Rear axle code mythbusting

[81cutlass]

Ive read that besides the RPO code on the trunk or the buildsheet there is a stamped number on the front passenger side of the axle tube. Is this true? I looked on the axle on my 85 salon and theres nothing there. Havnt took the time to look on my 81 supreme yet though.

Are the stamped codes on the axle only on cetain years or models?

Kinda was bugging me.

 

[Blake442]

They're there, though it seems the exact locations can vary.

You'll need a wire brush to reveal the numbers, and they can often be very faint, or even gone due to corrosion.

 

[84cutspreme]

Yea it is there, very hard to see sometimes. Mine was on passenger side front in probably like a 2 o'clock position and not too far from pumpkin. Was hard to read (needed wire brush and some cleaner), much easier to see if rear is hanging down. I will say though that it is not always correct though, if man was there and changed something. Only way to be 100% sure is to drop the cover and check numbers on gears.

 

[84GP455]

They are there but like they said, you have to wire brush and clean it with some solvent pretty good. Here is mine it's on the front of the passengers side axle tube facing towards the front of the car.

 

[81cutlass]

Huh, OK! I looked pretty good but didnt see them. Of course I didnt use a wire brush to clean it off either. Thanks for the info.

 

[81cutlass]

Looked on my 81 and it was super easy to see. Wipe off the dust and I saw it. Only difference is the chart a 2.41 is a 2AJ and mine reads 8AJ. I know its a 2.41 so it all matches. My 85 had enough rust where I had to use a wire brush. 9AK. Real code on the chart is 2AK, so I take it the first letter doesnt mean anything. On both the last letter matches up to the ratio it is.

I feel less confused now. 😀