can't find a chassis vin

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Jun 17, 2010 | 07:35 PM

shawn4leslee

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From: Alabama

can't find a chassis vin

I bought a 1985 f-150 4x4 and am trying to find out some things about it. According to the vin it came with a 4.9 and was a 4x2. It was involved in a police chase through some pretty bad areas including local coal mines. It had a small v8 with a house light switch turning a fuel pump on an off. Got that out first thing but am having trouble finding a chassis vin to see if it might have been a body swap. I can't really start buying parts until I know for sure what I have. I have looked the frame rail over under the hood and can't find anything.

Jun 17, 2010 | 07:47 PM

Diesel_Brad

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Joined: May 2009

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From: Gilbert, PA

I have never seen a vin on a frame from 80 and newer. Besides, the frames are the same from 82-91

Jun 17, 2010 | 07:52 PM

shawn4leslee

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From: Alabama

Did not know that. I have two other ford trucks but they are 70 and 78. Any good ideas on how to figure out what I have. This is my first 4wd.

Jun 17, 2010 | 08:17 PM

Franklin2

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From: Virginia

It should have a vin stamped on the frame, but I don't know where it is either. I have heard rumors some have it stamped on top of the frame on the passenger side on the downward slope of the frame in front of the cab, but I have never confirmed that. It's going to be hard to see wherever it is.

Jun 17, 2010 | 09:41 PM

82F100SWB

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From: Dryden, ON, Canada

Top of the frame near the starter, and some have it back by the transmission crossmember too. However, it is only a partial VIN, and doesn't include the engine code. It will tell you if it was 2wd or 4wd out of the factory though.
An easy point of reference would be to measure the rear springs, 2wd's came with 2.5" wide, 4wd's with 3", also, if the front and rear hangars on the springs have been changed(not riveted on) with 3" springs, I'd put money on the truck being converted.

Jun 17, 2010 | 10:41 PM

ctubutis

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From: Denver Metro Area, CO

Quote:

Originally Posted by Franklin2

I have heard rumors some have it stamped on top of the frame on the passenger side on the downward slope of the frame in front of the cab, but I have never confirmed that.

I saw one in a JY about 2 years ago, wish I had a camera at the time. All I can
remember is that it was on top of the right (passenger) frame rail, and I seem to
remember it was forward of the cab near the hub/tire, can't say for sure if it was
on a downward slope or not. It was stamped in the metal with fairly large (one
inch tall?) lettering.

Jun 18, 2010 | 03:04 PM

Eddiec1564

Cargo Master

Joined: Mar 2007

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From: Arcadia, Fla

I have my 84 F250 bed off for frame painting. So far I havn't seen any numbers yet stamped in it. As soon as I get some $$ up for painting I'm going to wire wheel the frame down and look as on a 87 Ranger I did find the vin stamped on the pass side top of frame just behind the axle with bed off.