Rear axle tube stamping
 

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

Re: Rear axle tube stamping
 

Is there an E on the tube anywhere? to the left or under the stamping?

Re: Rear axle tube stamping
 

[ QUOTE ]
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

[/ QUOTE ]

Engines and transmissions are the only drivetrain components that are VIN-stamped to match the car. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif

Re: Rear axle tube stamping
 

That looks like it would decipher as August 21st.
The K would stand for the plant code which is McKinnon.
Look for a two letter prefix before that assembly date you just listed,like KK or KF.
CRG Reference topic
Look for the rearend casting date at the 4 O'clock webbing position while staring straight at the bullnose cover.
I agree,I've never seen a CON VIN stamped into a rearend axle tube before.

Re: Rear axle tube stamping
 

For reference here is an example for you of the axle in one of my cars.. The "G" in my application being the Detroit Gear plant..I have also never heard of a VIN stamp on a rear end. I would have to believe a previous owner had that done for ID purposes

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...h_DSC00200.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...h_DSC00198.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...h_DSC00210.jpg