Hi all, recently purchased a 1977 F150 and am beginning to the process of combing through the truck to see what looks good an what needs attention. This is my first old truck and first project vehicle so I am learning quite a bit.

When I jacked the rear up on stands I was able to move both rear wheels back and forth a little bit in the wheel well. It also looks like the rear side of the drum brake has had something leak on it and the diff housing is/was leaking. I think this is due to shot rear wheel bearings and seals so I was planning to replace them. My issue is I am having trouble iding what rear axle is actually in the truck. The truck VIN plate references things that I don' think are correct (VIN indicates 2WD truck but it has 4WD with floor shifter, but that's another story). I was to find the tag attached to the rear diff and if I am interpreting it correctly it appears the rear end is out of a 83 E-series van. I attached a picture for reference.

From what I can intrepid:
-Out of a 83 E-Series Van
- 9" Ford Rear
- 3.50 gears
- Non-Locking
- 31 splines

Would anyone be able to help me understand if I have this correct? Also, I believe the ford 9" rear should be the same whether it came out of a van or F150 of these years in terms of replacement parts. Is this correct or do I need to buy a replacement seals/bearings specifically for a 83 e series?

Thanks.

 

Bumping for answers, any help is appreciated.

 

If you're going to work on it, then your best bet is to pull an axle to remove all doubt. There should be a part # on the bearing.

 

so you have a 9 inch rear diff with an open carrier -- you just need a bearing kit with the 2.89 o.d. carrier bearing ( LM102949 cone / LM102910 race ),,, pinion bearings will be M88048 cone and M88010 race --- best price out there -- i get my kits from Ratech Manufacturing available directly or thru Summit --- again pull the center to double check..