More Axel Decoding and swapping
Axle tag decoder site found
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,956
Likes: 10
From: MD
Yes - the F150 was considered 'heavy' half-ton. It debuted with higher-rated components in order to pass the 6000 GVW line.
The swiss-cheese frame was done to the 1980-83? F-series. Another stupid move by Ford. The F100 was the worst, when Ford introducted 5x4.50 bolt circle pattern. A cinder block in the bed would make it go over its limit. And to achieve what? 18 MPG!
The swiss-cheese frame was done to the 1980-83? F-series. Another stupid move by Ford. The F100 was the worst, when Ford introducted 5x4.50 bolt circle pattern. A cinder block in the bed would make it go over its limit. And to achieve what? 18 MPG!
New User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Wow! Thanks!
BigBlue88 - I never thought of using underscores on the fordification site! It works much better now!
NumberDummy - You are NO dummy, that's for sure! THANKS for the info! I am now wondering if the engine/tranny are the original ones. It has a 351W and a Borg Warner T-18 (by looking at the side of it, the numbers are 4304 13-01-065-907). Here is a link to photos of the stickers - any further information would be GREATLY appreciated!
http://www.photoworks.com/photo-sharing/shareSignin.jsp?shareCode=A918793C938&cp=ems_shr_a lb_pml&cb=PW
AWESOME SITE!!!!!
NumberDummy - You are NO dummy, that's for sure! THANKS for the info! I am now wondering if the engine/tranny are the original ones. It has a 351W and a Borg Warner T-18 (by looking at the side of it, the numbers are 4304 13-01-065-907). Here is a link to photos of the stickers - any further information would be GREATLY appreciated!
http://www.photoworks.com/photo-sharing/shareSignin.jsp?shareCode=A918793C938&cp=ems_shr_a lb_pml&cb=PW
AWESOME SITE!!!!!
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 787
From: Simi Valley, CA
NumberDummy, THANKS for the info! I am now wondering if the engine/tranny are the original ones. It has a 351W and a Borg Warner T-18 (by looking at the side of it, the numbers are 4304 13-01-065-907). Here is a link to photos of the stickers - any further information would be GREATLY appreciated!
http://www.photoworks.com/photo-sharing/shareSignin.jsp?shareCode=A918793C938&cp=ems_shr_a lb_pml&cb=PW
The 10th digit of the VIN is the year code: F = 1985.
Since new vehicles are introduced to the public in September of the previous year, production begins in August.
So...you could have a 1985 vehicle with a production date of: 8/84, 9/84, 10/84, 11/84, 12/84.
Since it's September 2009, you can waltz on down to your local Ford Dealer to see the 2010 vehicles in the showroom.
On both the emissions stickers is this: E4AE-9C485-ABN. This is the Ford ID number for the sticker itself ONLY!
It has nothing to do with the vehicle being a 1984.
The TRANS code is F = Borg Warner T-18 4 Speed Manual Transmission
The engine code is the 8th digit of the VIN: G = 351W 2V.
New User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Great information
NumberGURU - Once again THANKS for the information! I see that it is a 1985 model, I was just confused because of the statement on the underhood sticker that stated it was a 1984 year model - but now I see the difference. On other vehicles I have seen, the emissions sticker says that "This vehicle conforms to XXXX year model" where this sticker says "This engine conforms to XXXX year model". Not to be a pain, but is this just because of the age, or because it is a "heavy duty" truck/engine? (Interesting to read your earlier posts here that talk about Ford using this "Heavy Duty" classification to get by without catalyst!) This truck is my son's first TRUCK (had a "little" S-10 Chevy Blazer before this) and we bought it for $245 not running as a project. We now have it running and will see about posting pictures in the album later - it is great to learn all we can about it - another F250 saved from the scrapyard!
