Axle Codes Simplified (?)
 

The axle code found on the VC Label inside the drivers side door jamb of '92-'96 F-Series and Broncos is relatively easy to decipher (this may apply to older trucks as well, but I don't know for certain).

Each digit means something.

The first digit in the axle code tells you if it's Limited Slip (Posi) or not, and it's (the rear end's) weight capacity. Deciphering the weight capacity code is too complex to explain, but whether or not it's Limited Slip is easy. If the first digit of the axle code is a letter, it's Limited Slip. If it's a number, it's a one-legger. The actual letter or number specifies the rear end weight capacity.

The second digit tells you the gear ratio.

All that have a second digit that is a:
8 have 3.08 gears,
7 have 3.31 gears,
9 have 3.55 gears,
5 have 4.10 gears.

For example, all axle codes that start with a letter, and are followed by a 9 have a Posi 3.55 rear end, while all axle codes that start with a number, and are followed by a 9 have a one-legger 3.55 rear end.

The only exception I am aware of is the code W5, which is a 4.00:1 one-legger rear end with an 8250 lbs. capacity.

Other one-legger rear ends include axle code:
12 which has 2.73 gears and is rated at 3800 lbs.,
72 which has 4.63 gears and is rated at 11,000 lbs.,
73 which has 5.13 gears and is rated at 11,000 lbs.

4x4's that have a Limited Slip front axle will have a third digit in the axle code, usually a "2".

So, H92 would mean it was a 4x4 with 3.55 gears, and that both axles were Limited Slip.

FWIW, all Ford truck/van axle codes follow the first digit rule (letter = posi, number = non-posi) EXCEPT for the previously mentioned F-Series/Bronco axle code W5, and the Aerostar axle code 22 (4.10 posi).

I hope this helps with any junkyard trips or simple curiosity. I tried to make it as simple as I could. It's really not tough, once you get the hang of it.

Take care,
-Chris

PKRWUD: You said "So, H92 would mean it was a 4x4 with 3.55 gears, and that both axles were Limited Slip. "

I checked my axle code at lunch and it is H9B. Does this mean I have LS up front?

Thanks!

PS. My watch is started so you have 10 minutes. It's 2:47 EST. ;)

Oh sure, wait until I go out on a job, and then ask me a question and time me. I see how you are. :D

You are correct. Your axle code, H9B, means that you have 3.55 gears, and both front and rear axles are Limited Slip. That's a good thing. :)
Also, your rear axle capacity is 3800 lbs.

Take care,
-Chris

Thanks!!!

I guess I can forget about the lockers. I know they are sturdier and trully lock the wheels but I don't really need all that. I'm a light duty off-roader. Can't afford to tear up my primary ride. Just like to hit trails when I can.

I had heard that Ford put LS on front axles but I thought that ended sometime in the 80's.

I'm more happy with my 'new' truck everyday. I actually found a reg cab, short bed 4x4 auto w/351. I knew it was 3.55LS but I didn't know the front was LS too. I also have the manual hubs, which I'm glad about too. I just can't wait to get my superchip and exhaust.

Thanks PKRWUD..I've always wondered what gears I have. (3.31) would it be possible to make it POSI..like with a kit or something?

Of course. Any 4x4 dealer will have limited slip differentials and lockers, with varying degrees of traction. They come from mild to wild, the more wild being a little less street friendly but better off road. If you just have a 2 wheel drive, you can buy a diff. for just the rear, or if you have a 4x4, you can get them from both the front and the rear, or just one for the rear. Also, if you were thinking of getting lower gears (like if you towed a lot or if you have a 4x4 and wanted bigger tires) this would also be a good time to do a gear swap.

I'm a little confused. Where on the tag is this code? Is it 2 or 3 digits or more?

Heres some stuff near the bottom of my tag.
MB Type-GVM BODY TRANS
139 X143 GJM T
Axle TAPE SPRINGS
19 P D7

GJM is under Body
T is under trans
P is under Tape
D7 is under Springs

X143 means it's a F-150 4x4 w/ a 6250 lbs. GVWR and a 139" wheelbase

139 confirms the wheelbase

GJM means it has a cloth split bench seat, and that it's a styleside supercab

I don't show a listing for a "T" trans.

P means that if it's tutone, it's supposed to be "Tobago Green/Oxford White"

D7 just tells what part number the springs are.

19 means you have 3.55 gears, but both your front and rear axles are non limited slip.

Take care,
-Chris

Thanks.
Tho the color of my truck is maroon and silver, with a regular straight side bed ex-cab. Seems kinda numb for 3.55 gears. Maybe I need 4.10 !
I had our local carfax guru run my numbers and it said it was clean even though i know its been in 2 accidents. One was significant resulting in 2500 damage, the other resulted in my new smittybilt front bumper;)
Thanks again

Bump for kook

My Truck is 4x4, my tag says H9, so this means 3.55 Posi Front and Rear?

Your front axle isn't posi. If it was, the code would be H92. Otherwise, you are correct.

