axle code...183?
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Connecticut
I think its a mis typo 18 is axel code and the 3 maybe the tape code. if so here is what I have.
Axle code:
F-150/250/350 non limited slip:
Code...Man...Size...GVW..Gear Ratio
18......Ford....8.8"...3750...3.08
Axle code:
F-150/250/350 non limited slip:
Code...Man...Size...GVW..Gear Ratio
18......Ford....8.8"...3750...3.08
7th Gear
Joined: Feb 2023
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I realize how ancient this thread is, but there didn't seem to be a logical conclusion re: code 183. The info regarding 18 makes sense, 8.8 w/ 3.08 but my label also states 183 (1986 F150, 300, TOD 4 sp OD, 8.8 rear end). Was it common for Ford to have a typo on a vehicle label and replicate that mistake for tens of thousands of vehicles? If anyone is still around, could you elaborate on the definition of "tape code." Thanks.
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From: Virginia
But there was no 183 axle code. There were no 3 digit axle codes.
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I know it's old but this seems to be consistent going back to the late '50s"
183
18 = rear axle code, in this case Ford 3.00 or 3.08, 3750 lbs/non locking, or 3800 lbs/locking or non-locking, depending on year.
3 = front axle code, in this case "power steering delete".
183
18 = rear axle code, in this case Ford 3.00 or 3.08, 3750 lbs/non locking, or 3800 lbs/locking or non-locking, depending on year.
3 = front axle code, in this case "power steering delete".
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7th Gear
Joined: Feb 2023
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That explains it. It was empirical that on the door jamb Manufacturers Label, in the box labeled Axle Code, that my truck (and many others on this thread) was 183. It's not a typo. And even though we know Axle Codes are two characters, this clearly has 3 characters. Thanks for the cipher and the deep Ford knowledge. Much appreciated.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,950
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From: Virginia
That explains it. It was empirical that on the door jamb Manufacturers Label, in the box labeled Axle Code, that my truck (and many others on this thread) was 183. It's not a typo. And even though we know Axle Codes are two characters, this clearly has 3 characters. Thanks for the cipher and the deep Ford knowledge. Much appreciated.
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The axle code is "always" broken down by 2 digits for the rear, the 3rd for the front. In some years there is no front code when it is a standard axle.
Some of the codes have alternate meaning, usually made "clear" by the wording and date ranges etc.
Some of the codes have alternate meaning, usually made "clear" by the wording and date ranges etc.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,844
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From: Atlantic Canada
I know the Ford literature says that the 3 is for power steering delete, but people have shown up various times over the years with a "183" axle code, and the trucks always have power steering. One of the old Ford dealer guys...maybe it was Bill/Numberdummy said that the 183 code was a mistake, and that there never was a power steering delete code on these trucks. However, they do show up every now and then with that code.
I know there were trucks earlier on (all 2wd) with manual steering, but it was never indicated on the Certification label.
I know there were trucks earlier on (all 2wd) with manual steering, but it was never indicated on the Certification label.
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Scroll down to page 43 or so for the front axle codes:
https://www.forelpublishing.com/demo/Demo20083.pdf
https://www.forelpublishing.com/demo/Demo20083.pdf
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