Odball Axle ID Code

[Joshpow]

I have a parts truck that is a 70 Canadian Ranger XLT. I checked the tag to see what rear axle it had and the VIN tag said code 17 for axle. I have not found a code 17 for a 1970 truck. Does anyone have a good idea what the ratio is and if it is supposed to be a limited slip, posi, or open diff. I do know it is a Ford 9" housing in the truck now. Any ideas would be great. I am just curious now.

Also, I know this is off topic, but I found a box under the dash with date codes correct for the truck. It was black plastic about 3x4x3". It had 8 - 10 wires and a couple rubber hoses coming out of it. It must be factory or a factory add on of some sort. Anyone know what it may be?

Sorry for my curiosity, but I would like to know what this truck had.

Thanks,

[fordman]

17 is a 3.25 ratio. thats what almost every rear i have is except the 4.00 in my 72

a pic of the box would be how to tell what that was.

[l1k2gadd]

I still haven't found out what a Dana 44 rear differential looks like.

The '68 F100 Donor truck (that came from out west) that I have here came with a Dana 44 according to the door data tag on it.

[fordman]

beside the rear cover it will have a number in rasied letters that will say 44 60 70 or something like that. but if it doesnt have a rear cover then its probably a 9 inch.

[FORDification]

A Dana 44 looks just like a Dana 60, only a little smaller. If the rear cover bolts can be removed with a 1/2" wrench, it's a Dana 44. If the bolts require a 9/16" wrench, it's a Dana 60. Also, as fordman states, if it's a Dana rearend, the model number will be cast into the reinforcing rib along the bottom right of the housing. Here's a shot of my Dana 60's markings: