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Unraveling Ford Part Numbers

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.

Parts Prefix

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

DIGITS #5-9 BASIC PART NUMBER

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, Interior & Trim Parts

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.

Hardware and Utility Parts

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)

Ford Special Service Tools

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

DATE CODES

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.

Typical date Code: 9A21

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.

Month Date Codes: