I removed the cover from the 8.5 10 bolt in my '71 today and saw some #s on the ring gear. In white ink or paint was a x in a circle and the number 43, a space and another x in a circle and the number 43. Stamped in was 11 3910823
15:41 3 71. The code on the axle tube is GHC 1102, but on my protect-o-plate is CGH 1102. What have I got here? It has c-clip axles and the spider gears are chewed up (the source of the noise that casued me to replace it, I guess) Is it worth saving, ot is it junk? Thanks!

Well, the gear ratio is a 2.73 going by the code GH. It looks like someone transposed a digit when stamping the POP. The C would be the plant (Buffalo). 1102 is 110th day of the year second shift. I would save it if it is an 8.5". I hear they are tough to come by. Time to get a nice Eaton posi for it :D :D .

Should be an 8.2 rear, verify by:
8.2:
1 1/8" pinion nut
3/8" ring gear bolts with 9/16" heads

8.5:
1 1/4" pinon nut
7/16" ring gear bolts with 3/4" heads(LH thread)

Rene
66_Malibu

Thanks, its an 8.5 for sure.