Topic: Variance in 8" Casing Appearance

[67TXStang]

I've recently removed the rear axle from my Mustang to restore.  I noticed the 3rd member looks slightly different than others I've seen. 

The 3rd member has a waffle style appearance on the front.  There are normally recesses between all the raised grid like pattern.  On one spot on mine, one of the recesses is filled.  It looks as if it was cast that way.

Has anyone noticed this before?  Was this a factory change made for a particular reason?

Mine:
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_p9I2H4VVx7s/S0_VScd6RtI/AAAAAAAAAdU/F6qpsZupBk0/s1600-h/100_3764a.JPG

Normal:
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_p9I2H4VVx7s/S0_VmWLiVPI/AAAAAAAAAdc/8S3LJ_wQYjk/s1600-h/8inch.jpg

[J_Speegle]

Don't recall seeing that before - interesting

More than one detail is different in your example - Where is the date located?

[67TXStang]

The date marking is on the inside of the 3rd member.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_p9I2H4VVx7s/Sz_tnQabo9I/AAAAAAAAAck/f01_CkzCpok/s1600-h/100_3751a.JPG

You can also see from this picture there is no damage on the inside.  I originally thought someone might have repaired it but everything looks fine.

[J_Speegle]

Must have been a different (and not often seen) casting plant or sub contractor

Thanks for sharing