Looking to decode the vin on a 1971 F700 I picked up today. I'm normally pretty good at doing it myself but all my resources are for pickups and not medium duty trucks. Thanks in advance.

 

I'll get back to you later today

Thread moved to Large Truck

 

Thanks for the help.

 

F70 = F700

E = 361 2V FT gas V8

V = Kentucky Truck Plant

L35777 = 1971 numerical series, March 1971 production

174 = 174 inch wheelbase

V = Dark Green

F702 = F700 gas, 23,000 lbs GVWR

4B8
4B = Black Vinyl
8 = Standard Cab, cab & chassis vehicle

M = Clark model 285V five speed direct transmission

E33
E3 = Eaton model 16244 two speed rear axle, at least 17,000 lbs capacity, max 18,500 lbs, 6.50 / 9.04 ratios
3 = Ford front axle, 6,000 lbs capacity, without power steering.

23000 = 23,000 lbs GVWR

182 3800 = 182 Certified Net HP @ 3800 RPM

171475
17 = Washington (DC) District Sales Office
1475 = Special Order Number

The usual special order items are present as regular production items--paint, engine, trans, axle, so the special order was something else.

I do not have the exact rear axle capacity, only a range of 11,000 to 18,500 lbs. Since you have a 6,000 lb front axle, the rear has to be at least 17,000. Only once have I seen a decode where the axles added up to less than the GVWR and I'm pretty sure that was an error. Usually they add up to a little more than the GVWR.

Let me know if something doesn't add up.

What wheels are on the truck? It was still possible to get Firestone RH 5 degree widow makers in '71 so check that out before you fiddle with or even kick the tires.

 

Awesome thanks for all the info. It has Dayton wheels on it.