Axle rating?
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New User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12
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From: Norway
Axle rating?
I hope this should be an easy question?
When ordering an axle, I can choose from two axle ratings:
3800 LBS
4500 LBS
How do I know wich one to order?
My truck got a 3850 LBS Front Gross Vehicle Weight. Does that mean I have a 3800 LBS axle?
I got no tag on my axle.
Thank you......
When ordering an axle, I can choose from two axle ratings:
3800 LBS
4500 LBS
How do I know wich one to order?
My truck got a 3850 LBS Front Gross Vehicle Weight. Does that mean I have a 3800 LBS axle?
I got no tag on my axle.
Thank you......
More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 508
Likes: 2
From: Easthampton, Ma.
In 1986, the F250 model came with a Dana 44 or a 50.
These were both TTB (twin traction beam) independent front suspension systems.
If you look at the front hub protruding thru the rim, the dana 50 model (being the heavier duty of the two) will completely fill the hole in the rim whereas the 44 model hub is considerably smaller and does not fill the hole.
Usually diesel motor equipped vehicles use the heavier duty suspension components.
I'll bet you can guess where I'm going with this!
Good luck
These were both TTB (twin traction beam) independent front suspension systems.
If you look at the front hub protruding thru the rim, the dana 50 model (being the heavier duty of the two) will completely fill the hole in the rim whereas the 44 model hub is considerably smaller and does not fill the hole.
Usually diesel motor equipped vehicles use the heavier duty suspension components.
I'll bet you can guess where I'm going with this!
Good luck
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
From: Gresham, Oregon
i got an 84 f-250 with a 460, i think i got the dana44ttb in the front and a d60 semi-float in the rear, do you think that this is accurate?
also, if it is, how do these axles tend to hold up to a beating, i like to have fun with my truck up in the woods and mountains, should i worry about replacing any parts because they are all stock.
also, if it is, how do these axles tend to hold up to a beating, i like to have fun with my truck up in the woods and mountains, should i worry about replacing any parts because they are all stock.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,330
Likes: 17
From: Dryden, ON, Canada
The D50 was not standard on the over 8500 GVWR F250, In 83, it wasn't even offered(F350 only). 84, I'll have to dig out my brochure for, but, 85-86, it was standard on extended cabs only, optional on regular cabs.
The 44 is the 3800 LB axle, with the 4600 LB axle being the D50.
The 44 is the 3800 LB axle, with the 4600 LB axle being the D50.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,739
Likes: 3
From: GANS
Easiest way to tell is if your stub shaft has a internally or externally retained u-joint. Internal = Dana 44; External = Dana 50.
However, I've only seen Dana 50s under X-cab F-250s. Not saying they not on regular cabs, but probably optional like 82F100SWB said.
However, I've only seen Dana 50s under X-cab F-250s. Not saying they not on regular cabs, but probably optional like 82F100SWB said.
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More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 508
Likes: 2
From: Easthampton, Ma.
As Evan said the D50 was an option on the regular cab F250's.
That option being the " Snow Fighter" heavy front suspension.
I have seen several of these with the lighter duty semi-floater rear end (odd combo)
For some odd reason there is no listing of that option in 83 but all other years it was offered.
1983 was an odd year for 250's and 350's
1'st year diesel.
460 was brought back
I think the crew cab was brought back (could be wrong)
No snow fighter option (for the F250's only)
Only year F350's could be had with a semi float rear axle ( I have one with crew cab-460-single tank with a/c. go figure?)
1st year for Hot fuel handeling
Did I miss anything?
That option being the " Snow Fighter" heavy front suspension.
I have seen several of these with the lighter duty semi-floater rear end (odd combo)
For some odd reason there is no listing of that option in 83 but all other years it was offered.
1983 was an odd year for 250's and 350's
1'st year diesel.
460 was brought back
I think the crew cab was brought back (could be wrong)
No snow fighter option (for the F250's only)
Only year F350's could be had with a semi float rear axle ( I have one with crew cab-460-single tank with a/c. go figure?)
1st year for Hot fuel handeling
Did I miss anything?
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,739
Likes: 3
From: GANS
Rear axle for '84 f-250s would be Dana 60 semi/full float depending on app. '85 was the changeover year for the sterlings. Most '85s have sterlings, but I'd heard about some coming factory with danas though.
More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 508
Likes: 2
From: Easthampton, Ma.
Blacksilo,
The only way to tell for sure what rearend is in your truck is to post the Bill of material # from the tag affixed to the differential rear cover.
It could also be a model 61 (the spicer catalog does not list a 61 for 84, however I have seen a lot of cross-mixing of axles by Ford over the years)
Also Ford did not offer a 4:56 ratio stock for your vehicle.
The only way to tell for sure what rearend is in your truck is to post the Bill of material # from the tag affixed to the differential rear cover.
It could also be a model 61 (the spicer catalog does not list a 61 for 84, however I have seen a lot of cross-mixing of axles by Ford over the years)
Also Ford did not offer a 4:56 ratio stock for your vehicle.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
My 86 diesel has a Dana 44 IFS front axle and a 10.25" Sterling in the rear. Most of them have the same setup. I have only seen 1 Dana 50 IFS and it was under a 460 gas motor.
I am sure the tag that says 3850 GAWR (Front) is a Dana 44 IFS
I am sure the tag that says 3850 GAWR (Front) is a Dana 44 IFS
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
From: Gresham, Oregon
if they didnt offer a stock 4.56, i'm stumped as to what i got because when i go to the MPH calculator on that racecars.net website and i put in 70mph, 4.56 axle gears and 1:1 final drive ratio and 30.5" tires, the RPM matches with what my tach says...
they must be 4.10's then huh?
also, i'll try and look for that bill of material #
they must be 4.10's then huh?
also, i'll try and look for that bill of material #
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,739
Likes: 3
From: GANS
I know the only ratios ford offered the monobeam dana 60 was 4.11 & 3.54.
Look on your door tag. 33 should be 3.54 and 35 should be 4.11.. At least in '85, which probably doesn't help you since they changed the codes for sterling axles, d'oh.
Look on your door tag. 33 should be 3.54 and 35 should be 4.11.. At least in '85, which probably doesn't help you since they changed the codes for sterling axles, d'oh.