Axle Decode Help
Thread Starter
|
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
Axle Decode Help
Any idea what this is? This is on my '79 F100 2WD. It looks like a Dana 44, but doesn't have a "44" on the pumpkin. I remember trying to look up the axle code at one point and it wasn't listed. I've tried to make out the tag as best I could, and here's what it appears to say:
2 72ED-D9TA-A3A
75 1739-2 MEZ (not as sure with this last line)
Axle shaft tube:
751739
21 5 79 A (guessing this is the date)
Door tag: 11J
That axle shaft number appears to be a Spicer number, but I can't find it in any Spicer literature. In all likelihood this is probably a Dana 44, but maybe someone with the books can verify. It needs a pinion seal. Thanks for the help everyone!
2 72ED-D9TA-A3A
75 1739-2 MEZ (not as sure with this last line)
Axle shaft tube:
751739
21 5 79 A (guessing this is the date)
Door tag: 11J
That axle shaft number appears to be a Spicer number, but I can't find it in any Spicer literature. In all likelihood this is probably a Dana 44, but maybe someone with the books can verify. It needs a pinion seal. Thanks for the help everyone!
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,956
Likes: 10
From: MD
It IS Dana 44. Whenever I search for the Dana 44 rear axle, I rarely get anything. Ford's redhead stepchild axle or something. I've owned a few parts trucks that had a Dana 44 rear axle, so they do exist.
If your axle code is 11J, then it's a Ford 3750 lb open axle with a 2.72 ratio. Parts catalog sez there isn't a rear axle code of 11 in 1979. Latest was 1978 only. While it says Ford, it's actually made by Dana.
If your axle code is 11J, then it's a Ford 3750 lb open axle with a 2.72 ratio. Parts catalog sez there isn't a rear axle code of 11 in 1979. Latest was 1978 only. While it says Ford, it's actually made by Dana.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,956
Likes: 10
From: MD
While the Dana 44 axle is common, they do come in a variety of sizes and configurations as they were used on other makes.
People always think half-tonners always had a Ford 9" in the rear. Nope.
If the ratio is a strange number like 2.72, 3.07, or 3.31 then it's an uncommon Dana 44/61 axle.
If you have trouble finding one, PM Bill / NumberDummy so he will know to check this thread out, I'm sure he knows the so called mystery of the Dana 44 rear axle.
People always think half-tonners always had a Ford 9" in the rear. Nope.
If the ratio is a strange number like 2.72, 3.07, or 3.31 then it's an uncommon Dana 44/61 axle.
If you have trouble finding one, PM Bill / NumberDummy so he will know to check this thread out, I'm sure he knows the so called mystery of the Dana 44 rear axle.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 787
From: Simi Valley, CA
C6TZ4676A .. Pinion Seal / Dana/Spicer part number: 35723 / National Seal part number: 5778 R54
11J:
11 = 1978/79 / Dana 44-3 / 2.72-1 / Non Limited Slip / 3750 lb. Rear Axle Capacity
J = Power Steering
Chad's version of the '73/79 parts catalog is on a CD and was scanned from an early edition.
While I have the printed version of that one, I normally use the last version dated 10/88 on Ford microfiche slides.
The early edition has errors and omissions.
There is no D9TA-A3A. The 3 is either a letter or the numeral 1 or 2.
The Dana ID number is either 7 or 8 digits long, begins with a 6.
Some 1977/79 F100/150's use Dana 44's...with "Hi-Speed rear end" ratio's like 2.72-1; 2.79-1; 3.07-1.
Ford did this to improve fuel economy...which after the first Arab oil embargo (1973/74) ended, became a national issue for the very first time.
Prior to the first oil embargo, a gallon of regular gas nationwide was between 20-25 cents.
When the embargo ended, the price had risen to ONE DOLLAR a gallon, higher in some states like CA.
Gas prices went up again...after the second oil embargo of 1979.
11J:
11 = 1978/79 / Dana 44-3 / 2.72-1 / Non Limited Slip / 3750 lb. Rear Axle Capacity
J = Power Steering
Chad's version of the '73/79 parts catalog is on a CD and was scanned from an early edition.
While I have the printed version of that one, I normally use the last version dated 10/88 on Ford microfiche slides.
The early edition has errors and omissions.
There is no D9TA-A3A. The 3 is either a letter or the numeral 1 or 2.
The Dana ID number is either 7 or 8 digits long, begins with a 6.
Some 1977/79 F100/150's use Dana 44's...with "Hi-Speed rear end" ratio's like 2.72-1; 2.79-1; 3.07-1.
Ford did this to improve fuel economy...which after the first Arab oil embargo (1973/74) ended, became a national issue for the very first time.
Prior to the first oil embargo, a gallon of regular gas nationwide was between 20-25 cents.
When the embargo ended, the price had risen to ONE DOLLAR a gallon, higher in some states like CA.
Gas prices went up again...after the second oil embargo of 1979.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,956
Likes: 10
From: MD
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
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
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 787
From: Simi Valley, CA
FYI, but unrelated to 1973/79's.
1959/68. If the F100 has Limited Slip, the rear axle is a Dana 44! The 9" with Limited Slip was only available in passenger cars.
1961/68: While the Dana 44 came with Limited Slip, Ford also offered a Dana 60 for F100's. This 60 was available with/without Limited Slip.
With this Dana 60, the wheel bolt pattern is the same as other F100's: 5 lug, 5.50" bolt circle.
1959/68. If the F100 has Limited Slip, the rear axle is a Dana 44! The 9" with Limited Slip was only available in passenger cars.
1961/68: While the Dana 44 came with Limited Slip, Ford also offered a Dana 60 for F100's. This 60 was available with/without Limited Slip.
With this Dana 60, the wheel bolt pattern is the same as other F100's: 5 lug, 5.50" bolt circle.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,626
Likes: 78
From: NE Texas
Resurrecting an old thread: Re. Bill's assertion that there was no A3A - my tag is identical to the original poster's except I read the last group as MEX, thinking this was a Dana manufactured in Mexico. I see no other way to read the first line's last group than as A3A... pic attached.
My primary question: given this is an F100 with a 2.72 diff, any educated guesses on whether this could be converted to somewhere near a 3.25-3.50ish ratio easily? I am told that with a good 300/C6/2.72 I am looking at a tow capacity of about 2000 pounds - by changing to the 3.25-3.50 ratio, roughly how much would I increase the tow capacity?
(No need suggesting reading the door, the original door was replaced with an F150 door before the last owner got it.)
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
78 Ford F150 460
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
24
Aug 15, 2016 03:52 PM
benbuilder
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
7
Nov 7, 2015 05:01 AM
somethingclever
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Jun 19, 2014 04:33 PM
eriklane
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
7
Sep 11, 2013 09:13 PM
Unimog005
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
22
Feb 16, 2010 05:49 AM
