Diagram of an axle tag explaining plant code, build date, gear r…

1984(Oct)-up Ford Axle Tag Coding

S=Sterling plant
V=Van Dyke plant
3 Numbers indicate vehicle line
Letter is plant use
Any following numbers indicate internal variations (service parts differences for interchangeable assemblies)

"Non-locker" means "open differential". The Eaton Traction-Lok is a limited slip diff. The first digit on the 2nd line is often obscured under the bolt head.



By removing the cover or the fill plug or the ABS sensor, either the ratio or tooth-counts can be read off the edge of most ring gears, like this:



Another method of finding an unknown (or uncertain) axle ratio is to chock a front tire fore&aft, shift the trans or t-case to Neutral, raise ONE rear wheel, mark it & the driveshaft, and count the driveshaft revolutions necessary to make the tire complete exactly 2 revs. If the tire won't turn (limited slip or locking diff), raise BOTH rear tires, and count driveshaft revs to get ONE tire rev.

For Dana axles, consult the Dana Axle Expert. For '92-96 Dana44IFS:

.

The axle tag should agree with the code on the VC label:



See also:

Automotive Terms & Abbreviations

Owner caption January 2005 · Photo 878 of 5000