Have I found a 2WD axle from a 1980 Scout?

[75Sprout]

I found a straight axle online to replace my bent one on my 75 2WD, and I think it's from a 1980 model b/c when measured, it seems to have 2-3 degrees of caster already there (see photos).
I'm cutting off the perches to roll it to give me 5-degrees, so I want to make sure I don't overdo it.
Can anyone confirm this is, based on numbers visible on the axle?
Stamp shown in photo: F35560-1
Somewhere else on axle: P8R93
On one end: E23
On other end: D22
Thanks in advance!
P.S. Does 5-deg sound good for a 2WD w/ PS?

 

[ihpartsjeff]

Why cut the perch's when you can bolt on $40 worth of shim to the leaf pack and be done in under 30 minutes?

Sorry don't have an answer for you as to if it is indeed a 1980 axle or not. I would install the axle and measure the caster to see if it has 2 degrees positive caster like a 1980 should. If it does I would add 2 degree shims to the leaf pack for a total of 4 degrees positive caster. If it is an earlier axle, and has 0 degrees caster, I would bolt in a 4 degree shim. Whatever you end up doing, do not put more than 5 degrees positive caster as it starts to increase tire wear when cornering the more caster you put into an axle.

 

[75Sprout]

Thanks probably the best idea, Jeff... I guess I was trying to eliminate 1 step by adding 2 steps. And you're right, I'll mount it up first to see for sure what my caster is. As for the perch cutting, a buddy of mine actually enjoys doing stuff like that, so I told him to have at it! It'd be cool to not have shims (less pieces), but if I end up getting them, I won't cry about it. Thanks!