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1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Early Eighties Bullnose Ford Truck

VIN Decode/ Number Dummy HELP!

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Old May 1, 2015 | 10:59 AM
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VIN Decode/ Number Dummy HELP!

My 1983 F250 has no Door tag, as I believe the door was replaced. I am trying to ID which rear end ratio the truck would have. I have the opportunity to replace the rear end with a 3.55 ratio from a 1995 which has the free float axles and a sway bar set up. The diff under mine has no tag anywhere on the cover. Hoping the 3.55 ratio would help me a lil on fuel mileage, but for all I know, the one I have under it already could be a 3.55. Can anyone help?

VIN: 2FTHF25Y8DCA58175

There a buck tag on the firewall but Ive heard that doesn't help in the least.

Also does anyone see any problems with the swap?
 

Last edited by ctubutis; May 1, 2015 at 02:17 PM. Reason: Disable smilies in text
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Old May 1, 2015 | 11:54 AM
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With the rear of the truck safely raised [use jacks], mark the drive shaft and wheel(s) with tape or chalk. With the transmission in neutral, rotate the driveshaft using your hands and count how many revolutions are required before the marked tire makes one revolution. If about 3 1/2 revolutions of the driveshaft = 3.55.


Not exact, but it works.
 
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Old May 1, 2015 | 01:13 PM
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From: Stockdale, Tejas
Originally Posted by thorswhisper
My 1983 F250 has no Door tag, as I believe the door was replaced. I am trying to ID which rear end ratio the truck would have. I have the opportunity to replace the rear end with a 3.55 ratio from a 1995 which has the free float axles and a sway bar set up. The diff under mine has no tag anywhere on the cover. Hoping the 3.55 ratio would help me a lil on fuel mileage, but for all I know, the one I have under it already could be a 3.55. Can anyone help?

VIN: 2FTHF25Y8DCA58175

There a buck tag on the firewall but Ive heard that doesn't help in the least.

Also does anyone see any problems with the swap?





get the BOM (Bill Of Materials) then plug it in to this and should tell you what you have
Dana Holding Corporation - The Expert Axle Bill of Material




Caveat...if the gears have been changed, then it no longer applies, 1986F150six has the correct solution to your question.
 

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Old May 1, 2015 | 01:17 PM
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From: Stockdale, Tejas
The VIN doesn't break down the axles (see page 11 in case link is screwed up)


Truck Parts and Truck Accessories
 
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Old May 1, 2015 | 01:55 PM
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I don't believe the tag is on the door, it should be on the door jamb of the cab.
 
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Old May 1, 2015 | 02:29 PM
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From: Stockdale, Tejas
Originally Posted by maytag906
I don't believe the tag is on the door, it should be on the door jamb of the cab.

Yep just reread the original posting, tag is on the drivers side door jamb (not the door)
 
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Old May 2, 2015 | 05:38 PM
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Sorry meant to say the Tag with all the numbers is NOT on the door shut face.

Found BOM no: 6051454 No match on Dana site
 
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Old May 3, 2015 | 02:22 PM
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Originally Posted by thorswhisper
My 1983 F250 has no Door tag, as I believe the door was replaced. I am trying to ID which rear end ratio the truck would have. I have the opportunity to replace the rear end with a 3.55 ratio from a 1995 which has the free float axles and a sway bar set up. The diff under mine has no tag anywhere on the cover. Hoping the 3.55 ratio would help me a lil on fuel mileage, but for all I know, the one I have under it already could be a 3.55. Can anyone help?

VIN: 2FTHF25Y8DCA58175
AXLE code is not within the VIN of any year Ford car or truck.

1980/91 F100/350, Bronco & Econoline: AXLE code printed on the Certification Label, which is glued to the left door face below the latch.

Ford AXLE ID tag located under two bolts that retains the inspection cover to the housing. It too could be missing by now.

Dana AXLE ID number (BOM) is stamped on one of the axle tubes. Contains 6 or 7 numbers, examples: 603020-1 or 603020-11

1983 F250's could have an Ford 8.8" .. Dana 60 .. Dana 61-1 .. Dana 70.
 
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Old May 3, 2015 | 04:52 PM
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a thought

Hi, rotational measurements only work when there is significant difference between ratios. Your full floater is likely to be 3:56. I think '96 is the last year you can swap with, but measure everything to be sure. You'll probably have to alter the drive shaft length. You'll notice a slight increase in cruising rpm, and maybe a rake to trim line, but other than that you'll benefit from a more durable rear end, and I tougher truck.
 
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Old May 3, 2015 | 10:30 PM
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Rear Diff

BOM no: 6051454 Casing no; 60 IU
 
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Old May 3, 2015 | 11:01 PM
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Originally Posted by thorswhisper
BOM no: 605145-4
Ford: E3TA-4005-ATA = Dana 60-1 rear axle without Limited Slip / 4.10-1 // 1980/89 Ford Light Truck Parts Catalog, rear axle parts list #253.

Right pic: Scroll down to #253. There are two additional pages, I'll post them if you wish.
 
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Old May 4, 2015 | 12:02 AM
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Thank You So Much! I really appreciate it.

So the Full Float Rear End with a 3.55, out of the 1995, should be a worthwhile trade out. Hopefully it will only involve shortening the driveshaft and figuring out the right trans/speedo gear to use. The sway bar is just an added plus.
 
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