I need help finding a build date for my truck. It's an '81 F-350 vin:2FDJF37G9BCB24668. I need to replace the radius arm bushings. When I look up the parts, there is a pre 10/31/80 and post 11/1/80 sets for the bushings. Don't know what the difference is. I run the vin thru the decoder here and on other websites and cannot find an exact build date. I've checked inside the door jamb and sticker with the date is either worn off or missing. Is there somewhere else I can look on the truck or another web source to find this. Thanks for looking.

 

The engine block might have a date code stamped on it. If your engine is original to the truck, that might be a starting point.

 

Nah. That won't work either. I call this thing Frankenford. It's an '81 1 ton Ford cab and chassis. It has a 10' dump bed. The motor is a '63 Dodge 361 4 speed. Alternator and p/s pump are of GM origins. I didn't do it. I inherited it this way. It runs and drives great. If it weren't for the gas mileage I could drive it all day.

 

Grind off the rivets, drop the radius arms, and then measure the bushings. Grade 8 bolts and washers is all I use to put radius arms back together.

Then go find a Ford motor for that beast,

Adrianspeeder

 

That's what I'm gonna have to do. I did stop by a competent auto parts store yesterday(one where the employees don't still smell like french fries) and they told me there is no cut off date for a different bushing set. I'll figure it out. Honestly, I've not been much of a ford guy. Don't have a problem with em, just always had bowties and mopars. If it runs and I can depend on it, I like it. Thanks.

Free advice is worth what you pay for it.

 

I like the chevy trucks for sure, but never been a dodge guy. Just start twitchin' when especially the nicer older hot rods have 350SBC's dropped in left and right.

Adrianspeeder

 

Your VIN would indicate it is a late truck, built after 11/80.
Position 12 = 'B' which means the Canada plant rolled out 100,000 units under 'A'
and your truck was unit 124,668.

Although Ford did build a half million trucks in 1981, this occured at several plants.
Even if Canada put out half of all production (doubtful) that would still only total 250,000.

Canada wouldn't have built 125,000, July -Nov 1980 then the other 125,000 Dec 80 - Jun 81.

Too many clues for this truck being built after Nov 1980.

 

Good info Raoul. Thanks a lot. I'm gonna start tearing it apart this week time and weather permitting. Got some other things to patch up on it too. Valve covers and p/s pump leaking. Also think I need to bleed the brakes. They're a little spongy at times. I may have an air bubble trapped somewhere. Who knows. After almost 10 years of neglect from the previous owner I'm surprised its in as good of shape as it is.