How to Read a Chevrolet Truck VIN Number for the Axle Ratio
by Jody L. CampbellYou're going to need the vehicle identification number (VIN) number to obtain the axle ratio for your Chevrolet Truck, but even after you decipher the VIN and its sequential meaning, you're going to have to do more leg work. Axle ratios can sometimes be obtained off transmission labels, but those are not necessarily accessible. For the easiest approach to figure out the information for the common person is to obtain the entire VIN number and contact the dealership or the GM manufacturer.
How to Read a Chevrolet Truck Vin Number for the Axle Ratio
Step 1
Locate the VIN plate on the Chevrolet Truck. Most 1972 and newer are located in the left hand (driver's side) dashboard visible from the lower corner of the windshield.
Step 2
Copy the number down in sequence using the pen and paper. The information in the VINs may vary slightly. For example, Chevy trucks from 1972-1979 only had 13 digits. From 1980 through today, they now have 17 digits. Information revealed in the VIN numbers is general, but each VIN is assigned uniquely to each truck.
Step 3
Learn what country the truck was manufactured in, what body, chassis, model, gross vehicle weight, brake system, safety restraint, the year it was made, the type of engine, the plant that manufactured it, and the number in sequence that it rolled off the assembly line in. All this can be deciphered from the VIN code. Refer to the additional resources link to find the year of your Chevy truck and upload a file to help you decipher the code of your VIN.
Step 4
Contact the dealer or the manufacturer (you could get a customer service number from the owners manual of the truck) and give them the VIN number and tell them you wish to know the axle ratio. They may only need certain digits from the VIN to determine, but it's better to have them all in case.
Things You'll Need
- Pen and paper
Writer Bio
Jody L. Campbell spent over 15 years as both a manager and an under-car specialist in the automotive repair industry. Prior to that, he managed two different restaurants for over 15 years. Campbell began his professional writing career in 2004 with the publication of his first book.
