Help with 3rd member casting number
 

I did a bunch of searching and I think that the 12 bolt under my '65 is original. Therefore, just asking those here who are infinitely smarter than me to let me know what they think. Casting number on the 3rd member looks like 3858625 with an N above that number. Sequentially, does the "385....." look like it is correct for '65?

I need to swap the rear axles to get to 5 lug and I want to be reasonably sure that I will order the correct kit. Responses greatly appreciated.

Re: Help with 3rd member casting number
 

Have you considered just having the shafts redrilled? I sent the shafts fron my 65 Suburban to Moser Engineering and they filled the 6 original holes and redrilled them to I believe it's a 5X5 pattern. Fairly reasonable too. Did this 20 years ago with no issues.

Re: Help with 3rd member casting number
 

Best thing to do is pull the cover and double check the spline count. Just never know with a 50 year old truck sometimes what you may have.
Jimmy

Re: Help with 3rd member casting number
 

You can check the housing code looking at the axle tube, mine was on the drivers side tube towards the top. Check for two letters, on a 65 1/2 ton they are shown below. Like it was said, hard to tell if the innards are the same.

Re: Help with 3rd member casting number
 

I agree.

Re: Help with 3rd member casting number
 

If it is not, You are in Texas and I have a 12 bolt housing3:73 gears, and the original axles and yoke that you can have if you get to Houston. Oh it was originally in a 65

Re: Help with 3rd member casting number
 

Thanks all for the info, advice and offer of rear end. I am weighing my options.

Re: Help with 3rd member casting number
 

Just pull the cover and take a peak. Gonna have to pull it to do the axles. Then you will know what axles, gear and carrier is in it and what condition everything is in. Then you can plan 100% of the job.
Jimmy