[Meresq]

I re-checked the stamping on the passenger side tube of the rear axle on my 1969 Chevelle hoping to find "KQ". I had originally found the stamping 0821K. Unfortunately, on rechecking the number (using a scotch brite and a little brake fluid) the stamping is 0821K--there is not another letter after the K. Anyone have any idea how this could be? Could it possibly be a factory replacement rearend? The passenger side tube has the VIN stamped on it and it looks like the driver side tube may also have the VIN stamped on it. Any ideas?
Thanks.
Mike

 

[joe58]

you need to get some pictures of the stampings maybe some one can be of more help with good pictures.

I have not heard of vin numbers stamped on a rear

 

[Keith Tedford]

None of our '69 rearends have the VIN stamped on them. That's a new one on me.

 

[mr]

I had originally found the stamping 0821K. Unfortunately, on rechecking the number (using a scotch brite and a little brake fluid) the stamping is 0821K -- there is not another letter after the K.
Anyone have any idea how this could be?

"Axle codes", Look like these....

According to "Chevrolet by the numbers 1965-69",
The 7 digit code contains the axle code prefix, the month and day build code, the axle plant letter suffix code, and, on positraction axles, a letter code stamped below the axle code to provide source information...

0821K - [0821] is the month and day build code, "Aug. 21st", the [K] is the axle plant letter suffix code, for "McKinnon Industries"..............................Don.

Here are the casting numbers I have personally observed over the decades:

12-Bolt Housing: Casting #
1965 Chevelle 3859140N
1966 Chevelle 3875745N
1967 Chevelle 3894939NF
1967 Chevelle-Late 3917124NF
1968-Early 69 Chevelle 3917124NF
1969 Chevelle 3959038NF
1970-72 Chevelle 3969278NF