I know a little about Mopars and Corvettes, but am new to the Ford world (I like ‘em all). I recently purchased a 1974 F100 XLT short bed, and am trying to identify the engine and transmission. I’ve ordered the shop manuals which should help. I hope I don’t wear out my welcome, but I have a few questions.

The truck manufacture date is 07/74, VIN F10GUU84XXX. I believe the truck originally had a 302. It had a 6 cylinder when my seller acquired it, and he installed the current 351W.

351 W Engine ID questions: The block number is D1A1 6015 DA14, date stamp is 1D16 (as best determined with starter in the way). Is the date April 16, 1971 … or could it be 1981? What information does the block number tell? Is it possible to determine if this was a truck motor, or from a passenger car (if there is a difference)?

Flywheel question: If the engine seems to run smoothly, can I be confident that the seller used the correct balance flywheel (i.e. not the one from the 6 cylinder)? Would the 6 cylinder flywheel even fit the crank bolt pattern?

Transmission ID (3 speed manual): The date stamp appears to read 9A31. I assume 9 means the year, but is it 1969 or 1979? The transmission ID tag says RAB 3 and E0750 … what does that mean?

Thanks

 

The letter D generally indicates decade of the 70s, but 71 seems pretty early for a 351w. But NumberDummy will likely be along shortly, to inform us with authority.

 

The Engine Code (Original Install) is in the VIN.

-Casting Numbers and Date Codes-

 

Thanks for the info.

 

Welcome to the forum ddepumpo. The VIN number is for an F100, built in Louisville with a 302. If you're REALLY interested in knowing how the truck was originally configured you can order a MARTI report from Marti Auto Works. Hope this helps.

 

D1 In The Engineering No. Indicates 1971 Model Year Release

Date Code 1D16-

1 = Year (1971 In This Instance)

D = Month (MAR)

16 = Day of Month

The 351W was released in the 1969 model year.

 

Engine block cast April 16, 1971.

351W introduced in misc. 1969 Ford/Merc passenger cars, installed in: Econolines in 1975, Lincoln/Continental Mark VI in 1980, F150/350 & Bronco in 1981.

1969/77 F100 302 & 1975/77 F150 302 would have come with a C4 (11 trans pan bolt holes) originally.

1978 was the first year that the 302 was available with a C6 (17 trans pan bolt holes) in F100/150, but the C4 was also available.

 

Thanks to all who replied. This is very helpful. The dating system is starting to make sense to me.

 

I always had trouble with the dating system. Not many girls would go out with me...

Glad it helped. Now you can understand what they mean by a numbers correct restoration.

FORD also uses this to help track-down defective parts.

 

Could the prefix be D1AE?

DIAx 6015-DA I.D.'s as a 351W

Date Code interpret is correct. RAB 3 is the trans type and E0750 will get you into the correct parts list for that particular trans. Decade of the date code would have to be used with any trans component (say main case or tail-shaft housing casting marks) or of course the trans code will I.D the asm correctly in the Master Parts Catalog.

 

Hah, that was actually very funny about the dating system. I stepped right into that one. So, it looks like I need to find the decade letter for the trans date of 9A31. So I guess a 1971 351W should be a pretty stout motor. I will run a compression test today to get an idea of condition. Thanks again.

 

And I forgot to respond to Kultulz... upon further review, yes it is D1AE, not D1A1. Thanks.

 

THANK YOU!