help me decode this vin please

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Oct 24, 2003 | 05:06 PM

mrsuperman15

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help me decode this vin please

ok guys this is the vin code for the 96 f250 i am looking at, can you please help me decode the vin to find out what gear ratio, etc. it has. thanks for any help

Oct 24, 2003 | 06:46 PM

brown 4x4

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From: Nebraska

Sure, post the VIN and we'll decode it. There's more info from the codes on the door jamb sticker though. It'll tell the axle ratio, tranny, paint colors, GVWR, and wheelbase. About all the VIN tells is the model year, engine, cab type, and assembly plant.

Oct 24, 2003 | 08:32 PM

Talyn

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From: Ashland City, TN

only one i can remember is the 8th digit is the engine code.

Oct 24, 2003 | 11:05 PM

Tim Ervin

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From: NE TX

If you want the axle ratio then post the axle code from the door sticker, e.g. 35 or B6, etc. VIN doesn't give axle code, though Ford may keep a log. Of course if the ring/pinion has been changed, you'd have to look at the tag on back of the differential located on on of the bolt holes. Also, there is a tech article on decoding VIN, another on axle codes. Check for a link in upper right corner. If there is a letter first, the axle is LS. 5 for 2nd digit is 4.10, 6 is 3.73, others shown in the articles.

Oct 25, 2003 | 09:55 AM

mrsuperman15

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here's the vin code i forgot to type it 1fthf268tea77829
it looks like this truck is pretty heavy duty, were the 96 F250's good trucks or did they have things that frequently broke down

Oct 25, 2003 | 03:05 PM

Tim Ervin

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From: NE TX

I prefer F250HD for pulling. They have stronger rear axles with full floating rear wheel bearings. They also have wider rear brake shoes than F250LD. In most cases the gear ratios are suited for towing. I also prefer '95 up because the front brake calipers on older models tend to rattle if you drive on rough roads or off road as often as I do. '91 back, had dashes that cracked on the sides. I've had a '95 truck and now a similar '97 F350 DRW. I was/am pleased with that year model and similar years. I'm not saying that older Fords aren't good or newer ones aren't better. I've had less problems with Canada or U.S. built trucks than those built in Mexico. If you want a truck that will work for you, then you got it. If you need better gas mileage or a softer ride, you'll need a lighter truck. My F250HD rode great, especially with a load on the back. But at the time I drove a log skidder at work and anything short of a bucking bull would ride great. Over time the springs did soften but never really sagged. I got over 250K out of 3 different trucks similar to yours. My 5.8L, ZF 5sp, 4.10 Open got 13.5 mpg daily and 15 mpg hwy. Enjoy! And if you have a problem, e-mail me or come back to this forum. These trucks have been around long enough, most of us know how to fix them.

Oct 25, 2003 | 03:36 PM

Tim Ervin

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From: NE TX

You might try this http://www.medicine.wisc.edu/~mrm/bronco/ftvin.cgi
Your number doesn't look qiute right. Instead of 8 in the 8th spot, I expected a G, F, or H which is engine code (460 G, 351W H, 7.3 diesel F) but I may be off a few places. And '96 still offered 300 I6 and 302 but I'm not sure they were offered in F250 "HD". I have a printed decoder somewhere that I thought I got at FTE but maybe it was elsewhere. Have you tried searching for VIN at the home page in forums? The link I used to find it should show up there. I might get if I have more time later.