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I found a neat 1968 tow truck as a new project and I'm trying to get more information on it. The hood is badged as a super duty 1000, but the VIN seems to say it's an F850.
I can't find the engineer code 'Q' or 'O' anywhere, I also couldn't match the 222HP@3200RPM with any motor that was sold with it (that I've uncovered so far). If I do get it, I'll end up going with a Marti Report.
I guess I'm looking for some advice on where to start looking for info on this thing. Is it possible to buy shop manuals for them? What about the tow gear? That would be cool to learn about.
81A = Cab and chassis vehicle. Conventional closed cab standard.
N = Spicer model 5652 five speed direct transmission
14F
14 = This shows a 44,000 lb axle--not right for this truck. Is it L4? If so:
L4 = Timken model Q246 single speed rear axle, 22,000 lbs capacity, 7.27 ratio
F = 9,000 lbs capacity front axle without H/D front brakes
27000 = 27,000 lbs GVWR. Got that CDL handy?
222 3200 = 222 Certified Net HP @ 3200 RPM
13 = New York District Sales Office
No special order.
Marti won't have a report on this size truck. I think they go to 350s.
Super Duty engines are hard to get parts for.
As to the tow truck equipment, look for a placard or plate with the Manufacturer name and model number. That equipment was added after sale and is not Ford equipment.
For shop manuals etc, search "1963 F850 Master Parts Catalog", and "1963 Ford F850 Shop Manual" and you'll find paper copies on ebay and other sellers.
Thanks for the info! The seller listed it as a 68 and the front looked more like the late 60's models than the earlier versions based on the grill/lights, but I'm also just guessing based on some pictures I've found online.
They also said they had a 63 model but that was a smaller trucks. Maybe he got the years mixed up between the two? I'll have to find out
The "Super Duty" badging refers only to the engine in those years. The Super Duty was a class of engine back then, not like current Super Duty badging. 401/477/534 cu. in.
Been learning a ton about these trucks, and did a good job staying away from the engine so far. I had a goal to try and start it around the end of June so I'm gearing up for that.
Went looking for the Carb model # and came back with:
C3T3-9510-D
LIST-2156-1
623
From what I'm seeing it looks like this is for the 8.8L 534. So more mystery instead of less.
I did confirm the vin matches the registration which shows it as a 68.
I'm going to try and find the engine plate when I pull the carb off in a week or so. I'm going to look for a vin plate on the frame when I get under it in June
Generically, "C3" = 1963, though the number can be a replacement for an older carb or be used well beyond its original Engineering number, so it doesn't pin to one year. Look for an aluminum tag attached to the carb, like this:
I see a few sources that tally that LIST-2156 to the 477 & 534; those are both essentially the same engine with different displacement, so that makes sense.
