Axle Identification

[munztead]

Good morning all! Having difficulty identifying the rear end I'm rebuilding. Just finished grinding down all the rust and finally found some numbers stamped. The number read as follows: BR3 G147 2. Tried search the web, but not able to narrow down year, gear ratio, etc. Pics are attached.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Captkaos]

Can find what BR3 is but i breaks down like this:  If you want to know the ratio and you are rebuilding it, pull the cover rotate the ring gear and find the 2 numbers.
BR3 = Ratio
G = Plant ( Detriot Gear & Axle)
147 = 147th day of year
2 = shift

[munztead]

Thanks Chris. Anyway to determine what year it was built?

[blazer74]

The center housing I believe is the only way to determine years using casting #'s.

Need to do some research on that.

The tubes are added per application  and stamped with ratio's and build dates but not years to my knowledge.

[hatzie]

You can find Axle Identification codes in the GM parts books.  Download em from my signature or search em online at http://www.gmpartswiki.com

Don't mistake these for RPO codes on your SPID tag. Axle stamps are different animals.  Engine, transmission, and transfer case stamp codes are also in the parts books.

BR3 = 1984-1986 C1 or 1987 R1 chassis 2.73 gears in a 8.5" Corporate 10 bolt non locking diff with 11x2 brakes.