Simple, Stupid axle question

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Jul 2, 2010 | 06:22 PM

#16

redman84

Thread Starter

Cargo Master

Joined: Feb 2010

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From: College Station, TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cuda_jim

That makes it an open carrier. The markings on the tag are different from the listing on the fordification site. They only add an L for the limited slip.

So even though my 96 axle code on the fordification site has the NL the 95 is the same even though it doesn't say NL beside the ratios?

Jul 2, 2010 | 06:24 PM

#17

Cuda_jim

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Joined: Oct 2003

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From: MICHIGAN

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midwest Dually

I will take some pics of the factory unit and post it... Why? Because I actually have one from that specific year, sitting in the bed of my truck completely open and viewable!

This is one of the few times I actually have something like this readily available! LOL!

Here ya go..

I am really curious too! I wondered about this, as I have the entire differential assembly I just took out of a 97 F-250 HD with 4.10 gears. My gear tag reads as follows:

S 132 N
4L10 10 2 7030

That looks like a Limited Slip to me. The hump ^^on the right hand side near the bearing is the slot for the clutches.
Here's an open carrier

Jul 2, 2010 | 06:52 PM

#18

Midwest Dually

Posting Guru

Joined: Jan 2009

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From: Wyoming

Jim, Right on! Thank ya much!

I have never had issues with swapping out gears, or replaing them, and making sure not to misplace the parts as I go and putting them back in order.. The identificaiton process however.. Eh! LOL! Havent really had a need to until recently with the whole 4-wheel drive add on, now a little more attention in needed!

Thanks a million!

Aug 4, 2012 | 05:46 PM

#19

LeoJr

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Joined: Nov 2006

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From: Denton, TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by redman84;9065001My axle code is S129N which translates to 4.10s on a sterling 10.25 with [B

NL.[/B]

Apologies for bringing such an old thread back to life but I have the same question!

I believe the original post was about the "L" or the "NL" in one of the columns on the fortification.com chart.

Everyone agrees that the "L" within the numerical ratio (ex 3 L 55) means a locker. But what does the "L" and the "NL" in the website's column mean?

I happen to have two 10.25" rear axles with 3.55 gears, one from a '96 F250 and the other from a '96 F350. At least that is what both tags say. The F250 axle tag is marked "3 L55" and the F350 axle tag is marked "3 55". No doubt about it, the one tag does not have an "L" between the 3 and the 55. Yet both axle codes are listed on the fortification.com site as being "L" in the "NL" or "L" column.

So, back to my questions....just what does the "L" and the "NL" in this column signify?

Many thanks!!
Leo

Aug 4, 2012 | 05:58 PM

#20

tjc transport

i ain't rite

Joined: Mar 2005

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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.

i means that not everything you read on the internet is true.
the "3L55 is a limited slip differential, and the "355" is an open differential.

Aug 4, 2012 | 07:42 PM

#21

LeoJr

Cargo Master

Joined: Nov 2006

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From: Denton, TX

Thanks tjc transport!!!

So where do we vote for the Snow and Baby Bunnies for President? Gotta be better than the choices we have!!

So, back to my question....just what does the "L" and the "NL" in this column signify? It clearly has no bearing on wether is is a locker differential or not.

Edited to add: Now that I am paying attention, the NL and L seem to correspond to the tag on my two axles having/not having an L in the ratio number. The NL means No Locker, the L means yes, it has Locker.

Sorry for making this issue way more complicated then necessary!

Aug 5, 2012 | 06:38 AM

#22

tjc transport

i ain't rite

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 65,455

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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.

no idea on the "L" and "NL"
i go by what the tags say. never even heard of that site till yesterday.
as for voting for Liz and George, if only we could.

Aug 5, 2012 | 11:18 AM

#23

FORDF250HDXLT

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 20,347

Likes: 803

From: Mi'kma'ki

Quote:

Originally Posted by redman84

So here's another question. My donor has a rear axle code of S128K which translates to 3.55 on a 10.25 sterling but there's no NL or L. So what does that mean? The truck is a 95 250 4x4 XL 5 speed.

that's the top line.that doesn't show the gear ratio.that's the plant in which it came from. S = sterling there,but i dunno about the rest of it.i had known just a little while ago but forgot already lol.anyway,your ratio is on the line below that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midwest Dually

S 132 N
4L10 10 2 7030

Sterling 4.10 limited slip.10.2 ring gear. 1997.someone else can tell ya the month with the 030 at the end iirc (but it's of no importance.)

if the axle in the truck is factory,the axle code on the door will tell you if it has LS or not too.
quick way to remember; if the axle code starts with a number it's an open diff.if it starts with a letter it's got LS (or did when it came from ford.)

someone replaced the carrier in your axle back along,or swapped tags cus it clearly has an open in it now.

oh i see the site again.well that's ok and all.but you guys want this one too:
http://www.drivetrain.com/parts_cata...s_it_posi.html

this axle code is found on the drivers side door jam sticker.this is only good if your sure the rear is stock though.