So I am trying to figure out what the serial numbers on my truck mean. The number on the bell housing is *799T-1919186* and the one on the frame is *(79)9T(-)1919186*. I put the parenthesis around the numbers that aren't readable, but I assume they are the same. The last set of numbers 1919186 also appear on the title. But supposedly the motor is an 8BA which wasn't original to the 47 trucks. It should be a 59 series motor right? But the distributor is mounted in the wrong place. I'll include pictures of everything. I need to buy parts for the motor and don't want to get the wrong stuff.

 

Here are the pictures

 

Looks like somebody swapped in a later flatty, it's common to do that. The serial number shows your truck is a '47 Heavy Duty with V8.

 

Anything else like rear axle/ ratios, trans (I know it's a four speed), or more info on model so I could get parts at Napa

 

Nope, nothing else comes from the serial number. These numbers aren't like newer cars where you can gather a bunch of info about the vehicle from the number. Just year, model, engine and the unique serial number of the vehicle. I don't have my books with me, but there were only 2 or 3 rear axle ratios available and only 1 4-speed gear box.
7= 1947
99T= Heavy Duty V8 truck
Numbers after dash are the serial number if that particular truck

 

Would that hold true for a two speed rear end as well?

 

There were only two ring and pinion sets offered on the two speed, 5.83 and 6.33. The second ratio was under.

I think the ratios for the single speed were 5.14, 5.83, and 6.33.

Note: corrected the lower ratio

 

Okay, I figured the ratio would be lower than that, in the 9's or 10's, to make up for the lack of horsepower these engines produce. Also the PO told me that it has a mercury block and EAB heads, and that this combo would give it a higher compression and therefore a couple more ponies than stock, is that true or not?

 

The two speed axle will have either 5.83-8.11 or 6.40-8.83 ratio. The Mercury engine would have 15 to 25 HP more than the stock engine, possibly a little more with the EAB heads.
Mark

 

Is there anyway to verify the mercury block? I will be pulling the heads to make sure the valves aren't stuck. I was hoping to get the information from the bell housing serial number. And what makes them different? Is the strike longer or the bore wider?

 

The Mercury engine will have a 4" stroke, the Ford is 3 3/4". The bores and the blocks are the same for both engines.
Mark

 

Okay, I will have to measure the stroke then when I pull the heads. Can anybody identify what year this cab is, it will be going on the 47 chassis once I get it running

 

It looks like a '37. The frame was about 4" wider on the '39 and earlier trucks.
Mark

 

The gauges are 1937. Note that the belt line stamping will not match later sheet metal. I'm not sure if the cowl to hood lines are the same either.

Edit - Mark got there first while I was typing.

 

So what are you saying exactly? I'm just glad it's wider, that way I can mount it on a narrower frame just moving the mounts. Currently it doesn't have any floor boards so no worries there. And belt lines? I'm going to be putting a flatbed on the rear and making a car hauler out of it, and planned on using the fenders from the sinkhole and finding the right year hood