The "Y" in the 10th digit does tell you you've got a 310hp V10.
The 10th digit is indeed the year of the chassis. An "X" indicates it is a 1999 chassis which came only with a 275hp V10. The "Y" indicates it is a 2000 chassis which came with only 310hp version of the V10.
After 2000, the 10th digit changed to numbers, a "1" indicates a 2001, a "2" indicates a 2002... I hope you can figure it out from there.
V-10 F53 production began with the 1999 model year. The reason for the change was the V-10's broader power band than the larger 460. The narrow track 460 production in 1998 was replaced by the wider track 1999 275hp V10 - V10 F53's are all wide track. For 2000, the hp was increased to 310. No major changes were made to the engine between 2000 and 2006. The last 2004 chassis was made in December 2004 (not August when the usual model change-over occurs). Production of the 3 valve 2006 362hp V10 began right after Jan 1st 2005.
The same basic chassis was made for 2000 and 2001 max gvw 20,500lbs and non self-centering wheels.
For 2002, a 6 rib serpentine belt replaced the 8 rib belt used earlier, the capacity of the front axle was increased from 7,000lbs to 7,500lbs, the max. capacity of the rear axle was increased to 14,500lbs from 13,500lbs - max increased to gvw= 22,000lbs, better self centering wheels.
A frontend track bar was added as standard equipment for 2004 along with a bigger full size frame rail, 22.5" wheels on the 22,000lb chassis, lowered the gas tank and a few other misc. changes.
The 2006 chassis introduced the 3 valve V10, the 5 speed - TorqShift transmission w/tow-haul mode and improved headers-exhaust system, lowered the engine 4 inches for a lower doghouse, redesigned the air cleaner, larger radiator, frame mounted transmission oil filter, new instrument panel with transmission temp gauge, 10 hole 19.5" wheels.
For 2007, the daylight running lights were deleted, max wheelbase stretched to 242".
For 2008, 24,000lb and 26,000lb capacities were introduced, heavier duty steel frame, 158" wheelbase for 16,000lb chassis option, external transmission filter deleted in favor of improved internal filter, 9,000lb front axle, 17,500lb rear axles available, redesigned brake system, one-touch starting system, 50 degree wheel cut for frontend.
I don't have the changes for 2009-2010. Someone else may be able to add that information. Every year, it seems to get a little better.
I've probably missed mentioning several of the smaller changes but this gives you an idea of the evolution taking place in the life of the V-10 F=53 chassis. Additional input/corrections are always welcome.
* This post was
edited 05/12/10 11:42am by DFord *
DFord wrote: The "Y" in the 10th digit does tell you you've got a 310hp V10.
The 10th digit is indeed the year of the chassis. An "X" indicates it is a 1999 chassis which came only with a 275hp V10. The "Y" indicates it is a 2000 chassis which came with only 310hp version of the V10.
After 2000, the 10th digit changed to numbers, a "1" indicates a 2001, a "2" indicates a 2002... I hope you can figure it out from there.
Ford never made a 1998 F53 chassis or a 2005. The 460 production in 1997 was replaced by the wider track 1999 275hp V10 - all V10 F53's have the wider track. For 2000, the hp was increased to 310. No major changes were made to the engine until the 2006 production began. The last 2004 chassis was made in December 2004 (and not is August when the usual model change-over occurs). Production of the 3 valve 2006 362hp V10 began right after Jan 1st 2005.
The same basic chassis was made for 2000 and 2001. For 2002, a 6 rib surpentine belt replaced the 8 rib belt used earlier, the capacity of the front axle was increased from 7,000lbs to 7,500lbs, the max. capacity of the rear axle was increased to 14,500lbs from 13,500lbs - max gvw=20,500lbs, better wheel centering on hubs.
A frontend track bar was added as standard equipment for 2004 along with a bigger full size frame rail, 22.5" wheels on the 22,000lb chassis, lowered the gas tank and a few other misc. changes.
The 2006 chassis introduced the 3 valve V10, the 5 speed - TorqShift transmission w/tow-haul mode and improved headers-exhaust system, lowered the engine 4 inches for a lower doghouse, redesigned the air cleaner, larger radiator, frame mounted transmission oil filter, new instrument panel with transmission temp gauge, 10 hole 19.5" wheels.
For 2007, the daylight running lights were deleted, max wheelbase stretched to 242".
For 2008, 24,000lb and 26,000lb capacities were introduced, heavier duty steel frame, 158" wheelbase for 16,000lb chassis option, external transmission filter deleted in favor of improved internal filter, 9,000lb front axle, 17,500lb rear axles available, redesigned brake system, one-touch starting system, 50 degree wheel cut for frontend.
I don't have the changes for 2009-2010. Someone else may be able to add that information. Every year, it seems to get a little better.
This should be a "sticky."
Mark
2000 Itasca Suncruiser 35U on a Ford chassis, 65,000 miles
2003 Ford Explorer toad with US Gear brakes,
Ready Brute tow bar, and Demco base plate.
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