Need help determining Ford model/year

[dandou]

Hello,

I bought Ford backhoe/loader. I was told it was 1981 5550. I need to identify model/year to order parts. The cab states it is a 7500, the loader decal is 5550, but it has been repainted and may be pieced together. 4 cyl diesel, no turbo.
The starter plate numbers:
J511J - Tractor Model No.
2J12B - Unit Date Code
*C352171 - Serial Number

Thank you!

 

[GManBart]

First off, welcome!

The 7500 was turbocharged...so it's probably not a 7500 (engine swap is possible, or some variation of removing the turbo and using a 5550 induction setup), or they did an engine swap. The 4550 had a 3cy engine, so that should be ruled out.

 

[dandou]

First off, welcome!

The 7500 was turbocharged...so it's probably not a 7500 (engine swap is possible, or some variation of removing the turbo and using a 5550 induction setup), or they did an engine swap. The 4550 had a 3cy engine, so that should be ruled out.

Yes, no turbo and a 4 cyl. Looks a lot like 755 and the instruments are same type as 7500 long line of gauges. It is also tall and heavy as the 7500 and 750...

 

[Soundguy]

what's stamped onthe bellhousing aft of the starter? and does it match the foil tag under the hood?

 

[dandou]

what's stamped onthe bellhousing aft of the starter? and does it match the foil tag under the hood?

There is no foil tag under hood.
This is by the starter:
J511J Tractor Model No.
2J12B Unit Date Code
*C352171 Serial Number

 

[Soundguy]

date codes run 10 yr ranges, thus a 2 is a decade ending based on the actual model. I'm not as up to date past the x000 or x600 however.. the 2 in your date code.. if it is an 80's decade range would be 82 and J is september 12 is day of the month B is day shift.

( now if it was a 70's range.. that would be sept 12 1972 etc. )


now. I don't know about ford re-using sn's.. but a sn of c ( a us # ) 352171 fals in the early 70's range... in 72 to be exact

1972 C327200
1973 C367300


My GUESS is you have a 72 machine.. not 82..

I'm at work with no manuals near me.. so i can't lookup your J model ID code.

Someone like RickB or Ultradog will be able to answer better. they deal with them newer machines much more than I do. I'm stuck int he glory days of the 53-64 4 cyl's mostly...

 

[joecdeere]

if I remember right the 5550 had shifters on the column and the floor, the 7500 was all on the column

5550 had a round hydraulic filter on side of grille with screw off lid, 7500 filter housing came apart in the middle with four bolts

also the 5550 was built from 1/70-12/73 and the 7500 3/73-10/75

both were big heavy massive 17' hoe machines, parts may be an issue and pricey, machines were not built in high numbers

 

[dandou]

if I remember right the 5550 had shifters on the column and the floor, the 7500 was all on the column

5550 had a round hydraulic filter on side of grille with screw off lid, 7500 filter housing came apart in the middle with four bolts

also the 5550 was built from 1/70-12/73 and the 7500 3/73-10/75

both were big heavy massive 17' hoe machines, parts may be an issue and pricey, machines were not built in high numbers

Shifters are on the floor and on the column, I'll check how the filter comes apart, but it sounds like it is 5550.
Thank you.