I know this has likely been posted MANY times, but my axle code has never been listed. I have a 1995 F150 XL that I just purchased in NC. It has the 4.9L six and the M5OD-R2 transmission. Today I looked at the sticker in the driver's door jamb and found it has axle code 12. Looking for code charts, I did not find any charts mentioning the "12" rear end except this one:

http://www.drivetrain.com/parts_cata...s_it_posi.html

Lower on the page is a chart of "Axle Code" "Positraction" and "Ratio" (their words, not mine). Near the top is the axle code 12, stating a 2.73 ratio. Driving the truck back to New England from North Carolina yesterday, it it NOT overburdened with pulling power (I know the 4.9 Six is not noted for acceleration prowess). The truck will not pull even a minor hill at 35 MPH in 4th gear; a down shift to 3rd is required.

Does anyone know if this table is correct? I plan on towing a 2000# trailer occaisionally. Does this ratio allow enough capacity to do this towing without wiping out the clutch? Or perhaps I should look into swapping out the rear end for a 3.55 or 3.73?

Today was too bloody cold to crawl under the truck and look at the tag on the differential.

Thanks in advance.

 

12 is 2.73
you don't see too too many of them, and if you're planning on towing a lot, then yes i would eventually go with 3.55s or 3.73s

 

3.55s would be good... i pull around my 33s really good with my little ole 4.9 I6.... I tow my boat and pull people out of ditches with ease.... without a load in the bed, i can still spin the back tires to....

 

mine with 33s sucks, but thats probably b/c i have 2.73s!

 

i sense a gear swap!

 

A downshift to 3rd WOULD be required. I'm in second gear at 35.

 

oh heck, im shifting out of 3rd at 35 lol thats as high as i run 3rd gear... maybe my ears are telling me wrong???? thats why i bought a tach though.... i just havent had enough time off of work to install it

 

I like to keep the RPMs between 2000 and about 3800. When I swapped in the 3.08s it killed my power, 2.73s would be a snail with a cold. I had 3.55s, much better all around. I could see being in 4th at 35 with the 3.55s, but hell no with 2.73s.

 

I have a 94' with a 5.0L and 3.08 regular axle - it SUCKS! Even with the stock wheels and tires! I have a Ford Racing Traction Loc Diff and 4.10 gears coming.... she should move then!!

 

My 3.55 rear needs a pinion bearing, so I decided to try out the 3.08s. For $90 it was worth a shot. With the 3.08s the RPMs are too low, and the 3.55s the RPMs were a little high. I was thinking of going in between but instead I'll fix the 3.55 rear and put on bigger tires. Then I can decide if I want to swap new gears in the 3.08 rear.