Axle Codes
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 794
Likes: 3
Axle Codes
On the rearend of my 97 4x4offroad 4.6L it has a metal tag that reads
S862B 55886K
Can any one tell me where to look to find the code for the front differential?
The other day i was pullin an 04 2wd out of some we goopey clay, first attempt i put chains on my front hooks and on his hitch, i tried to back out in 4 lo, but only my left front and right rear wheels would spin, i wasnt goin any where
So i turned around and chained up my hitch to his, and pulled out forwards in 4lo, no problem all 4 wheels were spinnin.
I dont know alot about differentials or anything of that sort. Can any one explain this to me?
S862B 55886K
Can any one tell me where to look to find the code for the front differential?
The other day i was pullin an 04 2wd out of some we goopey clay, first attempt i put chains on my front hooks and on his hitch, i tried to back out in 4 lo, but only my left front and right rear wheels would spin, i wasnt goin any where
So i turned around and chained up my hitch to his, and pulled out forwards in 4lo, no problem all 4 wheels were spinnin.
I dont know alot about differentials or anything of that sort. Can any one explain this to me?
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 3
From: NE Texas
The differentials consist of what are called spider gears. These allow the wheels to run at different speeds so that you can go around corners without one of the tires scrubbing. If you have really bad traction, the wheel on an axle that has the least resistance to rotation will spin.
In a limited slip differential there are clutches that allow a wheel to slip enough to turn corners but will apply torque to both wheels in the situation where both wheels have bad traction.
I'm sorry I can't help with the codes. I am curious to see what my ratios are also, so I will be watching for a reply. I just got the truck Saturday and have not had a chance to get underneath and check.
Good luck,
Doc
In a limited slip differential there are clutches that allow a wheel to slip enough to turn corners but will apply torque to both wheels in the situation where both wheels have bad traction.
I'm sorry I can't help with the codes. I am curious to see what my ratios are also, so I will be watching for a reply. I just got the truck Saturday and have not had a chance to get underneath and check.
Good luck,
Doc
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,038
Likes: 3
From: South Kitsap County, WA
To add to Steve and Doc, the rear is an open differential. Code is "19" under axle on the door sticker.
The front is a reverse cut 8.8 inch 3.55 open diff, no tag required. All '97s and newer F150 4x4s have the 8.8 up front with the same ratios that are in the rear.
-Kerry
The front is a reverse cut 8.8 inch 3.55 open diff, no tag required. All '97s and newer F150 4x4s have the 8.8 up front with the same ratios that are in the rear.
-Kerry
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,297
Likes: 0
If the first digit is a number, the differential is open (non-limited-slip). If the first digit is a letter, it's a limited slip. The second digit defines the axle ratio. Post what you find under the word AXLE as found on the vehicle certification label on the driver's door.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 3
From: NE Texas
PaulC,
Thanks for the offer to decipher my axle code.
It is H9 on the door sticker. It is a 2000 F150, short bed 4X4. I assume that the H means limited slip, but what is the ratio?
Thanks very much for the offer.
Have a great day,
Doc
Thanks for the offer to decipher my axle code.
It is H9 on the door sticker. It is a 2000 F150, short bed 4X4. I assume that the H means limited slip, but what is the ratio?
Thanks very much for the offer.
Have a great day,
Doc
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,771
Likes: 0
From: St. Libory
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 794
Likes: 3
If the first digit is a number, the differential is open (non-limited-slip). If the first digit is a letter, it's a limited slip. The second digit defines the axle ratio.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,038
Likes: 3
From: South Kitsap County, WA
PaulC was referring to the door jamb sticker, zman. The tag on the rear itself will have an "L" between the 3 and 55 on the second line for a factory limited slip. The "3" is under the bolt holding the tag on and hard to see.
Ex: 3L55 8 8 XXXX
-Kerry
Ex: 3L55 8 8 XXXX
-Kerry
Last edited by kspilkinton; Jan 22, 2005 at 08:19 PM.
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 794
Likes: 3
Thank you for clearin me up kspilkinton,
Do you know if any one can translate this code for me ? Its on the metal tag on the rear diff.
S862B 55886K
I know its open, i just want to know what it all means
Do you know if any one can translate this code for me ? Its on the metal tag on the rear diff.
S862B 55886K
I know its open, i just want to know what it all means
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 22,436
Likes: 17
From: Louisville,Ky.
The S862B is probably the prodution date code. 55 (the 3 is hidden under the bolt) is 3.55 88 is 8.8" ring gear and not sure about the 6K. Could mean Nov.96. What is the build date of the truck?
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Seaville
Excursion - King of SUVs
3
Jan 24, 2017 08:09 AM
w74bronco
Excursion - King of SUVs
3
Feb 9, 2014 12:40 AM