I checked, and my axle code was 18, meaning I have the 3.08 gears. With the i6 motor and the Mazda 4 speed w/OD (2wd) what would the towing capacity be? I was guessing somewhere around 4000, but anyone know for sure?

If it's a regular cab, your max trailer weight is 2300 lbs.

If it's a supercab, your max trailer weight is 2000 lbs.

It's the regular single cab, one bench seat.

Only 2300lbs? With all that motor's torque it can't haul much more than a ton? That seems a little wacky. Have something to do with the frame's stregenth or what? My cherokee with about 200hp and a little more torque is rated for 5500lbs, it pulls a 2500lb boat easily. I'm not going to be doing any heavy-duty towing since it doesn't have a hitch(just the ball in the bumper), the max load will be about 800lbs(jetski).

That just seems awfully low. The chitty axle ratio or what?

Combination of things:
1) The 3.08 axle ratio doesn't provide enough torque multiplication.
2) The Mazdog tranny is simply too light duty for a truck and the ratios are just plain wrong for towing.
2) The clutch could be a bit better too, but there's no real point to putting a HD clutch in front of that tranny.

If you want to tow with it, swap the 3.08 for a 3.55.
If you're feeling real ambitious and want to pull something heavy, swap the Mazdog for a ZF547 and put in a HD clutch

^^^Agreed!

I guess, it has to do more with the gearing and axle than the actual power. Like I said, I'm not going to be doing any serious towing, maybe 1/2 ton at most so the stock setup should be fine. I'll just use the Jeep for the heavier stuff. Just when I saw the gigantic radiator this thing has and it's massive driveshaft I figured it was made to haul. It used to have a classIII hitch on it, but it was removed when the fleet retired it.

One last question. Should I not use overdrive when towing the Sea-Doo? Total weight with trailer is 800lbs or so, hardly a heavy duty load. But then again, I usually have to downshift out of O/D even with no load if I want to top 60mph up even a minor hill. Seems odd that a truck is more geared for highway driving than hauling loads. Whatever.

Can someone please tell me what the axle code H22 would be? i found a donar truck and never had heard of h22 so i was wondering if anyone can help me out here!

The first letter indicates a posi
The "22" could either indicate the 22 code for the Aerostar rear end(could have been a special order....? High ratio would have been good for hauling)

If it's a 4x4 the second 2 would indicate both axles are posi, but the first 2 would be then a mystery.

On a late model it would decode as a 4WD with LSDs f&R and 2.73 ratios, except that combination never AFAIK existed. Perhaps the "12" axle code was for a different ratio back in 87?

this truck with the h22 is a 1980 forgot to mention? anyone have anything stable?

A 1980 what??? F350? Bronco? F100?

1980 f150 4x4 sorry guys.

Is the "T" an "AOD automatic overdrive tranny?. My '89 has a "T" code in the door and is an "AOD". My '89 Ford factory service manuals list "T" an "AOD" for '89 models. :confused:

Just a thought.

-Lance

Correct, but AODs are very rare in '92 and '93. If i hadn't seen one personally along with one on another forum, I wouldn't have believed it.

Note no OD lockout button.

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i1...g/DSCN0875.jpg

Adrianspeeder

The AOD tranny does not have electronics, therefore no OD lockout button. My AOD does not have a lockout button.

I don't understand your comment about lockout buttons. I am probably misreading it.


-Lance

Correct. Most '92-'93 trucks have the E code E4OD that has an OD lockout button however.

https://www.supermotors.net/getfile/...cleaned-up.jpg

My point is that '92-'93 AOD trucks with the T tranny code are out there.

Adrianspeeder

Adrianspeeder,

I understand now. Your first picture was of a '92 or '93 without an overdrive button, indicating it was an AOD.

I did not recognize the interior of the '92 or '93. Never been in one. I must lead a sheltered life. I've been in a Rolls, Bugatti (sp?), Ford "A", and many others but not a '92 or '93 Ford truck. ;)

-Lance

so my ratio should be 3.55 since it has h9

Correct. 3.55 limited slip.

Now I don't think that's 100% accurate. This past winter I pulled out my budddy in his 2004 Camry. Which weighs about 3000-3500. That was in snow, with rwd and 2.73's. I had no issue at all pulling him out. Just a little tire spin.😂

You responded to a post from 9 years ago.

Those particular ratings are because of the Mazda manual transmission. The I6 has plenty of torque to tow heavier and the chassis is plenty strong, but you will break the transmission if you make a habit of it. It has a weak input shaft and was designed for a lighter vehicle with a less powerful engine.

re:
 

HI Chris on my 1990 ford f150 xlt lariat supercab this is what it said on the Vin tag 139...139" wheel base GMB x151, trans: E, 19 nothing for tape Please tell me what I have for my truck and it's 4x2 thanks

Axle 19 is 3.55 non-limited slip. Trans E is a E4OD.

2000 4x4 f150
 

hello all i am tring to figure out htis darn code thing my numbers on the metal axle tag go like this 3 s 918d 55 9 75 9L16 can someone please help me i want to buy atrruck but need to figure this out thank

Answered in your other thread. This one is in the pre-1997 forum.