Changed the fluid this weekend and couldn`t find the code stamped on the axle tube.The ring gear did have this # and is a 3:08 gear.This is a 72 GS originally with a 350/350.Any way to tell other than the code on the axle tube?
The code is on the passengers side of the rear in the front, you will need to scrape all the dirt and rust off to see it.
I scraped and scrubbed and used a mirror all over and don`t see a thing.I guess if there is no other way I`ll crawl under and get dirty some more but after 20 minutes of looking I gave up.According to my chassis manual it`s on the passenger side tube toward the front of the car.
an easy way to tell if theres a limited slip differential in there is to lift the wheels off the ground and turn 1 by hand, transmission in neutral and e-brake off. If the opposite wheel spins the same direction its probably limited slip. Or you could lift both wheels and with the trans in neutral and e-brake off, spin the driveshaft by hand. If both wheels go the same direction its probably limited slip. opposing rotation means open differential. Another thing to try: Lift only 1 wheel and try to turn it by hand, with the trans in neutral, e-brake off. If you cannot, or it fights you real hard, it is limited slip. If it turns easily, then its an open diff. The tough part is that these tests can be fooled by a TOTALLY shot posi unit, which functions the same as an open diff. The breakaway torque for a new posi unit I believe is like 70 ft*lb, a used one around 40 ft*lb. A totally shot one has essentially no torque transfer to the other wheel. The best way other than checking axle number stamps is to pop the diff cover off and look at the carrier. If theres an S-shaped spring in the middle of the carrier, its posi. If there are coil springs in there or a hinge-looking thing, its posi. If you see nothing but the spider and side gears and the pinion shaft, then its non-posi.
After working in dealerships for years I have seen the numbers all on passenger side , ranging from bottom , mid way and on top . Use a small hand wire brush and solvent , it will show up . sometimes very hard to see.
Everybody missed the most obvious answer. Since you had the cover off, you can tell just by looking between the spider gears whether or not it's a limited slip/posi carrier. Typically a posi carrier will have springs & clutches visible around the cross pin: http://www.offroaders.com/reviewbox/data/7/large/Eaton.jpg http://www.offroaders.com/reviewbox/data/7/large/posi-exploded.jpg In an open carrier you'll see nothing but the pin & gears: http://www.gr8grip.com/images/MVC-032F.JPG Devon
