A little VIN decoding help here?

[jkransbottom]

OK, I've looked at the VIN decoding resource links here on the site and used the charts in the back of the JBG catalog and I'm getting contradictory information regarding my rig. Can anyone here explain what I have please?

My VIN is U15GLY80054 which I know is a 1977, 302 engined, Michigan built vehicle, but things get a little murky from there. The rest of the Tag has:

Wheelbase: 092
Color:
Type/GVW: U152 (Some resources list this as HD package)
Body: SV (No idea)
Trans: G (Auto C4)
Axle: B8J (The J is power steering but the B8 is said to be incorrect for the model year in one of the online resources)
Max GVWR: 04900

Then there's a space and "1977" with no description below it, and finally:
DSO: 231383 (The 83 is listed as "Government" on most resources).

The rear axle code (B8) and the U152 (HD Package) are the strangest parts of it to me as they seem to be counter productive. Can anybody shed some light on what I have here? Thanks in advance.

 

[broncnaz]

rear axle code of JB8 the J is power steering although it can also mean front locking axle. B8 stands for rear axle 3.50 gears locking. U152 is the HD package Hence the locking rear axle which the HD package required
I've never seen any info on the body codes for broncos that was actually stamped on a bronco data plate most seem to be different. I'm not sure on your DSO either. You might want to search for the post about the free build sheet from Ford you could order one and find out more info.

 

[Viperwolf1]

I don't have specific data for 1977 but I'm reasonably sure that this stuff didn't change much through the years. U152 is the 4900 lb GVWR package. This is the highest rating of the HD packages. B8 is a 2900 lb rear axle with traction-lok and 3.50 gears. J is for power steering. The body code is a little strange, usually it's something like 34. The 3 would indicate pastel parchment vinyl interior and the 4 adds the rear seat. Does it possibly have the explorer package?

It seems reasonable to me that you could have the U152 and a 2900 lb rear axle. The HD package is just higher spring rates. You would max out the 4900 lb GVWR before you would max out the 2900 lb rear.

No idea on the DSO. I've seen a few 6 digit ones before but have no way to decode them.