[updated:LAST EDITED ON 02-Dec-02 AT 10:59 AM (EST)]Ok folks, step right up!

Here is a VIN and door plate to decode, if you would be so kind...

VIN F10HRD16816 on a 68 F100 Ranger

Door plate - I'm guessing at the headings

WB = 131 Wheel base is 131 inches
Color = MB the truck is Maroon and White, don't know about the "B"
Model = F100 duh
Body = J 81 ??
Axle = Either G or G 17
Tran = if axle is G then this is 17
if axle is G 17 then this is blank

the numbers don't line up very well under the headings so it's difficult for me to tell which number goes with which heading

the numbers on the top row from left to right look like this
131 MB F100 J 81 G 17

Max GVW is 5000 Certified HP at RPM is 183 @ 3900 and I think the DSO is 17

bottom row numbers are

5000 183 3900 71

previous threads have indicated that the 17 axle code is a 9 inch 3300 lb 3.25 open diff. - but looking at the diff cover it looks for all the world like a picture I found of the 9 3/8 inch diff (top horizontal rib turned down and a plug). I have yet to get enough crud off the tag to read it, although a preliminary look at the tag seems to indicate that it doesn't have any raised numbers???

Anyway, here's hoping you can tell what the truck originally came with.

Thanks!

 

I'll see if I can help you out based on my 1969 Truck shop manual books which should be the same as 68:

VIN NUMBERS

F10 - f100/2wd
H - V8/390/2V carb 68-72
R - assembly plant/San Jose,CA
D16816 - consecutive unit # April 1968

engine specs for the H code 390
8 cyl / 8.6:1 comp / 255HP


DOOR PLATE

131 - wheelbase
MB - exterior paint code M-1619A white / B-3059A royal maroon
F100- model code
J81 - trim & cab or body type code (will need the 68 manual)
G - trans. code / automatic
17 - rear axle code / 3.25 - 3300lbs

5000 - max GVW lbs
183 - net HP
3900 - specifed RPM
71 - district/special order code (Los Angeles)

This is the best I can do based on my manuals;check ebay for the 68 manuals - I got mine for $15.00

 

Thank you, sir!

 

I have always wanted to ask, Now that you have that 34 year old info, what are you gonna do with it?
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Good question. Firstly, it verifies what the seller told me - it's a California truck. Second, I now know that the 390 is appropriate for this particular truck, as is the automatic tranny. The rear end tag (which I de-crudded tonight) seems to bear out the gear ratio.

So I have some indication that the driveline in the truck is original. It's not definitive proof, and since I got my first chance to crawl under the truck in the garage for an extended period, I now have more numbers to validate.

That and I just like knowing....

Pat