I have the 1985 in my sig. As I dig more and more into it I think it has alot of 1986 parts, but I'm not sure how far it goes.
For all I know the only thing 1985 about it may be the title and the vin LOL
So my question is, what can I look at on the truck to see if it is a 1985 or 1986.
It has the Dana 60 kingpin front axle and 10.25 HD rear axle with the strengthening webbing.
It has the 460 without any numbers I can find on the heads.
The Cab is a 1986 I believe because it has the little sticker that says 35 years of Ford trucks 1951 to 1986.
Alot of stuff points to it being a mostly 1986.
I basically would like to know if there are any parts that I really need to be careful with when ordering that may be different between the 2, other than moldings and other superficial stuff.
Ive googled it and can't find anything.
Thank you
KO

 

What month & year does the cert sticker in the door say?

Other than that I am still learning myself.
Dave - - - -

 

The only other sticker in the door says 1986, but it's not the sticker with the vin on it.
The only place the vin shows up is on the tag in the window.
I haven't looked on the frame yet, the truck is pretty rusty.

KO

 

Why I asked of the sticker is when looking up parts (for my 81 f100) you need to know the month.
Also most if not all after September are the next year's model.
Dave - - - -

 

As a general rule, Ford started building the next model year in September but that's not cast in stone and there are exceptions. The top-left corner of the Certification Label on the driver's side door jamb should have the month/year of assembly on it.

But that doesn't tell you anything definitive.

The tenth digit in the VIN (1981/onwards) indicates the model year for which it was built:

F = 1985
G = 1986

 

Use the model year indicated by the VIN. If more than one option existed, any decent parts look-up reference will ask. Most engine and drive line changes did not coincide with model year breaks or even body style breaks anyway. For instance your D60 straight axle was introduced mid-year 1985 on F350's. the door jam sticker would tell you the month/year it was made, but even that is not terribly useful for locating parts. I'm a diesel owner, so I can't speak to changes in the gas engines, but I think that except introduction of the EFI on the 302 the changes 85 to 86 were slight.

 

Well not having the cert sticker makes it hard for a month build.


Now I remember a post not long ago where the member sent away for the trucks build sheet. It gave all the information you would ever want.
Do a search for it as that may be the only option at this point.
Dave ----

 

Pic: Scroll down towards the bottom of the page to VEHICLE MODEL YEAR

This is all you need to find out what year the 1981/2011 vehicle is.

 

What happened (changed) in twenty-twelve?

 

Send for a Marti Report.
Marti Auto Works - Concourse Quality, Hobbyist Price