Hey, all. I'm trying to figure out the ratios on my two-speed Rockwell rear end for a 1970 C700. I have a pdf of the master parts catalog for this era but can't find the listing for either the vin plate axle code (M) or the Rockwell model numbers on the axle id plate shown. Would appreciate the input of someone more experienced than me. This is my first MD truck, and it's been steep learning curve but a lot of fun.

Thanks!
Richard

 

AXLE code is composed of 3 digits. The first 2 are for the rear axle, the 3rd is for the front axle.

M is the 3rd digit, the code for the front axle = Ford 7,000 lbs. Capacity with Power Steering.

The first 2 digits are missing, because your truck has a 6 digit DSO number...this denotes a Domestic Special Order.

280261:

28 = Louisville KY Ford District Sales Office, where the original selling dealer ordered the truck from.

0261 = Domestic Special Order number, truck ordered special by the original purchaser, not "bought off the lot."

This means that the original purchaser specified an axle that was not an RPO (Regular Production Order). The rear axle was installed after the truck left the assembly line.

Since Domestic Special Order parts are not listed in Ford part catalogs, if parts were required, the dealer contacted Ford with the 6 digit DSO.

Ford looked up the order number, passed the info back to the dealer where the parts could be found.
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FYI: 1964/72 Ford Truck Parts Catalog // Front AXLE codes: Text, General Information Section, page 78 // 1970/72 Rear AXLE codes: Text, Section 40.1, pages 14-16.

Rockwell AXLE models: Text, Section 40.3, pages 12-14. You won't find model RA 44 S 1 listed, because it was a Domestic Special Order.

 

Thanks, NumberDummy. I thought you might be the person to respond.

 

Have no info for the Rockwell R 44 but, International offered an R 44. The weight rating for the RA 44 is 18,500, which is right in line of the optional rear axle weight rating for the C 700. Does your rear axle have 6 bolts attaching the axle shaft to the hub like in the photo?

 

Thanks for the reference, tripleframe. This one has eight bolts holding the axle into the housing.

 

tripleframe, after some further research, I'm pretty sure you are correct. Thanks for pointing this out. I don't think I ever would have found it on my own.