Part numbers (used for ordering and inventory purposes, and marked on parts boxes, tags and labels) should not be confused with engineering or casting numbers (normally stamped on or cast in the part for identification during the manufacturing process). They are not interchangeable -- however all follow the same general rules, so these charts may be used to provide approximate interpretations of all types of these markings.
For 1940's parts (A) the first character is sometimes omitted. Similarly, the final character is occasionally dropped from the prefix at the whim of the Ford Parts Number creators. Thus, such items as "Ford Rubber Cement" may appear with a part number of 8A-19552-B, rather than A8AZ-19552-B
Subassembly parts or accessory kits may add an additional letter (starting with A, then B, and so on) following the Thousands digit in the part number identifier. Thus, we have a Mustang automatic transmission shift lever with part number C5ZZ-7213-M, while the accompanying selector dial for a center-console equipped Mustang would be C5ZZ-7A213-D.
What can be confusing about these numbers is that a part designed for one year might actually be used for several years, or a part designed for one car line might be used on other lines as well. For instance, a part originally designed for a 1964 Ford could often be found on a 1964 or 1965 model Thunderbird, Mercury, or Lincoln as well. It is actually quite common to find parts originally designed for Thunderbirds on Lincolns, and Falcon parts on Mustangs. In order to spread out the costs of designing and manufacturing a part, Ford used parts on different models
DIGITS #10-12 (SUFFIX)—DESIGN CHANGE: Normally an alphabetical letter, with the original design being designated by the letter "A". A first revision to the original design would normally be noted with a "B", although sometimes this digit identifies a completely different component, even though the basic part is the same. For instance, different engine displacements and designs. Parts finished in different colors can be identified by their suffix numbers as well. For instance, the Simulated Styled Steel Wheel Covers for a 1969 Ford Thunderbird carry the basic part number C9SZ-1130D, followed by -26B for Brittany Blue color, 13D for Candyapple Red color, etc.
ENGINEERING VS. SERVICE PART NUMBERS: It should be noted that Ford part numbers are divided into two main categories: engineering part numbers and service part numbers. When a part is first designed, engineering assigns it an alphanumeric part number, such as C5SZ-1005-A. If the part is later completely redesigned, a new part number is assigned to it by engineering, to differentiate between the two parts, for instance C8AZ-1007-E. Both are wheel assemblies, but they have very different applications.
When the part is released as a service part, the service part number assigned to the part is likely to initially be the same as the engineering part number. Small revisions that don't affect compatibility - such as a change in suppliers - usually result in the suffix changing on the service part number to indicate the design change level. Service part numbers are normally listed on the packaging the part comes in, whether it be a box, plastic bag, envelope, sleeve, tube, etc. If the part doesn't normally have a package, a label is affixed to the part itself with the service part number. This is why sometimes the part inside the package will have a different suffix showing on it. The part itself bears the original engineering part number, while the box shows the service part number, which represents the different suppliers.
Often the change in design or suppliers (reflected by the alpha character suffix) is to address a reliability or quality issue. So, if you could choose between identical parts, one with an "A" suffix and the other with a "B" suffix, the "B" is usually the best choice. While parts marked with "B" or a suffix that indicates a change would normally fit and work the same as the same part with an "A" suffix, you can't always replace a "B" or "C" suffix part with an "A" part, even though they are basically the same. This could be due to the other components around this part not being compatible with the original "A" suffix part.
Boxed kits sold to dealers may have multiple part numbers on the various components inside the box, and the number on the box itself will be completely different than that of any parts inside the box.
The easiest way to discern if a part is a factory original or service replacement part is to check the fourth digit of the part number. If it's a "Z" it is a Ford Service Replacement part, indicating it has been changed in service during the life of the vehicle.
