Axle ID: A Quick Guide to Identifying Common Rear Axles
Seasoned car guys can often identify cars at first sight.
But how many of us can easily ID a vehicle’s rear axle? It’s a handy skill to have for sure — especially when you’re scouring a junkyard for a replacement axle or evaluating a potential project vehicle. We’ve put together this visual guide to help you hone your rear axle spotting skills.
It’s worth noting that rear axles can sometimes be positively identified by a casting number and date stamped on the differential cover or axle tube. However, road debris, dirt, grime, and general age can obscure these numbers. Fortunately, you can tell a lot about a rear axle by its shape and number of bolts on the differential housing.
Study up on rear axles with this infographic made by OnAllCylinders contributor Lori Sams.
I dont see the Chrysler 8.75
I thought the same thing too!
Ditto – First thing I looked for was the Chrysler 8.75.
Very sad… this ‘quick guide’ is utterly incomplete without the Chrysler 8-3/4!
It doesn’t have a cover maybe that’s why they don’t show it.
they have the ford 9″ which doesnt have a cover either
Useful stuff! Thanks for sharing Lori!
You’re welcome, Richard!
Any way to get in as a poster? Or is there a high resolution one available anywhere?
As Kory mentioned no 8 3/4 and what about the Ford 8 Inch? The 8 inch is great for smaller cars like the 71 Capri I have and lighter than most other rear axles on this list.. Also having the drop out is a no brainer in my book.
8″ and 9″ look alike. An easy way to tell an 8″ is if you can get a socket on all the bolts, it’s an 8″. On the 9″, you need a box wrench to get the bottom two. A socket will not fit.
Would like to were 57 Pont. is at in your picture
If You Cant Read The Title. It Says A Quick Guide To COMMON Rear Axles. If You Cant Read And Want To Bitch ,I Couldnt Find The Rolls Or The Jaguar Rear Axle Or The Model T Listed
hey dumbass there are alot more cars out there than just chevelles, chargers, mustangsand this guide SUCKS.
The 9 inch Fords varied greatly over the years, and they look like the 8s when your sliding in the mud under an old vehicle. Been there,done that.
Not bitching, but Chrysler 8-3/4 is the most COMMON rearend wanted from us Mopar guys/gals…
Good point, but I suspect they were basing their list on what’s most common to find not what’s most common to look for.
Thank you for sharing this information with us–I’m sure it will help many street rodders identify what is between them and the road!
8.75″ MoPar is VERY common as millions were made. But it lacks a rear cover, so this page which defines rear axles by their rear cover designs does not apply.
Yet, the 9″ Ford is listed.
I feel the BOP 8.5″ is a fairly common rear end; LeMans, GTO, Cutlass, 4-4-2, Skylark, GS, all BOP & Caddy full-sizers. Not shown. I won’t complain about not showing the Olds 12-bolt, though.
No Australian 9-Bolt GM
I shit in my pants
No D50 either