2003 5-speed LS

So I went to replace a caliper this weekend to find that the backing plates and parking brake hardware was totally rotted out.

Long story short I had to pull the axles and all that fun stuff... I fortunately have an 8.625 rear end, but when I got to the parts store to get the rear axle seals I get a question.

Manufactured in US or Canada? Thinking at the time, it was made in Linden NJ so US.

Get back home put everything back together, upon cleaning the diff cover I find a stamp 'Made in Canada' .

So my question WTF is the difference in the seals? I looked at the old seal and it was exactly the same as the new, but for whatever reason the one I have is the same for 7.625 and 8.625 made in US, but the 8.625 made in canada is a different part.

Everything seems to be ok, drove it to work and no leaks and it seemed to fit fine... anyone have any idea? I have looked all over to no avail.

 

I think the axle seals would be the same since the diameter of the housing is the same. It's merely the overall length (ZR2) and ring gear size (8.5/8.625) that are different and would require different parts than a 7.625 rear (axles, bearings, gasket, etc.).

Did the parts store have different part numbers for US/Canada 8.625 rears?

 

8660S
7.625" R.G.; 8.625" R.G.; Axle Code "K"; Mfg. in Can.

SpecificationsShaft Size (A)
1.399
Housing Bore (B)
2.292
Outer Diameter
2.296
Width (C)
0.46
Lip Material (D)
Nitrile
Series
8000
Type Illustration
48




710166
7.625" R.G.; 8.625" R.G.; Axle Code "C"; Mfg. in USA

SpecificationsShaft Size (A)
1.399
Housing Bore (B)
2.29
Outer Diameter
2.294
Width (C)
0.5
Lip Material (D)
Nitrile
Series
710000
Type Illustration
74


710506
Rear Axle; Outer; AAM 8.625" R.G.

SpecificationsShaft Size (A)
2.088
Housing Bore (B)
0
Outer Diameter
2.777
Width (C)
0.5
Lip Material (D)
Nitrile
Series
710000
Type Illustration
86



Nevermind I found the differences, obviously it has to be between the top 2, and the difference is .002 of an inch... Guess I will just wait and see what happens.

Info from national oil seal website