How do I tell the gear ratio from a Ford differential tag?

The first digits on the bottom line show the ratio; for example, "3 27" means a 3.27 gear ratio. If the axle is limited slip, it reads with an "L," such as 3L27.

How do I know if my Ford axle is limited slip from the tag?

A limited-slip axle shows an "L" in the ratio, e.g. "3L27" instead of "3 27" for a 3.27 ratio.

What does the plant code letter on a Ford differential tag mean?

"S" indicates the Sterling plant and "V" indicates the Van Dyke plant.

Where is the ring gear size shown on the tag?

It is the number after the ratio on the bottom line; "75" in the example indicates a 7.5-inch ring gear.

What does the code like "0D04" on the tag mean?

It is the build date, broken into year, month, and day.

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Ford Differential Tag Decoder - Axle Gear Ratio, Ring Gear Size & Date Code

Diagram of a Ford differential tag explaining plant code, model number, gear ratio and date codes

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Reference diagram of a Ford differential identification tag decoding the plant code, model number, gear ratio and build date.

AI caption June 2013 · Photo 986 of 1095

This document is an annotated diagram explaining how to decode a Ford differential (axle) identification tag. It shows an example tag stamped "S260A" on the top line and "3 27 75 0D04" on the bottom line, with callout labels explaining each field. The first letter is the plant code, where "S" indicates Sterling and "V" indicates Van Dyke. The remainder of the top line is the model number and a revision identifier. On the bottom line, the first two groups of digits indicate the gear ratio — in this example "3 27" means a 3.27 ratio, and it would read "3L27" if the axle is a limited-slip unit. The next number, "75," indicates the ring gear size (7.5 inches in this example). The final group, "0D04," is a build date code broken into year, month, and day. This reference lets an owner identify their Ford axle's assembly plant, gear ratio, limited-slip status, ring gear size, and manufacture date directly from the metal tag bolted to the differential.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I tell the gear ratio from a Ford differential tag?: The first digits on the bottom line show the ratio; for example, "3 27" means a 3.27 gear ratio. If the axle is limited slip, it reads with an "L," such as 3L27.
How do I know if my Ford axle is limited slip from the tag?: A limited-slip axle shows an "L" in the ratio, e.g. "3L27" instead of "3 27" for a 3.27 ratio.
What does the plant code letter on a Ford differential tag mean?: "S" indicates the Sterling plant and "V" indicates the Van Dyke plant.
Where is the ring gear size shown on the tag?: It is the number after the ratio on the bottom line; "75" in the example indicates a 7.5-inch ring gear.
What does the code like "0D04" on the tag mean?: It is the build date, broken into year, month, and day.