I recently purchased an N Series Rollback that has an air tag axle. The previous owner was not really a truck guy and could not tell me much about the truck other than that the motor was rebuilt before he purchased the truck.

I am not sure but I think the vin tag has the gross weight at 24,000 which indicates to me that the tag lift axle must have been added to increase load capacity. The truck has a two speed axle and 5 speed transmission. I am hoping that the truck has at least a 390 motor as this truck would probably not get out of its own way with the 330. Can you unravel any of the mysteries?

 

I'll get back to you later today. Engine code "E" is a 361 btw.

 

Nrolloff, I see you are in the Dallas area, any chance you'd like to sell the truck?

 

Welcome to FTE! I'll give you your own thread for the decode.

N75 = N750

E = 361 2V FT gas V8

U = Louisville Truck Plant

D69473 = 1968 numerical series, August 1968 production

181 = 181 inch wheelbase

No color code. This truck is a special order, so color might have been the reason. Looks like a repaint or two has happened.

N753 = N750, 24,000 lbs GVWR

4 81
4 = Black Ladder & Crush Vinyl
81 = Standard Cab, cab and chassis vehicle

2 = Clark model 282V five speed direct transmission

E3D
E3 = Eaton model 16244 two speed rear axle, 17,500 lbs capacity, 6.50 / 9.04 ratios
D = Ford -Rockwell (Timken) 7,000 lb capacity front axle. Power steering is NOT indicated.

24000 = 24,000 lbs GVWR

182 3800 = 182 Certified Net HP @ 3800 RPM

632611
63 = Memphis District Sales Office
2611 = Special Order Number

This series was known as the N series through model year 1969. 1970 and later became the LN series.

As far as the tag axle, that was added in the field so no info there unless you can find a label or other documentation. As to capacity, Ford says 24,000 lbs, but when you register a truck like this, depending on the state, you may have been able to register it for "X amount" per axle, within the limits set by the state and the actual axle capacity.

Looks like air brakes too. If you are not familiar with air brakes, do some homework. It's almost certain the brakes need some attention. It is certain they need to be inspected, tanks and all.....

 

Thank you. Yes air brakes for sure. Because of the age, I will replace all of the air brake diaphragms and treadle valve. I own several truck with air brakes and they are great but if a truck has been sitting a while, they can be a hazard if you don't take the time to go through the system.

 

No, I do a lot of restoration work of old fire trucks and other trucks. Figured I might as well restore and old one to haul the old ones. I am converting the Dayton tube tires over to Dayton 22.5 tubeless and will go through the entire air brake system. I think I will have the fuel tanks hot vatted as well. I hate changing fuel filters along the side of the road.

If the truck mechanicals prove to be as sound as i believe they are, then a nice paint job for sure.

Do you currently have an N Series?

 

Yes, I currently have a 68 n700, with the 330 and np435, but its a short with 120 inch wheel base, i have the engine out now and the heads off, just need to order another exhaust manifold and put it back together.