Rear end is shot

[CodyB4C]

My rear ends is all jacked up, Ive been looking for a replacement, but all the junk yards want $600+ for a complete 1500 4x4 drop out. I heard some 2500 rearends will directly bolt into 2dr tahoes. Did GM make any 2500's with 3.42 gears? because I have GU6 and G80 codes in my dash which means I have 3.42 gears with the stock locker. What other options do I have for rear ends? I dont really want to do gears up front so I would prefer to find a rear with 3.42's. Im hoping to do this for around $300-$400.

 

[Cdnguy]

is it just the gears or the whole unit?

 

[CodyB4C]

I whole unit.

 

[Cdnguy]

the guy that had my truck before me replaced the carrier with a reman unit for $500 but that was few years ago and is cdn money so i'd guess you're looking at that minimum.

 

[CodyB4C]

Im really hoping to find a complete drop out, but it doesnt look to promising to find one out of a 1500 4x4 w/ 3.42's for a decent price. So I was wondering if there are any other options.

 

[Biggwaukegan]

if you really like your truck put a new locker in it with new gears. them junk yard parts are usually that...junk

---------- Post added at 09:18 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:17 AM ----------

Im getting ready to do a rebuild with 456s and a Detroit trutrac locker. gonna post pics and write up next week

 

[bowtiefreak]

yes the light duty 2500 trucks might have a 6 lug, 14 bolt SF rear that is better than the ****** 10 bolt. You will need the "U" joint concersion and larger "U" bolts.

 

[CodyB4C]

did any of those come with 3.42's?

 

[ravingmadman]

It is waaaay easier to swap out the entire rear end, then do the gears, IMHO. If you can't find the right gears, a front diff is cheap, and pretty easy to replace at a junk yard.

 

[CodyB4C]

But am I on a wild goose chase trying to find a 2500 14 bolt with 3.42's? If I find one with 3.73's I can still drive it around as long as I dont put it in 4x4 correct? Ive never messed with IFS I would be alittle worried swaping a front diff.

 

[Bad bow tie]

No, they made the 14 bolt semi floater with 3.42 gears. It may be hard to find, but if you can get your hands on one, you are set. And yes, you can drive around in 2wd only with your gears different. Once you engage the 4wd with two different gear ratio's, you will shred your shit up.

 

[CodyB4C]

So all 88-99 semi floater with 6 lug rears will work? I should be able to find one then. What about breaks, will I have to swap them out?

 

[Bad bow tie]

88-98...99 was the NBS and that won't fit. Brakes should fit. It's a direct swap except for the u joint which you will need a new one like bowtiefreak stated above. Do you have pics of your truck up? I don't know if I have seen a 2 door police edition.

 

[CodyB4C]

Its really a ex border patrol car, nothing special just like a fleet vehicle with heavy duty steel wheels and a plain jane interior.

---------- Post added at 02:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:50 PM ----------

Are the 2500 leaf springs a direct bolt in? It would be nice to have some beefy springs in the back.

 

[Bad bow tie]

I believe the springs do bolt in but you will need larger u bolts for them. Nice truck by the way. Where are you at? I found one in Michigan with 3.42 gears for $80...but i'm not sure what year it is. haha

 

[992door]

make sure if you get a 14 bt sf it is out of a 4x4 not a 2wd

 

[Bad bow tie]

make sure if you get a 14 bt sf it is out of a 4x4 not a 2wd

Ah yes...forgot about that part. It NEEDS to be an axle out of a 4wd. 2wd axles are not as wide and won't fit. haha good catch.

 

[bowtiefreak]

^^^yup, I think it is a 2" difference

 

[CodyB4C]

Im in houston, texas if yall find any let me know!!!