How to Identify Ford Truck Parts

Ford uses a standardized part numbering system and specific truck part designations exist within the number itself. Ford has two categories of part numbers: an engineering designation and a service number. Although the two are similar, the engineering designation may have specific engineering codes that do not exist within the service number. The service number is used at the Ford parts department to identify and store the part. A Ford part number can be partially decoded, but consulting a Ford part number listing is necessary for full identification.

• 1

  Identify the part number on the part in question. A number exists on most Ford parts in varying locations. Ford part numbers are in three sections, including a prefix, a main part number and a suffix. Since the engineering designation is generally stamped on the part itself, there may be unnecessary information located within the part number; however, some engineering designations specify truck applications. C9ET-4000-A is a typical Ford part number.

• 2

  Translate the Part number. The prefix consists of four positions identifying the year of manufacture, the intended vehicle model and the engineering division responsible for the part. According to FoMoCo, the prefix C9TT is a part manufactured in 1969 for a heavy-duty truck. "C" represents the 1960s, "E" for the 1970s, "F" for the 1980s, etc.; "9" is the decade year followed by the model designation, "T," for truck. The fourth position is an engineering designation, in this case, the heavy-duty truck division.

• 3

  Look up the part number on a Ford part category listing. Fordification.com lists Ford truck basic part numbers from 1967 to 1972. The main part category 4000, of a typical part number C9ET-4000-A, is reserved for parts pertaining to the rear axle and driveshaft.

• 4

  Decipher the truck designations located within the number. Positions within the part number designating truck applications include the model and engineering department designations in the prefix and the main part number. The FoMoCo website listing offers decoding charts to properly identify these parts. The suffix is used to designate engineering changes to the part.