I have a 78 F-150 and i'm trying to determine what transmission and rear axle i have from the VIN codes. I purchased a Haynes manual but they dont tell you what the codes stand for. Is there a website where you can type in your VIN code and it tells you what the codes stand for?? I'm a novice mechanic but would like to learn and do more wrenching myself is there a better maintanence manual than the Haynes??

 

I have VIN information on my site for 67 trucks only . That info will have some general application to other years, but not 78. There is a site which has a VIN decoder. I believe it encompasses your model year. You can reach it from a link off the FTE Main site. Good luck and let me know if you are successful.

<font color="#f80732" size="4" face="Graphite Light">Stock Man
</font><font color="#0000FF" size="2" face="Graphite Light">1967 F-250 FE 390 4wd</font>
<font color="#0000FF" size="2" face="Graphite Light">1966 F-250 I6 240 2wd LWB Flare Side</font>
<a href="http://www.hometown.aol.com/tbeeee">http://www.hometown.aol.com/tbeeee</a>

 

I have been looking for that site, but cant find it, do you know where it is at?

 

You can't tell from the VIN. There should be a Vehicle Certification label attached on the left front door lock face panel or door pillar. The following is from my 1978 Ford Car Shop Manual (but should apply to trucks also).

Trans: (Manual)
1: 3speed manual
5: 4 speed overdrive
6: 4 speed Borg Warner
7: 4 speed Hummer
Trans: (Automatic)
V: XP (C-3)
W: XP (C-4)
X: FMX
U: XPL (C-6)
Z: XPL (Special)

Axle Ratio
Y: 3.08
B: 2.47
1: 2.50
8: 2.73
2: 2.75
3: 2.79
6: 3.00
4: 3.18
7: 3.40

This may not explain everything (I typed it word for word from the manual) but I hope it helps.

 

Go to the FTE home page and in the "What's hot" section click on "The forum."

 

Mark in kazoo, post your numbers off that tag in the door jamb on the drivers side. it will have an axle code and transmission code and so on. I have a book that has the stuff for 78's.

 

Here is that site address:

<a href="http://www.medicine.wisc.edu/~mrm/bronco/ftvin.cgi">http://www.medicine.wisc.edu/~mrm/bronco/ftvin.cgi</a>

The post which states you are not able to get the "axle and trans" info from the vin code is correct, but this site has a spot to plug in the other data from the warranty rating plate. This site covers 1970-80 trucks.


<font color="#f80732" size="4" face="Graphite Light">Stock Man
</font><font color="#0000FF" size="2" face="Graphite Light">1967 F-250 FE 390 4wd</font>
<font color="#0000FF" size="2" face="Graphite Light">1966 F-250 I6 240 2wd LWB Flare Side</font>
<a href="http://www.hometown.aol.com/tbeeee">http://www.hometown.aol.com/tbeeee</a>