Topic: Rear axle markings for 1964 1/2

[Hipo giddyup]

 Just thought I'd post these... So now that I'm finished painting my 64, I have moved onto the rear suspension. I pulled the rear and started degreasing it when I ran across these two markings. Although I think these are common, I would be guessing to know exactly what they meant. The one pic is of the number 4 on the lower passenger side of the carrier and the other pic is the number 8 on the lower driver side. It would be good to hear feedback on this topic. I could not identify any other markings on the carrier or axle housing. Thanks for any input.

[J_Speegle]

Looks very similar to other examples we've seen. Check for additional markings above the top rib on the case, around the pinion retainer and yoke washer

[DM_1964]

What do the numbers refer to?

[Hipo giddyup]

 The original axle gear ratio for this car is 3.00 to 1 ,which if I remember correctly is a code 1 for 64 1/2. Thought that the 4 or 8 could represent an axle code reference. I would love to know what they mean also.

[midlife]

I have it on good authority that these numbers were put there to cause great anxiety and puzzlement to certain people 45+ years later.

[Hipo giddyup]

 If someone interviewed the retired Ford factory and assembly line workers, and wrote a book about it,  I think it would be on the best sellers list (at least in the Mustang hobbyist world). What priceless information to the hobbyist!  I know a few local guys who's father's worked for GM in the 60's, 70's, and 80's and man they have some good stories to tell.. And yes, you would hope someone could remeber half of these markings and why they were there. 

[J_Speegle]

What do the numbers refer to?

Passenger side one I believe is an assembler or inspector number considering the numbers we see.

The 8 might be a quick identifier - have not compared (nor know all the axle codes) all the examples I've got pictures of yet

If someone interviewed the retired Ford factory and assembly line workers, and wrote a book about it,  I think it would be on the best sellers list (at least in the Mustang hobbyist world). What priceless information to the hobbyist!  ;

Not really a big market for the effort and dollars IMHO

And yes, you would hope someone could remember half of these markings and why they were there. 

Unfortunately few remember the tasks they did - most only worked a few stations during their time at Ford it seems. The guys that moved around allot and up the food chain are far and few between though I know of some. Unfortunately most only remember who was an a** , who was sleeping with who's wife or who came to work all the time drunk or loaded


Expecting them to remember markings seems to be a real stretch - I've asked    The vast majority of the time they respond with "what markings" or "you've got to be kidding"   and you have to word the questions carefully or you'll just get allot of yes's  and "sures". just so you'll spend some time with them and keep buying them lunch or coffee

Just my experience  but we do run across them on a regular basis locally