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Old Aug 28, 2017 | 06:52 PM
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Default AK Coded Differential???

I have a 1969 AK coded differential which acts very differently then I am used to on a Corvette. Called a "standard" versus a "positraction" I wonder if any of you have come across these before? Date coded 10-21-68 it also has a "1" in front of the "AK" and a "W" at the end. So, 1AK 10-21-68 W. It also has HD yokes.
Why would this be used on a 327 Corvette in 1969? Can you educate me please?
Thank you.
David Howard
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Old Aug 28, 2017 | 07:01 PM
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Originally Posted by AllVettes4Me
I have a 1969 AK coded differential which acts very differently then I am used to on a Corvette. Called a "standard" versus a "positraction" I wonder if any of you have come across these before? Date coded 10-21-68 it also has a "1" in front of the "AK" and a "W" at the end. So, 1AK 10-21-68 W. It also has HD yokes.
Why would this be used on a 327 Corvette in 1969? Can you educate me please?
Thank you.
David Howard
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AK is 3:36 ratio non-posi
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Old Aug 28, 2017 | 07:08 PM
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Yes, I get that, but why were non posi units used on Corvettes? And why with the F-41 sway bar? 9/16" sway bar for anyine that may ask.
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Old Aug 28, 2017 | 07:15 PM
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69s did not have 327s. Is the diff original to the car? What do the docs say...window sticker, build sheet, POP?

Last edited by Faster Rat; Aug 28, 2017 at 07:16 PM.
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Old Aug 28, 2017 | 07:18 PM
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Okay, lets try again. Why did they use non posi differentials on a Corvette?
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Old Aug 28, 2017 | 07:21 PM
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Originally Posted by AllVettes4Me
Okay, lets try again. Why did they use non posi differentials on a Corvette?
Why did some come with 3 speeds?
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Old Aug 28, 2017 | 07:21 PM
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Open diff was standard and the posi was an option and became standard early in the C3 run, I believe. Someone will more specifics to post.
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Old Aug 28, 2017 | 07:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Faster Rat
Why did some come with 3 speeds?
That's a different question. I'm trying to find someone with knowledge about the standard AK differential.
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Old Aug 28, 2017 | 07:24 PM
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Originally Posted by '75
Open diff was standard and the posi was an option and became standard early in the C3 run, I believe. Someone will more specifics to post.
Getting closer. But why?
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Old Aug 28, 2017 | 07:32 PM
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I will guess, since I'm not a racer. The open differential, in certain applications is less likely to cause the rear end to come loose in a corner?
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Old Aug 28, 2017 | 08:51 PM
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Originally Posted by '75
I will guess, since I'm not a racer. The open differential, in certain applications is less likely to cause the rear end to come loose in a corner?
That's okay, not all Corvettes were meant to be race cars.....
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Old Aug 28, 2017 | 09:26 PM
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Originally Posted by AllVettes4Me
Getting closer. But why?
I don't think anyone knows why. But they just did. Not many did, but some cars came with a non posi.

The 1 in front of the date code is the shift the rear end was made during. Mine has a 2. Also the W is the Warren plant.
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Old Aug 28, 2017 | 09:46 PM
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According to 69corvette.com, the Posi axle [RPO: G81] was an option and had a $46 cost if you opted up for it. Almost 37,000 of the almost 39,000 total '69s built, were ordered with Posi so it was quite popular.
My 350/300 coupe was one of few without Posi also [AK code].
Now that I know this, I can feel the tug on the left rear when I gun it, and can feel it brake free and chirp between gears.

Last edited by Bergerboy; Aug 28, 2017 at 09:46 PM.
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Old Aug 29, 2017 | 12:49 AM
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I read on the form that even though a cheap option some ordered diff without posi to save $50. Hard to believe but I am sure there were some base models that had to be aken by dealer to get others so few out there.
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Old Aug 29, 2017 | 06:53 AM
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Positraction was optional for 68 and 69 and could be a mandatory option depending on the transmission choice (TH400). Posi became standard beginning with the 70 models.
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Old Aug 29, 2017 | 07:38 AM
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Originally Posted by '75
I will guess, since I'm not a racer. The open differential, in certain applications is less likely to cause the rear end to come loose in a corner?
I appreciate the guess. It seems logical that the open differential may have been more effective in an oval track or road race setting as it would have transferred power to the wheel that needed it most. Posi traction would have been better for drag racing but beyond that I am curious why they made the switch.

Had to be a reason but maybe that reason died with the GM engineers.

Appreciate the thoughts.

David
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Old Aug 29, 2017 | 07:40 AM
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We need to ask some of the road race guys. I also saved some old race car features in the old Corvette cars and parts magazine. I need to look and see what they had in them.

Bill
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Old Aug 29, 2017 | 07:41 AM
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Originally Posted by Faster Rat
That's okay, not all Corvettes were meant to be race cars.....
LOL. Neither were all the Mustangs and Camaro's; but look what lasted through the years and which options people are seeking in their classic Corvettes today.

Haven't yet seen an add that says "put in this new open transmission, it will offer you a smoother, more comfortable ride in your Corvette". Just too funny, but I do understand what you are saying...
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Old Aug 29, 2017 | 07:46 AM
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Originally Posted by ed427vette
I don't think anyone knows why. But they just did. Not many did, but some cars came with a non posi.

The 1 in front of the date code is the shift the rear end was made during. Mine has a 2. Also the W is the Warren plant.
I think you may be correct. Roughly 36,965 of the 38,762 69 model cars had posi-traction, meaning 1,797 1969 Corvettes came without it. 1,661 cars came with the F-41 suspension too, which makes me wonder about that connection. But as you say and as I have to agree, maybe nobody left on the planet knows now. Thanks for your thoughts.

David
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Old Aug 29, 2017 | 07:51 AM
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Originally Posted by 69ttop502
We need to ask some of the road race guys. I also saved some old race car features in the old Corvette cars and parts magazine. I need to look and see what they had in them.

Bill
I wish I had thought to ask this question when I was at Carlisle Bill. Had some old road race cars there, not sure if the old road race guys were still there to drive them or not.

I showed you the operation of the differential when you were here yesterday and it fascinates me how it works. Maybe I will have to ask Trackdog or Gary Rimadi and see if they know. Anyway, has me fascinated to own a "rare" differential by quantity, but that nobody wants. Kind of like a Ford Pinto. LOL.

Thanks again for coming bye.

David
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