Notices
1997 - 2003 F150 1997-2003 F150, 1997-1999 F250LD, 7700 & 2004 F150 Heritage
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Auxito

Axle Codes

Old Jan 17, 2005 | 10:54 AM
  #1  
zman764's Avatar
zman764
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
20 Year Member
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?
 
Reply
Old Jan 17, 2005 | 12:13 PM
  #2  
MBDiagMan's Avatar
MBDiagMan
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
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
 
Reply
Old Jan 17, 2005 | 07:03 PM
  #3  
projectSHO89's Avatar
projectSHO89
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,762
Likes: 1,079
From: St Louis
3.55 8.8" rear axle.

Steve
 
Reply
Old Jan 17, 2005 | 10:16 PM
  #4  
kspilkinton's Avatar
kspilkinton
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
 
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2005 | 06:04 AM
  #5  
MBDiagMan's Avatar
MBDiagMan
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 3
From: NE Texas
Okay, so I think I know where to look for the code on the sticker, but where do I go to decipher the code once I get it?

Thanks for the replies,
Doc
 
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2005 | 06:24 PM
  #6  
PaulC's Avatar
PaulC
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.
 
Reply
Old Jan 21, 2005 | 05:07 PM
  #7  
MBDiagMan's Avatar
MBDiagMan
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
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
 
Reply
Old Jan 21, 2005 | 07:42 PM
  #8  
jseim44's Avatar
jseim44
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,771
Likes: 0
From: St. Libory
3.55 Limited Slip

I've got that too, but my clutchs just have to be shot after 145,000 miles
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-2

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-5

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-7

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Jan 22, 2005 | 10:50 AM
  #9  
zman764's Avatar
zman764
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
20 Year Member
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.
Are you refering to the sticker in the door, or the metal tag on the differential?
 
Reply
Old Jan 22, 2005 | 10:52 AM
  #10  
zman764's Avatar
zman764
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
20 Year Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 794
Likes: 3
The above is directed toward PaulC
 
Reply
Old Jan 22, 2005 | 08:16 PM
  #11  
kspilkinton's Avatar
kspilkinton
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
 

Last edited by kspilkinton; Jan 22, 2005 at 08:19 PM.
Reply
Old Jan 22, 2005 | 09:44 PM
  #12  
zman764's Avatar
zman764
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
20 Year Member
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
 
Reply
Old Jan 23, 2005 | 01:20 AM
  #13  
LxMan1's Avatar
LxMan1
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?
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
rbrockman
All Things Towing
9
May 6, 2017 03:42 PM
Seaville
Excursion - King of SUVs
3
Jan 24, 2017 08:09 AM
jeremy_p
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
2
May 16, 2016 07:22 PM
w74bronco
Excursion - King of SUVs
3
Feb 9, 2014 12:40 AM
pwrstroketx
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
4
Jan 3, 2009 12:30 PM


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:01 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-6
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-7
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-8
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE