On both my 70 Malibu and 69 Chevelle, I cannot find the axle code on the rear ends. Both are 8.2 Chevy rears, I've checked front sides of the passenger axle tubes on both cars, and have yet to see any letters or numbers???

This has been bugging me for a long time. I know the Velle was built in California and i think all 69 Novas were built here too.

I have cleaned the rears, so I don't think it's grime that's hiding the numbers. And neither car is rusty in that area.

About where on the tube should it be? I've heard 3 inches in from the transaxle case?

They are there, you just can't see them. They are inboard of the gear case usually about 6 in. Are about 3/8" high hand stamped codes (recessed in metal tube not raised as in casting numbers) and can be stamped ever so lightly as to not be apparent at first glance. Also check both sides.