Identification of 1963 drive axles

[Richard G.]

I know there are many differences in the drive flanges on the 63. Is there any differences in the drive axles that I should know about?
Mine was what appeared to be all stock 1963 on the left side and what newer replacements on the right. I believe the drive axle and both flanges and the trailing arm were replaced on the right side.
I have all the 1963 flanges and a replaced the trailing arm. The two axles are somewhat different in how the forging number appears but it looks like it would be impossible to judge. At this time it appears I can use the newer axle as long as it is not painted. As I understand it no part number stenciled onto the axles in 63, only the drive line was stenciled.
Any feedback would be appreciated.
Thanks
Rick Geier

[Mark M.]

Re: Identification of 1963 drive axles

Richard are you describing the rear wheel bearing axle or the half shafts? The 63 axles had 3 versions, all described in the 63-64 judging guide ,in the back with the service bulletins. The earlier 2 loose fit versions got replaced with press on bearings and thicker yoke flange and thicker washer under castle nut. All mid-year half shafts are the same ( except shot peened big blocks with green dab). Interesting though GM pictures showing 63 prototype cars being built with small diameter half shafts. Don't know if they ever found their way into production.

[Richard G.]

Re: Identification of 1963 drive axles

Richard are you describing the rear wheel bearing axle or the half shafts? The 63 axles had 3 versions, all described in the 63-64 judging guide ,in the back with the service bulletins. The earlier 2 loose fit versions got replaced with press on bearings and thicker yoke flange and thicker washer under castle nut. All mid-year half shafts are the same ( except shot peened big blocks with green dab). Interesting though GM pictures showing 63 prototype cars being built with small diameter half shafts. Don't know if they ever found their way into production.

My mistake, I am referencing the half shafts in the prior post, not the axles. It sounds like any c2 half shafts would be correct as long as they are not the shot peened shafts.

[Joe L.]

Re: Identification of 1963 drive axles

My mistake, I am referencing the half shafts in the prior post, not the axles. It sounds like any c2 half shafts would be correct as long as they are not the shot peened shafts.

Richard------

The only part number I can find for the 1963 half shafts (shaft only; not the assembly used in PRODUCTION) is GM #3832044. However, it is possible that there was another part number that preceded that.