1971 Axle Ratio and Numbers?

[Greg F.]

I have a 71 small block. I pulled the following numbers from the bottom of the rear:

AW W 039 E 1

I believe AW is 3:08 gear ratio. What is the rest of the number represent?

I'm trying to get the correct information so I can purchase a reproduction window sticker. There are two options on the Triple A (window sticker) list for Axle Ratios and they are as follows:

ZQ8 Economy Axle Ratio

ZQ9 Performance Axle Ratio

Would the 3:08 that I have be the ZQ8 option?

Thank you,
Greg

[Warren F.]

Re: 1971 Axle Ratio and Numbers?

Greg,

W is Warren Gear & Axle plant, 039 is the 39th day of 1971, E is for Eaton plant, 1 is for 1st shift.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1971 Axle Ratio and Numbers?

Greg-----

Assuming that the car is a 4 speed, then I would say that "ZQ8" would be the correct code. It's definitely not "ZQ9".

[Greg F.]

Re: 1971 Axle Ratio and Numbers?

Thanks Warren and Joe!

Joe - There is a 2:73 gear ratio that I was unaware of. Would that be the ZQ8 Economy Axle Ratio?

Sorry to be a pest, but I know this is the best place to get the correct answer,

thanks again,
Greg

[Jack H.]

Re: 1971 Axle Ratio and Numbers?

The two distinctions were 3.08 (economy) and 3.36 (performance) for the base SB presuming it was equipped with a 4-spd, manual tranny. The lower numeric ratios were used with automatics.

[John H.]

Re: 1971 Axle Ratio and Numbers?

"E" signifies the manufacturer of the Posi unit (Eaton).