Author Topic: Axle Identification  (Read 6141 times)

Offline Boone83K10

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Axle Identification
« on: January 30, 2013, 01:39:40 pm »
I know that I can pop the cover off and read the ring gear, but haven't had time and the snow is coming tonight through Monday.

My axle tube is stamped with CWH G171 1

what is it? everything I read says that there should be two letters at the beginning which gives the axle ratio... I have 3 letters.

Help.
1966 Mercury Comet - Built 429 (First Car/Show Car)
1983 Chevrolet K10 - Built 350 (Winter Toy)
1992 Chevrolet Lumina Euro (Sold @ 265,000 miles)
2003 Ford Escape 4x4 - Mac Perf. Intake/Exhaust (Wifes' DD)
2007 Mercury Milan - Steeda Tuned (Summer Toy)

Offline pholliday1

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Re: Axle Identification
« Reply #1 on: January 30, 2013, 01:47:45 pm »
What is this on? Is it a Army CUCCV? The tag you are referring to with the axle ratio generally doesn't last past a few owners and on most Diffs the tag falls/ripped off. I believe the numbers you posted are axle tube numbers? If so those numbers don't usually indicate axle ratio as there are so many options.Give more specifics on your axle.
VETERAN AND LIFETIME NRA MEMBER. WHAT DO YOU STAND FOR?
1991 V3500 CREWCAB SRW 454TBI GMC
1991 v3500 crewcab SRW 454tbi 480le 6" lift
1990 V3500 crewcab Dana 60 FF 14b 5:38 ratio 40 inch 11" lift
1989 v3500 crewcab 454TBI 5" lift

Offline Boone83K10

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Re: Axle Identification
« Reply #2 on: January 30, 2013, 03:30:55 pm »
RPO code of GQ1

83 K10

Corporate 10 bolt

'70 350 w/700r4 and NP208


I read online that the front passenger side of the rear axle is stamped. That it would reveal gear ratio, date made and something else I don't remember. Well I cleaned the entire axle with degreaser and rags and that was stamped on it. Everything says should start with two letters and mine has 3.

On the pumpkin there is GM 35 and F163. There is also a longer set of numbers but I can't remember them off the top of my head here at work.
« Last Edit: January 30, 2013, 03:34:05 pm by Boone83K10 »
1966 Mercury Comet - Built 429 (First Car/Show Car)
1983 Chevrolet K10 - Built 350 (Winter Toy)
1992 Chevrolet Lumina Euro (Sold @ 265,000 miles)
2003 Ford Escape 4x4 - Mac Perf. Intake/Exhaust (Wifes' DD)
2007 Mercury Milan - Steeda Tuned (Summer Toy)

Offline pholliday1

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  • 1990 V3500 Crew Cab
Re: Axle Identification
« Reply #3 on: January 30, 2013, 03:38:11 pm »
Yea 30 years old..... pull the covers count the teeth then you'll know plus you can inspect the diff and change the fluid.
VETERAN AND LIFETIME NRA MEMBER. WHAT DO YOU STAND FOR?
1991 V3500 CREWCAB SRW 454TBI GMC
1991 v3500 crewcab SRW 454tbi 480le 6" lift
1990 V3500 crewcab Dana 60 FF 14b 5:38 ratio 40 inch 11" lift
1989 v3500 crewcab 454TBI 5" lift

Offline gildardo01

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Re: Axle Identification
« Reply #4 on: January 30, 2013, 03:51:39 pm »
Yea 30 years old..... pull the covers count the teeth then you'll know plus you can inspect the diff and change the fluid.
i agree... and it only takes less than half an hour..

Offline Boone83K10

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Re: Axle Identification
« Reply #5 on: January 30, 2013, 03:51:45 pm »
True, question though. Manual says front axle takes 80w-90 GL-5 Gear Lubricant and rear axle takes 80w-90 Gear Oil. What's the difference?

sorry this is my first true 4x4 so I am new to the scene.
1966 Mercury Comet - Built 429 (First Car/Show Car)
1983 Chevrolet K10 - Built 350 (Winter Toy)
1992 Chevrolet Lumina Euro (Sold @ 265,000 miles)
2003 Ford Escape 4x4 - Mac Perf. Intake/Exhaust (Wifes' DD)
2007 Mercury Milan - Steeda Tuned (Summer Toy)

Offline gildardo01

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Re: Axle Identification
« Reply #6 on: January 30, 2013, 05:23:44 pm »
personally i use the same gear oil for the front as in the rear diff... and GL5 means how much sulpher-based friction modifier is in the oil in other words its supposed to be better in protecting wear and tare in the diff or gear box... btw donīt waste money on synthetic gear oil...

Offline Blazin

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Re: Axle Identification
« Reply #7 on: January 30, 2013, 07:00:22 pm »
x2 on the same gear oil front and rear.
As far as gear ratio I have never heard of it being stamped on the tube. There is suposed to be a little sheet metal tag under one of the cover bolts that tell the ratio. As previously stated though the first time the cover comes off most dubs toss it!
Some people are like Slinkies. Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs