[Bet Winner]

Originally Posted by bulletpruf

Roger -

All good info. One point -- I had two 69 Judges with a 3.55 HD STT (both RAIII M20), unless my memory is failing. Never had the axles out on either, so not sure if they were forged or not.

For those following along - the nodular housing has an "N" cast into the top of the "nose" of the housing. Right above the pinion seal. You can't see it from under the car, but you can feel it.

Cast axles are constant diameter and smooth surface. Forged axles are tapered and rough surface.

Took apart one 8.2 that had one cast and one forged axle; not sure how that happened, but would be interesting if it came like that from the factory.

Scott

Years ago I took out the passenger side axle because the outside bearing was making a slight noise so I could have another pressed on the axle. The passenger side axle was forged--tapered and rough. I knew enough then to know the difference. The rear is a HD rear with the N cast on the housing. My Judge was built 01C in Baltimore. The rear end assemble date is the latest date code on my car. I have never had the driver's side axle out.