Good morning everyone! Most of you don't know me, but I was introduced to the forum/became a member about a year ago and have found it to be a wealth of information. I rarely participate in discussions, as I feel I don't have very much useful information to contribute, but I visit from time to time to see what topics have come up. The collective amount of Corvette knowledge here is truly amazing. I'm not really new to Corvettes, but for all practical purposes, I'm new to posting on the forum. So if I blunder in etiquette or protocol, I apologize.

I'm having differential problems, ring and pinion gears specifically, and I need to make a decision to have my current differential rebuilt, or totally replace with another unit from someone, such as Ikerds, Bair's, etc. I'm trying to maintain the originality of my 72 as much as possible. I would prefer to have this one rebuilt if I can determine the differential is correct for the car. (I have virtually no documentation on the car, and no clue how many previous owners.)
This is what I know so far:
The code stamped on the differential is AWW336E1. I understand this to be 3.08 gear ratio, manufactured in Warren on the 336th day of the year, posi unit by Eaton, made on the 1st shift.
I don't know how to determine what year this differential was made. Was it the 336th day of 1971 or 1972, or some other year ?There are other codes cast into the housing. On the driver's side there are the numbers 121. Passenger side has the numbers 3899143.
The trim plate by the door has the code E16 -manufactured the 5th month on the 16th of the production year? But when does the production year start for 1972 Corvettes ? My VIN is 1Z67K2S509851. Hopefully this is enough information to determine if the differential is "correct" for the car, or at least correct for 1972. Thanks for the help! :seeya

 

All of the information that I have would indicate that it is a `71 rear end. The production started in August which would make it a December car.

 

Wombvette: Do you have the codes for '73? I've been trying to figure out what my gear ratio is.

Thank you

 

Thanks Wombvette. I really appreciate the information. :yesnod:

 

Should have them at the shop.

 

The E16 is a Dec 16 date. The 336E1 is a Dec. 2, 71 build for the diff. It would strongly appear to be the original rear.

Greg

 

Any idea what year was this was made?

 

"OK" code is 78 only, 3.08 ratio, I think date is Sept. 77(252 with 7 year code).

 

Glad to see LegalCarry posting here. He is a good friend, and lives close by.

We always enjoy meeting at cruise-ins and talking Corvettes.

He has a awesome 72 Roadster, and I will be glad to see him back on the road this summer.

:steering:

 

Thanks for the input! I suspected it is probably the original rear end, but it's good to have people more knowledgeable than me confirm that.

 

Hey Bamavettes, the 72 is getting closer to being back on the road. The holdup now is getting the ring and pinion gear I want. There seems to be a nationwide backorder for US Gear products, or at least the ring and pinion gear sets. I've been told the first of June they should be available. All other parts are ordered and on the way. Thanks for the introduction on the forum.