliary tank of 20.5 gallons. The fuel economy of the 1973 Ford F100 is estimated to be around 10-11 mpg, with some reports suggesting it could reach 13-16 mpg. However, the actual mileage may vary depending on various factors such as driving style, maintenance, and tire choice.
The 1973 Ford F-Series was a significant model for Ford, marking the beginning of their domination in the truck segment, which lasted for over forty years. The F-Series pickups featured a spacious interior, a wider and more square front end, a higher centre of gravity, and a longer wheelbase, contributing to their popularity. The 1973 model was also the first year of the sixth generation of the F-Series, which lasted from 1973 to 1979 and is considered one of the best years for Ford pickups.
Gas Prices: Current Rates and What's Next
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The truck gets 10-11 mpg
The 1973 Ford F100 has a standard 19-gallon fuel tank, with an optional 20.5-gallon auxiliary tank. The truck has four engine options: a 240 inline six (std), 302, 360, and 390 V8 options. The 1973 model retained the same engines as the previous year's F100.
The 1973 Ford F100 gets an average of 10-11 mpg, with some users reporting that it gets as low as 9-10 mpg. This is considered relatively poor fuel mileage, especially when compared to the expected 13-16 mpg. The low fuel efficiency could be due to several factors, including engine configuration, exhaust setup, and tire choice.
Some users have suggested that adjusting the engine's back pressure or installing a Flowmaster setup could improve power and efficiency. Others have recommended fitting a four-barrel carburetor from Holley and appropriately setting the ignition timing.
It's important to note that fuel consumption calculations based on the fuel gauge may not be accurate. The actual fuel economy of the 1973 Ford F100 may vary depending on driving conditions, terrain, and other factors.
Fossil Fuels: Our Country's Dependence and Future Challenges
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The engine came in three V8 options
The 1973 Ford F100 was the first year of the sixth generation of the F-Series. Ford manufactured almost half a million units that year, with a range of engine options.
The standard engine was a 3.9L 240 inline-six, but there were three V8 options that provided more power: a 5.0L 302 V8, a 5.9L 360 V8, and a 6.4L 390 V8. The 360 and 390 V8s were kept for three more years, while the 240 inline-six was replaced by a 300 inline six the following year.
The 302 V8 offered a displacement of 5.0 litres, while the 360 V8 offered 5.9 litres. The largest of the three V8 options, the 390, offered a displacement of 6.4 litres.
The 1973 Ford F100 had a standard fuel tank capacity of 19 gallons, with the option of an auxiliary tank that increased capacity to 20.5 gallons. Despite the design changes, some owners have reported poor fuel mileage, with some trucks achieving only 10-11 mpg. However, others have reported fuel efficiency of 13-16 mpg. The average MPG of 10 different vehicles was calculated to be 10.24, with a 0.32 MPG margin of error.
Jet Fuel Cost: Understanding the Price of Aviation Fuel by Ton
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The average fuel economy of the 1973 Ford F100 is 10-11 mpg. However, some users have reported achieving 13-16 mpg.
The standard fuel tank capacity of the 1973 Ford F100 is 19 gallons. However, owners could opt for an auxiliary tank with a capacity of 20.5 gallons.
The 1973 Ford F100 has a 3.9L 240 inline-six engine as standard. There are also three V8 engine options available: 5.0L 302 V8, 5.9L 360 V8, and 6.4L 390 V8.
