The Dana/Spicer Corp., manufacturer of axles and differentials, built the model 50 exclusively for the Ford Motor Co. for use in front-wheel-drive Ford trucks. According to Completeoffroad.com, the Dana 50 --- often confused with the Dana model 60 --- is found on both straight-axle and independent front suspensions. From 1980 to 2004, the Dana model 50 was used on many front-wheel-drive F-Series and other Ford trucks. The Dana model 50 differential can generally be identified using visual methods. Locating and referencing the Bill of Material number, however, is the surest identification method.
Go underneath the vehicle from behind the driver's side front wheel. The differential unit is between the transmission and the driver's side wheel. Count the number of bolts, according to 4 Wheel N Offroad.com. The Dana models all have 10 bolts fastening the inspection plate to the rear of the differential unit. If the bolt count is other than 10, the unit may not be a Dana-manufactured differential. To differentiate between Dana models, especially the Dana 50 and 60, the Bill of Material number must be referenced.
Find the Bill of Material number. Nationwide Parts.com locates the number on the axle shaft between the differential and transmission. It is a seven-digit code located next to the date code; 610326-1, for example. A wire brush and cleaning solvent may be necessary to clean the area to clearly view the code.
Write down the Bill of Material number and enter it into Dana's Bill of Material number identifier found on the Dana Corp. website. This identifies the axle model and original vehicle model and year.