| Decade | Year | Model | Design Engineering Office |
|---|---|---|---|
| A = 40's (often omitted) B = 50's C = 60's D = 70's E = 80's F = 90's |
Last digit of year of introduction or revision |
A = Ford (Generic) / Galaxie B = Bronco (1970-73) Maverick (1975-77) Fairmont (1978-83) C = Remanufactured Parts (1966-75) Elite (1975) Capri (1979-up) D = Falcon (1960-69) Maverick (1970-74) Granada (1975-82) LTD (1983-up) E = Truck (Cab over Engine) (1970-73) Pinto (1976-80) Escort (1981-up) F = Foreign / Trans Am Racing G = Comet (1961-67) Montego (1968-76) EXP (1982-up) H = Holman/Moody HiPo Part Heavy Truck (1966-82) Medium Heavy Truck (1983-up) J = Industrial K = Edsel (1958-60) Tilt Cab (1970-73) Comet (1975-77) Zephyr (1978-83) Marquis (1983-up) L = Lincoln M = Mercury N = Tractor O = Fairlane Torino (1969-76) LTD II (1977-79) LN7 (1982-83) P = Autolite (Later Motorcraft) R = Rotunda (Generic)(1962-69) Ford of Europe (1970-up) Remanufactured Parts (1976?-up) S = Thunderbird T = Truck (1958-65) Light/Medium Truck (1966-82) Bronco (1966-82, Except 1970-73) Light Truck & Bronco I (1983-up) U = Econoline/Club Wagon Van V = Lincoln W = Cougar (1967-80) XR7 (1981-82) Cougar (1983-up) X = Truck (Short Highway) (1970-73) Y = Meteor (Canada) (1962-72) Bobcat (1975-80) Lynx (1981-up) Z = Mustang 2 = Pinto (1972-75) 3 = Tempo (1984-up) 4 = Comet (1971-74) Monarch (1975-80) Cougar (1981-82) Marquis (1983-up) 5 = Recreation Vehicles (1974-75) Continental (1982-up) 6 = Pantera (1971-75) Topaz (1984-up) 7 = Courier (1971-82) Ranger/Bronco II (1983-up); Explorer (1991-up) 8 = Capri (U.S. Parts) (1972-75) 9 = Turbine Engine Parts (1970-75) |
A = Light Truck Engineering Division B = Body and Electrical Product Division C = Chassis D = Overseas Product Engineering E = Engine F = General Parts/Electrical and Electronics Division H = Climate Control (1972-up) J = Autolite/Ford Parts & Service Division L = Industrial Engine Parts & Service M = Performance/Special Vehicle Operations (Incl Holman Moody) N = Tractor Parts P = Auto Transmission R = Manual Transmission S = Light & Heavy Truck Special Order Parts T = Heavy Truck Engineering U = Special Vehicle Operations W = Axle and Driveshaft X = Emissions, Economy and Special Vehicle Engineering (Muscle Car Parts) Y = Lincoln/Mercury Service Parts Z = Ford Service Parts |
| Basic Part Number | Suffix |
|---|---|
| 1000-1250 = Wheels, hubs and drums 1350-1499 = Spare wheel carrier 2001-2285 = Brakes (service) 2307-2438 = Brakes (power) 2442-2482 = Brake controls 2505-2900 = Brakes (parking) 3000-3359 = Front suspension and steering linkage 3500-3764 = Steering gear 4000-4296 = Rear axle 4600-4859 = Drive shaft 5000-5176 = Frame 5200-5299 = Muffler and exhaust pipe 5300-5499 = front spring and stabilizer 5550-5832 = Rear spring 6000-6898 = Engine 6905-6968 = Transmission overdrive and engine steady rest 7000-7997 = Transmission (Automatic or Manual) and Clutch 8000-8499 = Radiator and grille 8500-8689 = Water pump and fan 9002-9296 = Fuel tank and supercharger 9301-9420 = Fuel Pump 9421-9499 = Manifolds, clamps, etc. 9500-9599 = Carburetor and supercharger 9600-9699 = Air cleaner 9700-9999 = Accelerator and choke control rods 10000-10449 = Generator and Alternator 10500-10653 = Voltage regulator 10654-10756 = Battery 10838-10990 = Instruments 11000-11382 = Starter motor 11450-11688 = Lighting and ignition switch 12000-12390 = Ignition coil, distributor, condenser 12402-12425 = Spark plugs 13002-13248 = Lamps (head and parking) 13402-13796 = Lamps (rear) 13809-13853 = Lamps (license & pillar) & horn 14197-14689 = Wiring 15000-15858 = Miscellaneous accessories 16000-16550 = Front fender 16600-16999 = Hood 17005-17125 = Tools 17248-17383 = Speedometer & tachometer 17402-17666 = Windshield wiper & washer 17700-17730 = Mirror 17736-17999 = Bumper 18000-18125 = Shock absorber 18148-18249 = Comfort-Convenience Accessories 18250-18699 = Heater 18800 = Radio and Antenna 18900 = Speakers and radio accessories 19000 = Gasoline 19100 = Fire Extinguishers 19500-19585 = Custom Accessories; Appearance and maintenance materials 19600-19980 = Air Conditioner |
Single letter indicates specific application. |
| Body Type | Body Group | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 25 = Luggage Rack 50 = Mercury 53 = Lincoln 54 = 4-Door 57 = Ford 60 = Ford 62 = 2-Door Sedan/Coupe 63 = 2-Door Hardtop (Mustang Fastback) 65 = 2-Door Hardtop (Mustang) 66 = Ranchero 71 = Wagon 76 = Convertible 81 = Truck 83 = Truck 87 = Truck 89 = E100 91-99 = Bronco |
00000-09999 = Front End Group: 01000 = Instrument Panel Area (Lower) 02000 = Windlace 03000 = Windshield 04000 = Instrument Panel (Upper) and Visor Area 06000 = Glove Compartment 10000-19999 = Floor Group 10000-12000 = Floor (Exterior) 13000 = Floor (Interior) 20000-39999 = Side Assembly Group 20000-27600 = Doors 27700-30000 = Quarter Panel/Quarter Window 40000-49999 = Back Group (Rear Window, Trunk and Rear Valence) 50000-59999 = Top and Roof Group 60000-69999 = Seat Group |
Single letter indicates specific application. Three-letter code usually indicates color. |
| Part Number | - | Finish | Finish Suffix |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20000-24999 = Bolts 25000-31999 = Machine Screws 33000-34699 = Nuts 34700-34974 = Lock Washers 34975-34999 = Nuts 35000-39499 = Machine Screws 39500-40599 = Thread Formers 40600-41999 = Thread Cutters 42000-42639 = Tapping Screws 42640-42909 = Machine Screws 42910-43239 = Bolts 43240-43599 = Machine Screws 44700-44999 = Washers 45000-45199 = Spring Nuts 45200-45299 = Stamped Nuts 45300-45399 = Nuts 45600-49999 = Bolts 50000-51049 = Machine Screws 51050-53799 = Thread Cutters 53800-55665 = Machine Screws 55666-55859 = Nuts 55960-56099 = Tapping Screws 56100-56499 = Bolts 56900-56999 = Tapping Screws 57000-57999 = Machine Screws 58000-59999 = Bolts 60000-69999 = Rivets 72000-72199 = Cotter Pins 72200-72300 = Grooved Pins 72900-73399 = Straight Pins 73700-73799 = Taper Pins 73800-74099 = Clevis Pins 74100-74199 = Expansion Plugs 74200-74299 = Retaining Spring Clips 76000-76999 = Clevis Pins 87000-87999 = Fittings 87000-87199 = O-Rings 88350-88999 = Studs 89000-91999 = Set Screws 92000-92099 = Tapping Screws 93000-93999 = Studs 95000-95499 = Snap Studs and Snap Items 95500-95999 = Nylon Straps 97000-97199 = Clevis Pins 97200-97399 = Clamps 97400-97799 = Snap Rings 300000-300499 = Machine Screws 300500-301379 = Bolts 301380-302314 = Machine Screws 302315-305999 = Bolts 306000-306499 = Machine Screws 350000-399999 = Special Parts* |
S = Plain S2 = Raven (Phosphate and Oil) S3 = Black Japan S4 = Raven (Phosphate and Oil) and black paint S5 = Copper plate S6 = Nickel Plate S7 = Cadmium plate S8 = Zinc plate S7-8 = Cadmium-Zinc S9 = Zinc plate (Bright) S10 = Tinned S11 = Copper Coat S12 = Lacquer to match trim S13 = Chrome plated (Interior Parts) S14 = Nickel plate - Butler finish S15 = Black Oxidized S16 = Lead plate S18 = Case hardened S20 = Cement Coat S21 = Lacquer for identification S23 = Rustless (Stainless) steel - head polished S26 = Cadmium or zinc plate and enamel S27 = Screw blank S28 = Sterile coating Following finishes offer additional corrosion resistance: S32 = Black paint or zinc chromate primer S34 = Case hardened cadmium finish S35 = Zinc coat S36 = Zinc plate and Dichromate S37 = Chrome plated (Exterior Parts) S38 = Raven finish S39 = Cadmium plate S40 = Zinc plate S41 = Pre-galvainized coat S42 = Cadmium plate (Black) S43 = Zinc plate plus O.D. Chromate S45 = Chrome plate on Stainless S46 = Black Phenolic S47 = Chromium plate S48 = Cadmium/Tin plate S49 = Black Epoxy S50 = Cadmium plate & Blue Chromate S51 = Cadmium plate & Blue Chromate S91 = O-Ring material S92 = O-Ring material S93 = O-Ring material S94 = O-Ring material S100 = Special S101 = Special S102 = Special S103 = Special S104 = Special |
B = Black dye M = Non-electrolytic plating (Mechanically applied) X = Wax sealer (used to finish screw threads) |
| Tool | Year | Application | - | Basic Number | - | Design Suffix |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T | Last two digits of year of introduction |
B = Thunderbird E = Econoline F = Fairlane K = Falcon (and Econoline) L= Cars & Trucks N = Lincoln P = Car (All, including Thunderbird) Q = Quick Service S = Special Usage T = Trucks |
Basic Number of Part or Assembly to which tool applies (See "Part Identifier" lists above) |
One to three letters indicating specific application |
Some parts may include a date code indicating when the part was manufactured. Date codes are located in various areas, and are normally comprised of 3 or 4 digits.
The part number prefix indicates the decade is the 1960's, so 9A21 is decoded as being built on January 21, 1969. And sometimes, the date code can be stamped in the wrong order. We're going to guess that a "79C" code should have really been "9C7" which would designate a casting date of March 7, 1959, which would be a correct date for that particular part.