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1980 K74 Vin Decode

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Old Dec 10, 2024 | 11:27 AM
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Question 1980 K74 Vin Decode

Hi,

I have a 1980 Ford Truck with an 11 digit vin that I am struggling to decode



Any help is very much appreciated.

Thanks

Nick
 
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Old Dec 10, 2024 | 12:39 PM
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Welcome to FTE!

K74 = F700 diesel, cab model

N = Detroit DDA 990N OR 990T 501 CID V8 diesel engine

V = Kentucky Truck Plant

JD5495 = 1980 numerical series, a little past halfway in the series.

171 = 171 inch wheelbase

No color code, could have been part of the special order.

K748 = F700 diesel, 27,500 lbs GVWR

AT8
AT = I do not have upholstery info for this model year
8 = Cab and chassis, and in combination with "A", a standard cab

CF = Clark model 390 five speed direct transmission

EHN
EH = Eaton model 17221 two speed rear axle, 18,500 lbs capacity, 5.57 / 7.60 ratios
N = Ford 9,000 lb capacity front axle with power steering

536594
53 = Kansas City District Sales Office
6594 = Special Order Number

An F700 diesel is probably badged and referred to as an "F7000".

This is a CDL truck at 27,500 lbs. Air brakes?



 
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Old Dec 10, 2024 | 06:28 PM
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Originally Posted by 85e150
Welcome to FTE!

K74 = F700 diesel, cab model

N = Detroit DDA 990N OR 990T 501 CID V8 diesel engine

V = Kentucky Truck Plant

JD5495 = 1980 numerical series, a little past halfway in the series.

171 = 171 inch wheelbase

No color code, could have been part of the special order.

K748 = F700 diesel, 27,500 lbs GVWR

AT8
AT = I do not have upholstery info for this model year
8 = Cab and chassis, and in combination with "A", a standard cab

CF = Clark model 390 five speed direct transmission

EHN
EH = Eaton model 17221 two speed rear axle, 18,500 lbs capacity, 5.57 / 7.60 ratios
N = Ford 9,000 lb capacity front axle with power steering

536594
53 = Kansas City District Sales Office
6594 = Special Order Number

An F700 diesel is probably badged and referred to as an "F7000".

This is a CDL truck at 27,500 lbs. Air brakes?
Thank you so much!

Yes it has air brakes, it's a crane / pole truck with a service bed on it.




I was hoping I was going to get away without a CDL, but I am not surprised to learn it needs one.

On the title form do you recommend putting the model down as an ' F700 Diesel' or 'F7000'

Thanks

Nick
 
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Old Dec 10, 2024 | 06:44 PM
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Ford refers to the "Merchandised Series" when referencing the "F7000" and other "thousand" models. They catalog them as "F700 diesel" or "LTS900 diesel" etc.

If there is room to say "F700 diesel" do that. If not, "F7000" will be clear enough IMO.

If you don't have a CDL, you'd best check into it. It's quite involved and expensive and time consuming.

If you get a citation for driving without one, it really fubars your process of getting one as well.

Your state has all the info on line:
https://mvdmt.gov/cdl/

Note you must test with the manual transmission and air brakes or your license will be restricted to an automatic and juice brakes.

And speaking of air brakes, if you are not familiar, take some time and at least learn how to do a pre-trip inspection before you drive it. They are in many ways simpler on a truck like this, but the differences in operation and upkeep are pretty critical.

https://www.roehl.jobs/driving-jobs/...-practice-test
 
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Old Dec 11, 2024 | 10:35 AM
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Thanks!

Yes, had a few vehicles with air brakes thankfully.

Great advice on the CDL, I have been looking into them for a couple of years, but haven't quite found a valid reason to pull the trigger on one yet.

I will be using this on my own property, so not even sure I will ever use it on the road, but it's good to have options.

Thanks for all your excellent help & advice.
 
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Old Dec 11, 2024 | 03:59 PM
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Note there are exemptions for agriculture, so if that's what you're doing, you could have a way out of the CDL requirement.
 
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