Axel Code

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Sep 13, 2012 | 01:54 PM

ecostruction

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Axel Code

Believe me, I've been searching. I'm considering an F350 Dually with the V10 4x4. Axel code on tag is an F3, which I can't find anywhere. Dealer is telling me the VIN says its a 3:73 ratio. I can't live with that, need at least 4:10. Anyone got a clue what the F3 ratio stands for? its a 2003. I need help quick too. Thanks all!!

Sep 13, 2012 | 04:10 PM

meborder

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From: Sioux Falls Area

4.30 LS according to this:
http://www.dieselbombers.com/ford-tr...xle-codes.html

like you, i was having a hard time finding reference to F3..

maybe post up your front axle code and see if that also reads as 4.30.

Sep 13, 2012 | 04:29 PM

powerstroke72

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From: SW Virginia

4.30 Ls is correct. It's in our tech folder here:https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...r-and-faq.html

Post #3.

Sep 13, 2012 | 04:41 PM

ecostruction

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Many thanks. So which would I believe the vin or the code? I can't look at the hubs to find out. Why would the code and vin say different things?

Sep 13, 2012 | 04:54 PM

redford

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From: Stephensville WI

Just look on your door sticker:

AXLE CODES:

37- 3.73

3L- 3.73 LS

41- 4.10

4N- 4.10 LS

43- 4.30

4L- 4.30 LS

48- 4.88

8L- 4.88 LS

53- 5.38

5L- 5.38 LS

Sep 13, 2012 | 04:57 PM

2000silverbullet

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From: Gilbert

If the VIN's wrong, who knows what to trust at that point... Maybe the gearing was altered by a previous owner.

Do it the old fashioned way, count the number of driveshaft revolutions per tire revolution. Kinda gotta be precise as I imagine eyeballing 3.73 vs 4.10 vs 4.30 is tricky.

Or tell the dealer to change the gear oil and have 'em count the teeth on the ring/pinion.

Sep 13, 2012 | 08:50 PM

meborder

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From: Sioux Falls Area

short of looking up the original shipping ticket, i'm not sure that the VIN will get you the gear ratio. In order to get it from the VIN, they would have to call Ford Headquarters and look have them look up the original shipping ticket or window sticker (much like marti auto does for the older trucks now)

it is much more likely that the dealer just took a guess at it to get you out the door.

check the tag on the diff and the sticker on the door jam and compare them to the info provided above. if they agree, that's what you have unless someone changed them out. If that were the case, you should be able to see signs that the diffs were opened up (like the presence of a gasket).

either way, you probably got the 4.30's ... which for a v10 will be good. that being said, i wouldn't pass on a truck just because of the gears. even the 3.73's would serve you well under all conditions, especially if you have the 5 or 6 speed.

even then, if you just cant live with it, figure the cost of a re-gear it into your offer to buy. it's a v10 and gas is approaching $4/gal ... any reasonable offer will probably get a bite.

not that you asked my opinion .. but there ya have it