1971 Chevelle Rear Axle & Differential Identification

Casting Numbers

These are the casting numbers used during this production year. If they were used during another year, you will find the additional years listed below.

Decoding Rear Axle Codes

The rear axle identification code is stamped on the axle housing on the bottom, front left, or front right axle tube next to the carrier housing or about 8 to 12 inches from the backing plates. This code consists of 6 or 7 digits and characters indicating the stock gear ratio, month/day of assembly, and the assembly plant. Sometimes you will find an extra character stamped near this code, E indicates Eaton positraction.

For example: CWC0542 decodes this way: CW / C / 054 / 2.

• The first and second letters indicate the stock gear ratio. CW is a 3.31 axle.
• The third letter indicates the assembly plant. C is for Chevrolet.
• The fourth, fifth, and sixth numbers indicate the day of production. 054 is for the February 22nd.
• The seventh number indicates the plant shift number, 2 is for the night shift (if present).

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