Rear axle id

[David H.]

I am having some trouble with a positive id on my rear axle. What I have looks like this picture. My understanding is the gear ratio should be a 2 letter code on the bottom flange as part of the identifier. I'm not finding that unless this picture is it. I dont believe it is. Can anyone give me a picture of where I should be looking for this because I have gone all over mine and dont see anything else besides what I am showing here.

[Tom H.]

Re: Rear axle id

Looks like you do have a posi rear, but I don't think there is a way to determine the ratio from any info in the photo. Code should be stamped on the front side ( passenger side ) same height as the axle tube. You should see a 2 letter code followed by a date code.

[Mike M.]

Re: Rear axle id

the ratio code is stamped on the pass side of the case. if the pig is installed in the axle housing and you look straight at the pinion flange, the cast # and "P" are located at about 3 and 4 oclock. the ratio code is located at about 9 oclock. its usually lightly stamped and greas/rust removal is usually needed to view it.mike

[David H.]

Re: Rear axle id

OK, I found this stamp on the passengers side by cleaning the black paint off it. I'm afraid this still is not what I expected to find tho.
F K621

I dont show that code in anything I have here. Do you? Or do I still not have the correct stamp?

[Tom H.]

Re: Rear axle id

Everything I have shows FK as 3.70 Yours looks like June 21. I don't show the FK in 62 though. Only 59-61.

[David H.]

Re: Rear axle id

That is also what I show. Is that possible that a rear axle manufactured in june of 61 could be used in a 62? As I understand it the date stamp is the date of the rear axle being manufactured not the date of assembly in the car.

[Tom H.]

Re: Rear axle id

How early is your 62 ???

[David H.]

Re: Rear axle id

VIN is 20867S102550
or do you need something else to determine that?

[Tom H.]

Re: Rear axle id

Fairly early. I know nothing about these early cars, but I bet those dates will be acceptable. Hopefully some of the early guys will pop in and help on this one.

[Wayne L.]

Re: Rear axle id

David-
Once in awhile we see quite a spread, and that's why NCRS allows a 6-month spread on most items. Are the rest of the dates on the car correct, and do they seem to all "fit"? Does this part look original, or has it been restored? If most of the rest of the car is original, I would lean toward, yes, it is probably the original one. However, if the whole car has been completely restored, and there are a lot of reproduction/parts, and a bunch of dates, etc. that do not line up, then the differential could also be suspect. JMTCW, Wayne

[Mike M.]

Re: Rear axle id

june 21, 1961 was when the differential was machine/assembled. a june 61 date is perfectly acceptable in a 62 with a vin in the 2000's.mike

[David H.]

Re: Rear axle id

All other numbers are matching and the rest of the transmission and rear axle do not look they have been restored. The engine has been out before but it is the original. Thanks for all the help with this. I try to document all numbers with pictures if possible and I may never have found this one without your help.

[Bill O.]

Re: Rear axle id

David:
According to "Chevy by the Numbers", '60-'64, page 245, your RA code is for a 1960-1 Corvette; 370:1 Posi, four speed. metalic brakes. All 1962's began with C D.

[Bob H.]

Re: Rear axle id

now I am really confused on MY 62 original 1 owner. I never looked for the date code before and just did. I have a 4:11 rear as coded on my build sheet (CE) but check the date?

The car was built on January 16th, 1962

Does the code not show the year? If so, I guess this means 4:11 dated January 4th?

[Bill O.]

Re: Rear axle id

Bob:

I can't make out your carrier casting date??

Bill