Axle Identification Tag

Location of the axle identification code on the rating plate (certification label) is shown in the following illustration. The first two digits of the axle code (located in the right lower corner of the plate) are rear axle identifiers. The third digit identifies a front axle. Refer to Section 00-01 for a complete listing of the axle codes.

The front axle identification tag is a bar code label on the rear facing surface of the axle support arm, passenger side on Bronco, F-150 and F-250 4x4. For F-350, the label is located on the axle tube.

Rear axles (4001) have a metal tag secured under adjacent axle housing cover bolt heads listing Ford and Dana part numbers and the ratio. Front drive axles have a similar tag.

The plant code on the axle identification tag is to be used as the official service identifier.

Ford Axle Identification Tag

The plant code for an axle denotes a particular design and specific ratio, and if it is a conventional or limited slip type. In addition, the plant code will not change as long as that particular axle assembly never undergoes an external design change. If, however, an internal design change takes place during the production life of the axle and that internal change affects service parts interchangeability, a dash and numerical suffix will be added to the plant code.

Note that plant codes in the illustrations are identical, but the tag below shows a numeric. This means that as an assembly both axles are interchangeable; however, internally they are different. Therefore, each would require different internal service parts at service time.





Dana Axle Identification Tag