VIN Decoding:
The VIN (vehicle identification number) is located at the bottom of the windshield on the driver’s side. It should also be on the sticker inside the driver’s door, and be on your insurance documents.
Example V.I.N.
1FMBR10S6DUAB1234
Decoder:
1. Origin of Vehicle (1=US 2=Canada)
2. Manufacturer (F=Ford, M=Mercury)
3. Vehicle Class (T=truck, M=Multi Purpose Vehicle)
4. GVW* and Braking Capacity (B=3001-4000 C=4001-5000)
5. Type (R=Ranger, U=Utility Vehicle)
6 & 7. Chassis/Body Type (dependent on type of vehicle: on a BII 14=4x4)
8. Engine Size (S=2.8L T=2.9L)
9. Check Digit
10. Year (D=83 E=84 F=85 G=86 H=87 J=88)
11. Assembly Plant (C=Ontario H=Lorain, Ohio K=Claycomo, Mo. L=Wayne, Mi N=Norfolk, Va P=St. Paul, Mn U=Louisville, Ky Z=Hazlewood, Mo.)
12-17. Serial Numbers
*Gross Vehicle Weight
CODE: DEFINITION:
42 3.45
44 3.73
47 4.10
D2 3.45 (limited slip)
D4 3.73 (limited slip)
D7 4.10 (limited slip)
Ranger:
6-7/8"
Code/Ratio
72 open 3.08
74 open 3.45
7.5"
Code/Ratio
82 open 3.08
84 open 3.45
86 open 3.73
87 open 4.10
F4 L/S 3.45
F6 L/S 3.55
F7 L/S 3.73
8.8"
Code/Ratio
91 open 3.27
92 open 3.08
95 open 3.55
96 open 3.73
97 open 4.10
98 open 4.56
R5 L/S 3.55
R6 L/S 3.73
R7 L/S 4.10
R8 L/S 4.56
COLOR CODES
Here is a short list of Ford Color codes. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please contact Ben Hart
The following codes are some common Ford color codes. Ford codes use a standardized two-character setup where the first character discriminates the basic color and the second character discriminates the exact color. For example, reds start with a 2 and 2K is candy apple red and 24 is medium red. Generally, the lower the first number, the more pigment there is. These are just a few common colors; however, there are hundreds more.
Code Name
1C Black
1D Smoke Metallic
1G Silver Metallic
1P Medium Gray Metallic
22 Rangoon Red
28 Medium Canyon Red Metallic
2E Light Canyon Red Metallic
2K Candy Apple Red
2S Dark Red Metallic
32 Bright Blue
3J Light Harbor Blue Metallic
3L Dark Blue Metallic
3P Medium Brite Blue Metallic
3T Bahama Blue
4A Dark Teal Metallic
4J Dark Spruce Green Metallic
4W Light Teal Metallic
51 Medium Dark Fire Red
5Q Medium Dark Brown Metallic
5U Dark Walnut Metallic
5Z Light Chestnut Metallic
61 Yellow
6S Chrome Yellow
7D Holly Green
7J Medium Regatta Blue Metallic
8G Bright Bittersweet Metallic
8J Copper
8Q Light Desert Tan
9A White
9M White
Note: Most all Ranger 8.8" rear axles are 28 spline and all 7.5" axles are 28 spline axles. Some late model 8.8" Ranger rear axles are 31 spline.
Axle codes
The rear axles come with a tag (see photo below) that should be attached to a bolt on the rear cover. If there is no tag, someone has unfortunately removed it, and it will be difficult to determine which axle you have. There is also an axle identification code inside the driver’s side door on the vehicle information sticker with a two digit code for the stock axle (this may be inaccurate if anyone has changed axles previously). See chart at bottom.
Each set of numbers has a specific meaning. The diagram below explains this. All Bronco II’s came with a special version of the 7.5” rear, which has a capacity of 2640 lbs. Other Ford 7.5” axle housings will NOT work in place of the BII unit; however, the rings and pinions from any 7.5 can be swapped into it. The main reason for checking these tags is to see the axle’s gear ratio. The bottom diagram illustrates the differences in axle ratios.
On 4x4’s, there is a Dana 28 axle up front, until late 1989 when it was replaced with a special Dana 35. The front axle should have the same gear ration as the rear. The D35 is a stronger (than the D28) and can be swapped over from a Ranger (or newer BII, if not already equipped). The D28 can be re-geared; however, units with the 3.45 ratio, going to a lower (numerically higher) ring and pinion gear must use the appropriate housing.
Explorer:
All Explorer are 31 spline 8.8" rear.
Code Ratio
41 Open 3.27
44 Open 3.73
45 Open 3.55
D1 L/S 3.27
D2 L/S 4.10
D4 L/S 3.55
D5 L/S 3.73
Ranger and Explorer Codes...
