Understanding Ford Part Numbers

[daniel3507]

Contributors: adsm08, alwaysFlOoReD, 85_Ranger4x4, daniel3507, http://www.fairlanet.com/partnumbers/

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Ford part numbers can be difficult to understand. A part number like, F3TZ-6D008-A, really doesnt give a lot to go on. When you understand what the basic meaning is though it gets easier.

The first set of numbers (prefix) in this part number are F3TZ
The first letter corresponds to the decade: C=1960, D=1970, E=1980, etc.
The number following that corresponds to the year: C8=1968, D9=1979, etc.
The third spot is what the part is made for and is based on the VIN: T=truck and Z=mustang.
The final spot is the "design engineering office".

The second set of numbers in our part are 6D008
This middle set is a base number: 6000 is short block engine, 6001 is long block, 7001 is transmission.

The last letter following these is A.
The last place are always one or two letters and denotes a revision.

This is a chart that can be found online about Ford Part numbers. Please note that the chart is mainly about 60s and 70s Fords but according to the website it generally applies to later years too.

PREFIX

Decade Year
A = 1940's (often omitted)
B = 1950's
C = 1960's
D = 1970's
E = 1980's
F = 1990's

Last digit of year of introduction or revision

Model Department
A = Ford (Generic) / Galaxie
C = Truck
D = Falcon
E = Explorer
F = Foreign / Trans Am Racing
G = Comet (Later Montego)
H = Holman/Moody HiPo Part
J = Industrial
L = ?
M = Mercury
N = ?
O = Fairlane (Later Torino)
P = Autolite (Later Motorcraft)
Q = ?
R = Rotunda (Generic)
S = Thunderbird
T = Truck
U = Econoline/Club Wagon Van
V = Lincoln
W = Cougar
Z = Mustang
A = Chassis
B = Body
D = ?
E = Engine
F = Engine Accessories
J = Autolite
M = Holman Moody
P = Auto Transmission
R = Manual Transmission
S = ?
U = ?
W = Axle
X = Muscle Car Parts
Y = Lincoln/Mercury Service Parts
Z = Service Parts

BASE NUMBER

1000 = Wheels
2000 = Brakes
3000 = Suspension & Steering
4000 = Axle & Driveshaft
5200 = Exhaust
5300-5400 = Front Springs & Stabilizer
5500-5900 = Rear Springs
6000 = Engine
7000 = Transmission
8000 = Radiator, Grille, Cooling & Belts
9000 = Fuel System & Fuel/Oil Gauges
10000 = Charging & Instruments
11000 = Starting
12000 = Ignition
13000 = Lamps & Horns
14000 = Wiring
15000 = Accessories
16000 = Moulding & Ornaments
17000 = Safety Equipment (Jack, Speedometer, Washer, Wipers, Mirrors, Bumpers)
18000-18100 = Shocks
18200-18700 = Comfort-Convenience Equipment (Floor Mats, Heater)
18800 = Radio & Antenna
18900 = Speakers
19000 = Gasoline
19100 = Fire Extinguishers
19500 = Custom Accessories & Car Care
19600-19900 = Air Condition





Thats what I was able to come up with. May not look pretty but I couldnt figure out how to make a chart or table.

 

[adsm08]

The third spot is what the part is made for. Seems to be no real pattern to this since T=truck and Z=mustang

The pattern is that it is based of VIN coding.

In the VIN T denotes an F-series (1FTE), and Z denotes a Mustang (1ZVH).

 

[daniel3507]

The pattern is that it is based of VIN coding.

In the VIN T denotes an F-series (1FTE), and Z denotes a Mustang (1ZVH).

Changed it. Thanks for that.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

The pattern is that it is based of VIN coding.

In the VIN T denotes an F-series (1FTE), and Z denotes a Mustang (1ZVH).

Pardon me, I don't understand which position of the VIN applies;
t of (1fte) is in the third position
z of (1zvh) is in the second position
Typing mistake?

Richard

 

[Mac]

Sorry but I got lost on that VIN connection also. I always went by the third digit being the vehical the part was orignially designed for, not "made for". Fourth meant the engineering division that released the part. A "Z" in that spot meant a service part. Never seen till now the middle part number with a letter in it, always been four numbers. Some casting numbers are only good for a couple of years but some like the 302 connecting rod (C6AE) were used from '68' to '93' I believe. Never known either when the first part was designed just for the Mustang and gotten the "Z" as a third digit. Would bet maybe when balance changed?
Dave

 

[jrpdash9]

Great write up thanks