Decoding rearend tag

[bigblock59]

i've got a rearend that i want to put in my 59 fairlane. i got this thing for free and i'm not sure what it is out of. i was told it was out of a similar car but i'm not sure on this thing. i did find a tag on it that i was able to clean up. it says 269. does anyone know if this is just the gear ratio or is it something else?

eaan carson
newbie

[glenroc]

Check this site it may be helpfulFORDification.com - Decoding Your Ford Rearend's Axle Tag - Page 14 of 17

[bigblock59]

there is nothing in the site that resembles what i have. the tag on the rear end is about an inch and a quarter long by a half inch wide with the number 269 stamped on it and nothing else.

[TBIRD430]

Just for the record, "269" was a gear ratio available in the 1959Fairlane & Galaxie. It was teamed up with the 352cid & Cruise-o-matic option. Pull the 3rd member out and count the ring gear & pinion gear teeth, then divide the # of ring gear teeth by the # of pinion gear teeth. That will give you the actual gear ratio & a chance to see what all the bearings look like & an indication of the general wear on the rear diff.