1967 12 bolt question

[qwertyme77]

When I bought my Camaro 30+ years ago for parts it was missing its rear axle. Since then, I've found that it should have had a 12 bolt in it as was evidenced by the remaining factory traction bar and the trim tag. What I am wondering as I'm looking for a reasonably priced 12 bolt, has anyone come across "Fake" '67 12 bolt axles? I know they should have mono perches, as well as the traction bracket, but since one could buy repops of those pieces now, I am concerned about buying a "converted" axle. I am not that concerned about 68, 69 Camaro axles being converted, but rather other applications. Yes. I also know I should check the axle code too, but that might be hard to do with out actually seeing the axle in person.

In a related question, I see that there are two versions of the axle bracket welded to the axle. Can my round bar fit both bracket generations? Also, will a square bar fit both bracket generations.

[Kelley W King]

They are people making Camaro 12 bolts from big car units. Some are really hard to tell. Some are easy to see.

[qwertyme77]

They are people making Camaro 12 bolts from big car units. Some are really hard to tell. Some are easy to see.

I appreciate the info. That is exactly what I was wondering. I see no reason to spend thousands on an axle so someone can make a huge profit on my ignorance.

[bcmiller]

If you find one priced reasonably, post a pic of the stamping and we can tell you if it’s original.

[qwertyme77]

I was wondering... If people are modifying full size 12 bolt axles to fit Camaros, do said axles use the same casting number 3894860, (3969341 for late '69), as the Camaros did? That is, is the cast center section of the 12 bolts the same across the full Chevrolet line, even trucks? If the casting number is Camaro specific, it would make it much easier to spot a fake 12 bolt without having to resort to decoding the stamping numbers. If the casting number is NOT Camaro specific, then aren't we back to checking if the stampings are original or not?
I am assuming coil spring axles would require a different casting and number.

[ko-lek-tor]

These are some Chevelle castings:
3859140N   1965
3875745N   1966
3894939NF   1967 (Early)
3917124NF   1967 (Late)
3917124NF   1968
3917124NF   1969 (Early)
3959038NF   1969 (Late)
3969278NF   1970
3969278NF   1971
3969278NF
As you can see, different than Camaro. The only rear with the 4860 casting in 67, I am aware of, is the Camaro. I am not sure, but I am thinking Firebirds used a different rear. Someone will chime in if I am wrong. So the casting and date should be unique to the F body in 67, IMHO

[bcmiller]

In addition to casting numbers being different for Chevelle, they had the 2 mounts for a 4 link type setup on the cast center section.

Some Impala axles in I think the later half of the 67 model year used the 3894860 casting number. Tube ends were different, all mounts were different and stamped codes were different.

Best way to figure out if one is legitimate is to get a pic of the letters and numbers stamped on the passenger side axle tube. Post it and we can verify if it’s legitimate.

[KurtS]

If the axle had link mounts on the center section (e.g. Chevelle), then it had to have a different casting #.
I think the full-size had the link mounts on the tubes, so the center section could be the same as Camaro.

[JKZ27]

Possibly 67 Nova also but would have shorter tubes.