Axle Ratios

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May 29, 2017 | 06:52 PM

Abomb0012003

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Axle Ratios

So I am in the middle of a frame off resto with little to no knowledge of what I am doing, just really doing it to learn and hopefully to end up with a really nice truck! Anyway trying to order some replacement parts for my Dana 44 late year 1977 F250 front axle and it is asking if the gawr is 3300 or 3500? Any ideas?
Adam

May 29, 2017 | 07:23 PM

Blue and White

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The data plate on the door will help. Have a look and take a pic and post it.

May 29, 2017 | 07:52 PM

Abomb0012003

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This?

May 29, 2017 | 08:31 PM

Blue and White

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Here is a site that helps decode data plate info. Per the decode (I am not an expert!) GVW is 8,100# and rear axle rating is 5,300# so front is 2,800# according to Ford. Dana may rate the axle higher but springs or other considerations may reduce the front rating.

1973-1979 Ford Truck VIN Tag Codes (Rear Axle) - FORDification.net

May 29, 2017 | 08:40 PM

tabascom16

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From: Salisbury, PA

Not sure what that all means. Could be the difference between the half ton 5 lug and the 8 lug version?

What parts in particular are you ordering?

Jun 1, 2017 | 09:49 PM

Ozzie H.

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From: S.E. Louisiana;so far USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abomb0012003

Get the information from the ID tag for the axle assembly, and I will try to get the capacity for you from the parts book. The tag should be attached between two of the cover bolts, and should look like this (except this one is for a rear axle and is slightly different):

On the upper left portion of the one for the front axle should be the Ford production part number. Below that should be the Dana part number. Get both. On the right should show the production date and the ratio. Sometime the tag can be corroded and/or full of crud. Do your best to restore it so it can be read. This tag should remain with the axle.

Jun 1, 2017 | 10:05 PM

PapaBearYuma

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From: Great American SouthWest

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue and White

The front must be "not less than" 2800, but will be of higher capacity. The ratings for the front and back combined will be higher than the rated total because nobody loads the truck perfectly. The center of gravity is all over the place-may be forward or may be rear. Ten percent may be a sufficient margin of error, so it's at least 3100 capacity