Vin Decoding
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Freshman User
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From: Florida
Vin Decoding
I'm trying to learn everything I can about my truck's past. Does anyone know where I can go to decode my VIN and the other numbers on the door plate? I've searched this site but the door decoding article doesn't make sense to me. I think it's because my truck is a 1977 and that article is for later models. Anyways, my VIN is F14SL002528. The other numbers look like this:
W.B. Color Type/GVW Body Trans Axle
117 V F140 ED3 G H9J
I built a 460 and mounted it a couple of weeks ago and was hoping to start it today. But the ignition system doesn't match up with what is already in the truck. AND I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS
. My brother-n-law knows more than me but this even has him confused. I got a friend coming over tomorrow and he'll probably be able to fix it(master mechanic). I think if I know what this truck had in it originally, it would be easier to get this thing going now. Any help would be appreciated.
W.B. Color Type/GVW Body Trans Axle
117 V F140 ED3 G H9J
I built a 460 and mounted it a couple of weeks ago and was hoping to start it today. But the ignition system doesn't match up with what is already in the truck. AND I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS
. My brother-n-law knows more than me but this even has him confused. I got a friend coming over tomorrow and he'll probably be able to fix it(master mechanic). I think if I know what this truck had in it originally, it would be easier to get this thing going now. Any help would be appreciated.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 185
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From: North Carolina
With those other codes, please title them. When I'm trying to decode your truck for you I can't tell if I'm coming or going. However, I have, so far, determined that your truck is, of course, an F-150, with four-wheel drive, was originally a 400 c.i. (6.6L) V-8 2bbl, built in Michigan, and that's it, so far. Give me more info.
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sorry bout that charger. When I typed the message I spaced them all out like they appear on the plate. I guess when I submitted the message they got bunched together. Anyways, I'll try again.
W.B. 117, color V, type/GVW F140, Body ED3, Trans G,
Axle H9J.
I'm also trying to find out the year of the engine block I used. If you could help with that too I'd appreciate it. On the driver's side there is a plate with the numbers: 172261. And on the passenger's side the block has D9TE-AB stamped on it.
I know I'm asking alot and I'm sorry about that but I really need to know this stuff. This is my dream truck and I'm soooo close to having it running. Thanks for everything.
W.B. 117, color V, type/GVW F140, Body ED3, Trans G,
Axle H9J.
I'm also trying to find out the year of the engine block I used. If you could help with that too I'd appreciate it. On the driver's side there is a plate with the numbers: 172261. And on the passenger's side the block has D9TE-AB stamped on it.
I know I'm asking alot and I'm sorry about that but I really need to know this stuff. This is my dream truck and I'm soooo close to having it running. Thanks for everything.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Cleveland, WI USA
The D9TE-AB says that it's a 79 block.
The first letter "D" is the decade (C=60, D=70, E=80, etc...) and the first number "9" is the year. D9=79. This is true for almost all ford parts.
I'm not sure about the other letters, but they give you vehicle it was made for and the parts family it belongs to (engine, chassis, etc.). They also tell which "reversion" of the part it is (like if they made a minor design change from the original).
You can do a search on the web for "decoding ford part numbers" and you'll get a ton of info.
You say there's a plate on one side of the block, where is it and is it rivited on? Some machine shops put these tags on when they rebuild an engine.
Kevin K.
The first letter "D" is the decade (C=60, D=70, E=80, etc...) and the first number "9" is the year. D9=79. This is true for almost all ford parts.
I'm not sure about the other letters, but they give you vehicle it was made for and the parts family it belongs to (engine, chassis, etc.). They also tell which "reversion" of the part it is (like if they made a minor design change from the original).
You can do a search on the web for "decoding ford part numbers" and you'll get a ton of info.
You say there's a plate on one side of the block, where is it and is it rivited on? Some machine shops put these tags on when they rebuild an engine.
Kevin K.
Last edited by KJKozak2; Oct 7, 2003 at 10:38 AM.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 185
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From: North Carolina
Don't worry about it. 
Your original color was Medium Silver Metallic, evidently. It was an automatic. It's Gross Vehicle Weight (G.V.W.) is 6050. I believe its rear axle is limited slip, capacity of 3750, ratio of 4.11. I believe it has power steering. That's it so far. Please reply if I'm correct so I can feel good about myself. j/k
Your original color was Medium Silver Metallic, evidently. It was an automatic. It's Gross Vehicle Weight (G.V.W.) is 6050. I believe its rear axle is limited slip, capacity of 3750, ratio of 4.11. I believe it has power steering. That's it so far. Please reply if I'm correct so I can feel good about myself. j/k
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WOW, that's alot of info. Thanks to everyone.
kjkozak2, the plate you asked about is on the driver's side of the block towards the back and it appears to be welded on. I know that my machine shop didn't put it there but I guess it could have been done by another shop sometime in the past.
Charger, I can't confirm everything. But here's what I do know, it was silver and had power steering. It's a F150 so that means it was 1/2 ton but the previous owner put a 3/4 ton rearend in it and consequently busted the frontends ring gear. I'll be replacing the frontend with a 3/4 ton so it'll match the rear. I've been focused on the engine only so far. Tomorrow's the big day...I think I'll be able to fire her up. After I get the engine right, I'll start on everything else. I'll try to post some pics sometime soon.
kjkozak2, the plate you asked about is on the driver's side of the block towards the back and it appears to be welded on. I know that my machine shop didn't put it there but I guess it could have been done by another shop sometime in the past.
Charger, I can't confirm everything. But here's what I do know, it was silver and had power steering. It's a F150 so that means it was 1/2 ton but the previous owner put a 3/4 ton rearend in it and consequently busted the frontends ring gear. I'll be replacing the frontend with a 3/4 ton so it'll match the rear. I've been focused on the engine only so far. Tomorrow's the big day...I think I'll be able to fire her up. After I get the engine right, I'll start on everything else. I'll try to post some pics sometime soon.
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