>............. after replacing the wheel bearings last weekend, I note that
the ring
>gear (3.89 rearend) appears to have been manufactured in 1969. Marks on the
>gear are
>
> 9 x 35 12 3 69
>
>Which I take to mean 9 x 35 teeth (3.89 rear) manufacture date of Dec 3 1969.
>
>Is this right?
Sounds like a fastback Alpine (GT or Coupe) diff. If you have a chance to compare your diff against another Series Alpine, check the length of the input coupling. Its a bit longer on the fastback Alpines. Its likely the entire gear housing was switched rather than just the ring and pinion. If the Series coupling wasn't exchanged, you're tranny could have a problem if you hit a big enough bump in the road.
Dick Sanders Seattle