which axle do I have
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 392
Likes: 0
From: tom bean tx
by the way you dont need it. I will gladly take it away for you....I will trade you my dana 44 twin traction...It is a much better axle.........Shees i am just joking the 60 is a highly coveted axle..........I would do any thing to have one.........
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: midwest
The reason I am asking is because the set of Flowtech headers I am looking to buy say will not fit if it has a dana 60 in the front.
Trending Topics
Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
An 8.8" axle with 3.55 gears and an open carrier.
Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
So I have a 3.55 ratio, cool. Since I am no mechanic, what would be the difference in the 3.08, 3.55, 4.10. My owners manual gives these options, so I have assumed 3.55 since it was highlighted in the manual by the previous owner. I was told that the ratio information was either posted on the tranny, which it isn't or on a tag on the rearend differential. I found the tag on the rearend and here are the numbers
S817P
3l55 8 8 9D03
Do these numbers also give way to the ratio? Finally, when requesting a tranny the ratio is asked, how would that effect the mechanics. Again, no mechanic, so forgive my ignorance.
S817P
3l55 8 8 9D03
Do these numbers also give way to the ratio? Finally, when requesting a tranny the ratio is asked, how would that effect the mechanics. Again, no mechanic, so forgive my ignorance.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 787
From: Simi Valley, CA
If the AXLE code begins with a letter = Limited Slip / If with a number = no limited Slip.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 787
From: Simi Valley, CA
So I have a 3.55 ratio, cool. Since I am no mechanic, what would be the difference in the 3.08, 3.55, 4.10. My owners manual gives these options, so I have assumed 3.55 since it was highlighted in the manual by the previous owner. I was told that the ratio information was either posted on the tranny, which it isn't or on a tag on the rearend differential. I found the tag on the rearend and here are the numbers
S817P
3l55 8 8 9D03
S817P
3l55 8 8 9D03
Ford used a capital L to denote Limited Slip.
Typing a small l is confusing, as it looks like the roman numeral 1.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
So I have a 3.55 ratio, cool. Since I am no mechanic, what would be the difference in the 3.08, 3.55, 4.10. My owners manual gives these options, so I have assumed 3.55 since it was highlighted in the manual by the previous owner. I was told that the ratio information was either posted on the tranny, which it isn't or on a tag on the rearend differential. I found the tag on the rearend and here are the numbers
S817P
3l55 8 8 9D03
S817P
3l55 8 8 9D03
What the number 3.55:1 means is that for every one rotation of the pinion (what the driveshaft is connected to) the axles rotate 3.55 times. If you physically count the number of teeth on the ring gear and divide it by the number of teeth on the pinion gear you will get 3.55. That's where the number comes from.
The larger the number, the lower the gears are said to be. Most F-150's had 3.08 or 3.55 gears. The lower the gear, the more perceived power the truck has, but the higher the engine has to spin. So there is a trade-off between power and fuel economy. However, sometimes a change to lower gears can increase mileage because the engine doesn't have to downshift in order to climb a hill like it did with the higher gears.
Larger tires also have the same effect as lower gears. With bigger tires your engine won't spin as fast, but you will have less power. This is why larger tires are often done at the same time as a gear change.
Do these numbers also give way to the ratio? Finally, when requesting a tranny the ratio is asked, how would that effect the mechanics. Again, no mechanic, so forgive my ignorance.