Frame type
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: El Paso
Frame type
Hello all... I did a frame swap years ago from a 150 to a beefier frame. I am looking into putting a lift under her but I don't know if the frame is a 250 or 350 and the kits are different.
When I got the frame they thought it was a f350 diesel frame but were not sure. It has a Dana 70u rear end and a Dana 50 ttb front. The years are 84.5 and 84-85 on those from the serial numbers. I looked for a stamp but if I recall correctly they didn't do frame stamps on 80's frames. Any help with finding out which ton frame I have would be greatly appreciated as my searches have been fruitless. Thanks all!
When I got the frame they thought it was a f350 diesel frame but were not sure. It has a Dana 70u rear end and a Dana 50 ttb front. The years are 84.5 and 84-85 on those from the serial numbers. I looked for a stamp but if I recall correctly they didn't do frame stamps on 80's frames. Any help with finding out which ton frame I have would be greatly appreciated as my searches have been fruitless. Thanks all!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Johns Creek GA
I seem to recall that in the 1980s the VIN was stamped into the frame on the passenger side where it rises toward the front wheel. That VIN can be decoded to determine what model truck it came from.
Hope this helps.
Hope this helps.
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
I tried to take pictures of one I found in a JY but they came out too blurry. Do a google search on frame VIN numbers (maybe even an FTE search) and you should find stuff, though.
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Junior User
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From: El Paso
Found the vin on the right side frame below the front cab corner. It seems to be the partial star vin but will let me know what I need if its enough to decode. Thanks again I wouldn't have found it under the paint on the frame without a good starting point. I should have said that I needed the type and year more for the steering kit from superlift than the actual lift itself. Nevertheless thanks again!
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Junior User
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From: El Paso
Well after getting wet wire brushing the frame to read the numbers, I have encountered another hiccup. I only have eight digits following a star on the stamp. I'll have to try and look again after this storm let's up and see if it's not operator error on my part. I actually think the number I found is a part number as it starts that way.
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Junior User
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From: El Paso
Found second stamp farther back under passenger seat as well. Cant find a decoder that makes sense though. Code is either star eca04041 star or star fca04041 star. Been searching for hours and I am at a stumped.
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
The VIN on the top front of the frame is only a partial VIN, the thing hadn't been built enough yet to be able to fill in everything.
No idea what that *alphanumeric* designation at the middle is, NumberDummy may know.
No idea what that *alphanumeric* designation at the middle is, NumberDummy may know.
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Junior User
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From: El Paso
I was thinking that as well. Well I guess I'll never know the true date and type. Ill keep ordering parts for a 85 f350 until they don't match up anymore. Been lucky so far knock on wood. Always worried due to the jan 1985 change up ford did. Thanks again for the help everyone.
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Well, if we take A04041 as the sequential assembly number...
The preceding C would be the Ontario Truck Assembly Plant...
The preceding E would be the 1984 model year
Unless it's a 1980 model year, in which case CA04041 are the sequential build numbers, the preceding E is the assembly plant code (the 80/89 parts catalog doesn't list an E code but it could have been an international plant, e.g. Brazil).
In any case, none of that does you any good, sorry.
The preceding C would be the Ontario Truck Assembly Plant...
The preceding E would be the 1984 model year
Unless it's a 1980 model year, in which case CA04041 are the sequential build numbers, the preceding E is the assembly plant code (the 80/89 parts catalog doesn't list an E code but it could have been an international plant, e.g. Brazil).
In any case, none of that does you any good, sorry.