front/rear axles
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From: Chico
front/rear axles
Hey all....kind of a newbie question hear but how do I identify what my front and rear axles/diff. are? Im looking to rebuild them but I dont know how to identify them 1st....
the truck is a 78 Ford F150 Ranger 4x4.
the truck is a 78 Ford F150 Ranger 4x4.
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Originally Posted by 78'Ranger
Hey all....kind of a newbie question hear but how do I identify what my front and rear axles/diff. are? Im looking to rebuild them but I dont know how to identify them 1st....
the truck is a 78 Ford F150 Ranger 4x4.
the truck is a 78 Ford F150 Ranger 4x4.
Ford lists the AXLE code on the Warranty (VIN) Plate. This code ID's the rear axle as to type and ratio. Sometimes it ID"s the front axles on 4x4's, sometimes it doesn't.
On Dana 44 axles, the code is listed in two possible places on the axle itself. On a metal tag on the axle cover, or on a metal tag that bolts to the housing to the right (left on rear axles) of the cover. The bolted onto the housing tag is 2" long by 1/2" wide with either a Dana or a Ford axle code stamped on the tag. Don't be surprised if the tag on the cover is missing. When the cover was removed, when the rear axle was worked on, the usual scenario was to forget to reattach the tag. The bolted to the housing tags are (usually) always still there.
Post your AXLE code. I'll tell you what it decodes to.
btw: Not all rear axles were Ford 9 inchers. Dana 44's were used as rear axles on some models during the 1970's, too.
Last edited by NumberDummy; Jul 23, 2007 at 02:09 PM.
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From: Louisiana
He did say it was a F150 4x4. I've never seen or heard of a D44 rear, but Ford did some weird things, so who knows. There might be one out there.
More than likely the truck has a Dana 44 front with a ford 9" rear both with 3.50 gears, and the rear might even be limited slip.
Look for the metal tag on the diff cover it will tell you what gears it has (IF it is still on there like NumberDummy said). A ford 9" will not have a differential cover, it is a full third member where the gears and carrier all come out.
More than likely the truck has a Dana 44 front with a ford 9" rear both with 3.50 gears, and the rear might even be limited slip.
Look for the metal tag on the diff cover it will tell you what gears it has (IF it is still on there like NumberDummy said). A ford 9" will not have a differential cover, it is a full third member where the gears and carrier all come out.
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From: Chico
Originally Posted by NumberDummy
The rear is easy, the front may not be.
Ford lists the AXLE code on the Warranty (VIN) Plate. This code ID's the rear axle as to type and ratio. Sometimes it ID"s the front axles on 4x4's, sometimes it doesn't.
On Dana 44 axles, the code is listed in two possible places on the axle itself. On a metal tag on the axle cover, or on a metal tag that bolts to the housing to the right (left on rear axles) of the cover. The bolted onto the housing tag is 2" long by 1/2" wide with either a Dana or a Ford axle code stamped on the tag. Don't be surprised if the tag on the cover is missing. When the cover was removed, when the rear axle was worked on, the usual scenario was to forget to reattach the tag. The bolted to the housing tags are (usually) always still there.
Post your AXLE code. I'll tell you what it decodes to.
btw: Not all rear axles were Ford 9 inchers. Dana 44's were used as rear axles on some models during the 1970's, too.
Ford lists the AXLE code on the Warranty (VIN) Plate. This code ID's the rear axle as to type and ratio. Sometimes it ID"s the front axles on 4x4's, sometimes it doesn't.
On Dana 44 axles, the code is listed in two possible places on the axle itself. On a metal tag on the axle cover, or on a metal tag that bolts to the housing to the right (left on rear axles) of the cover. The bolted onto the housing tag is 2" long by 1/2" wide with either a Dana or a Ford axle code stamped on the tag. Don't be surprised if the tag on the cover is missing. When the cover was removed, when the rear axle was worked on, the usual scenario was to forget to reattach the tag. The bolted to the housing tags are (usually) always still there.
Post your AXLE code. I'll tell you what it decodes to.
btw: Not all rear axles were Ford 9 inchers. Dana 44's were used as rear axles on some models during the 1970's, too.
Last edited by 78'Ranger; Jul 23, 2007 at 04:39 PM.
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From: Chico
Where is that tag located on the axle? I was hoping to find the codes on the vin that is on the frame rail....but i cant find it for some reason...all the info i got was from the tag on the driver side door but that doesnt have axle codes....Im getting confused where these tags are...atleast I can help people once I find out tho 
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The axle tag is usually mounted to a housing stud (9") or inspection plate bolt (Dana)
The door rating plate should have an axle code.
see my decoder
Position #12.
http://www.clubfte.com/users/mil1ion...ruckCodes.html
The door rating plate should have an axle code.
see my decoder
Position #12.
http://www.clubfte.com/users/mil1ion...ruckCodes.html
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Thread Starter
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Junior User
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From: Chico
Originally Posted by STGFordCrazy04
All 4x4 78 and 79 were 9" rear. Some 2wd trucks had D44 rears.
EASIEST WAY TO TELL. Is there a cover to unbolt on the rear of your axle? If not its a 9"
EASIEST WAY TO TELL. Is there a cover to unbolt on the rear of your axle? If not its a 9"