Rodney
Rodney
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 787
Likes: 0
From: Hattiesburg, MS
You won't find a "locking" rear end in anything that will directly swap into your van. The "locking" diffs are locking in name only. They are actually limited slip differentials. The only other axle that will directly swap with yours is another mid 90's E-250. Some were available with limited slip axles....so you may be able to find one in a salvage yard.
New User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
The Money Question
Which axel code would I look for? Mine is 24. Another Q; Wouldn't a mountaineer or a F250 work? I think I have a Dana 60 rear end from all the descriptions I have found.
The Tag info is as follows:
3.73 VF6UA FA
V6058 41-3
Thanks for the info!
The Tag info is as follows:
3.73 VF6UA FA
V6058 41-3
Thanks for the info!
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 787
Likes: 0
From: Hattiesburg, MS
Nope, there is no other axle that will work. F-250's do not use Dana axles anymore.
You could also "upgrade" to an E-350 axle of the same year as yours. The axle is similar. However the 350 axles are full floaters. 250 axles are semi floating.
The axle code will vary from year to year and model to model. However, limited slip axles have one letter and one number in the code. Open diffs are two numbers. Using that simple rule, you can always tell which one will have the limited slip.
You could also buy just the differential for about $400 and have it installed for about $250.
Where are you located?
You could also "upgrade" to an E-350 axle of the same year as yours. The axle is similar. However the 350 axles are full floaters. 250 axles are semi floating.
The axle code will vary from year to year and model to model. However, limited slip axles have one letter and one number in the code. Open diffs are two numbers. Using that simple rule, you can always tell which one will have the limited slip.
You could also buy just the differential for about $400 and have it installed for about $250.
Where are you located?
New User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
The Money Question
You mean to tell me that Ford E250 rear ends are unique to the E250?
and are not interchangable with F250's?
Axle Identification Chart
Mine looks jist like the Dana 60.
However, I still do not know which axle code ot look for on junked E250's in the salvage yard.
and are not interchangable with F250's?Axle Identification Chart
Mine looks jist like the Dana 60.
However, I still do not know which axle code ot look for on junked E250's in the salvage yard.
New User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
follow-up
BTW, I live in Vancouver, Wa for the time being. I want a locker rear end as it is necessary for my doomsday scenario and I am modifying my van to be a long term survival vehicle.
I don't have the money for a 4x4 van sa having a LS rear end is the closest thing to having a 4x4. I don't plan to do any stump jumping, just get through the occasional rough spot. It is embarrasing spinning your tire just getting out of your driveway because of a little mud.
But do you or know anyone who knows what the axle ID tag means I posted earlier?
3.73 VF6UA FA
V6058 41-3
That's off the tag and I can send pics of the tag upon request.
My axle code is 24 from the door inspection plate.
Thanls for the response.
"If I send more info, I will probably get a better answer!"
I don't have the money for a 4x4 van sa having a LS rear end is the closest thing to having a 4x4. I don't plan to do any stump jumping, just get through the occasional rough spot. It is embarrasing spinning your tire just getting out of your driveway because of a little mud.
But do you or know anyone who knows what the axle ID tag means I posted earlier?
3.73 VF6UA FA
V6058 41-3
That's off the tag and I can send pics of the tag upon request.
My axle code is 24 from the door inspection plate.
Thanls for the response.
"If I send more info, I will probably get a better answer!"
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 787
Likes: 0
From: Hattiesburg, MS
I don't know how else to say this....but there is NO other axle that will BOLT in to your van........EXCEPT for one that came from another VAN of the same year range. You need to find one with an axle code that has a LETTER in it. Such as B4, B7 or D6. If it has a LETTER in it, it's a limited slip.
Don't get me wrong, you can MAKE anything fit. However, for the cost of buying another axle and paying someone to modify it.........it would be CHEAPER to put a limited slip into YOUR axle.
Don't get me wrong, you can MAKE anything fit. However, for the cost of buying another axle and paying someone to modify it.........it would be CHEAPER to put a limited slip into YOUR axle.