The 1979 Ford F-250 has 3 recalls, the most serious affecting four-wheel-drive models where a steering arm knuckle can fracture and disconnect the tie rod, causing complete loss of steering control.
On two-wheel-drive regular cab models rated at 6,200 or 6,900 pounds gross vehicle weight, the front disc brake hub and rotor assemblies were built using 1980-model parts rather than the correct 1979 components. As the inner brake pads wear down, they can slip out of the retaining slot entirely, leaving the driver with reduced or uneven braking at the front wheels. There is also a fuel system concern: these trucks were built without a protective shield at the right front corner of the midship fuel tank. In a frontal collision, the unprotected tank can contact the transmission extension housing or the front universal joint of the driveshaft, raising the risk of fuel tank damage and a potential fuel leak.
At a glance
What can fail
Your truck has 1980 brake hub and rotor assemblies instead of 1979 parts. As brake linings wear, the inner lining can slip out of its slot, wedge between the rotor and spindle, and lock up one front wheel or cause brake fluid loss.
What the fix does
No remedy description available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The steering arm knuckle in the front wheel assembly can crack and break apart, causing the tie rod to detach. This can result in loss of steering control.
What the fix does
No remedy description available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The midship fuel tank lacks a protective shield at the right front corner. During a 30 mph crash into a fixed barrier, the unshielded tank can contact the transmission extension housing or driveshaft, causing fuel to spill beyond safe limits.
What the fix does
A fuel tank shield will be installed at the right front corner of the midship fuel tank to prevent contact with transmission or driveshaft components.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
