borgerding

The differential in my 63 Cutlass seems like it needs some servicing.
It appears to me that I'm needing:
-Rear wheel (axle)bearings, retainers, and seals.
And possibly the differential/anti-slip guts:
-Side Bearings/pre-load shims
-Rear Pinion bearing/shim(s)
-Front Pinion bearing/spacers/seal
-Anti-Slip clutch pack.
-Etc.
So that I can find and order the components, I'm trying to identify what differential this car has. I cant find any reference to its identity in the service manual or online.
I've seen vague references to a "GMC 9.25", but am not sure.
I do know from the ID plate and stamp on the housing, that it is an Anti-Spin (C117) differential , with a 3.36 ratio, but I cannot locate any other code on the exterior housing or axle tubes.
Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
David

joe_padavano

That axle is unique to the 1961-63 F-85/Cutlass and Buick Special/Skylark. NOTHING interchanges. It's something like a 6.5" ring gear. You won't find it listed in any catalog, so don't even waste your time looking. Parts are very hard to find. I've gotten wheel bearings and axle seals from Kanter. The posi is especially rare.

No, there is no other axle that is a bolt-in replacement, either. You'd have to custom make one with the correct width and suspension attach points.

Charlie Jones

The axle code is stamped on the flange of the housing cover .
It is stamped on the right hand side , in about the three o' clock position .
The letter indicates the gear ratio . The numbers indicate the date built (julian date ) and an X would indicate a limited slip (posi) differential .
Below is a shot of the 63 Olds service manual , explaining the codes .

Good luck in your search for parts , and if you need any factory part numbers let me know . I have a 1963 Olds parts book .

borgerding

Thanks guys.
I appreciate your insight.
I new it was and oddball differential but dont know what parts might, or might not be available.
Thanks again, I'll do some more digging.

David