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Axle Ratio

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Old Apr 11, 2003 | 09:08 PM
  #1  
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Axle Ratio

I bought a used 2000 F150. Have some desert toys I'd like to tow. Everything I've researched up to now points back to the one item that I need to know but don't. How can I find out what my axle ratio is?
 
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Old Apr 11, 2003 | 10:21 PM
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Axle Ratio

The ratio is usually stamped on a tag on the rear end. Or, there will be an axle code on the plate on the drivers door. Get the code and some one here should be able to decipher it.

Matt
 
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Old Apr 12, 2003 | 01:39 AM
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Axle Ratio

Thanks Matt. I checked the id plate on the inside of the door but it didn't have the info. I will check the axle itself tomorrow. If that does not work does anyone know a website maybe back at Ford where I can give the VIN number and they can tell me?

Sandpiper
 
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Old Apr 12, 2003 | 09:47 AM
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Axle Ratio

It's not in the VIN. There should be an "axle" code on the vehicle ID sticker at the center bottom, if not then there's the code on the rear end tag. If all else fails, jack it up and turn the wheel by hand and count the axle revs.

If you have a limited slip, you'll have to raise both rear wheels off the ground and the number of driveshaft turns to get ONE rotation of the wheels is the rear end ratio. If you have an open rear then jack only one rear wheel off the ground and the number of driveshaft turns to get TWO wheel revs is your ratio.
 
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Old Apr 12, 2003 | 03:00 PM
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Axle Ratio

HERE'S WHAT I GOT OFF THE TAG

3L55 88 0D06

AM I READING THIS TO BE 3.55 AXLE RATIO?

SANDPIPER
 
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Old Apr 12, 2003 | 05:12 PM
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Axle Ratio

You're in luck. It's a 3.55 limited slip. The chances of finding one with that combination by random luck on a used car lot are pretty low. Just for grins take another look at that vehicle ID sticker see if there's a code "H9" for the axle.
 
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Old Apr 12, 2003 | 08:56 PM
  #7  
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Talking Axle Ratio

Strangeranger
Are you saying that H9 is the code for a limited slip differential and 3.55 gears? Or just 3.55 gears?
In your experience how common is this set up. The axle code on my used 2001 Screw is also H9.
 
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Old Apr 12, 2003 | 09:44 PM
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Axle Ratio

H9 is 3.55 LS
19 is 3.55 open

Most trucks have open rears, don't ask why
 
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Old Apr 25, 2003 | 02:42 PM
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Axle Ratio

Open rears are cheaper to build with a much lower maint. requirement.
Open rears are usually standard equipment.
Most people don't understand the value of LS so don't order it.
Most people don't even know what their axle ratio is.
Most people don't even know what an axle ratio is.

You are indeed lucky to find a LS on a lot.

Have fun with it.
 
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Old Apr 28, 2003 | 11:07 PM
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Axle Ratio

To all:

Thanks everyone for the info. This is truly a great way to get info and opinion. Looks like I got everything I need to determine my tow rating. Just need to find the right toy hauler.

Thanks again
Sandpiper
 
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Old Apr 28, 2003 | 11:52 PM
  #11  
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Axle Ratio

hmm, toyhauler. You need a bigger truck. This is my toyhauler....

 
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