REAR END UPGRADES

[Junior_97]

What’s up guys new to the forum. I have a 2002 Tahoe 5.3 flex fuel. Looking for a good rear end to upgrade to, currently stuck with the 3:42 and want something more sturdy. Savage yard finds would be fine. Thanks in advance.

 

[corvette744]

4.10

 

[Doubeleive]

eaton detroit tru-trac, if you can break one of those I give you prop's

 

[OR VietVet]

Welcome to the forum from Oregon.

When I saw the title I thought you were searching for a new wife or girlfriend.

Are you talking about just the gears or the whole axle assembly. I had an 02 Tahoe and loved my 3.73 gears.

If you are doing the whole axle, I would use the 9.5" 14 bolt semi float axle. If you have 4x4, you will need to do the gears in the front diff as well. Or just bolt in the 3.42 gear 14 bolt semi float at the rear.

 

[Junior_97]

Preferably a new axle assembly. I found a 10 bolt with 4:10 and a g80 locker for 450$ but I was told the 12 bolt or 14 bolt are the way to go

 

[1BADI5]

I went with Yukon Gear and Axle. I had an authorized dealer/vendor do it so it would have the lifetime warranty.

Ring/pinion (3.73)
Complete master rebuild kit
Dura Grip limited slip

 

[OR VietVet]

You mentioned "sturdy" and that is why I recommended the 14 bolt semi float.

As @1BADI5 said, Yukon Gear is a great source for re-gearing kits but like @Doubeleive said, Eaton Detroit Tru-Trac is an excellent choice.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Pics of the truck, please.

You are already receiving sound advice and perspectives from the knowledgeable folks on this Forum.

 

[S33k3r]

I went with Yukon Gear and Axle. I had an authorized dealer/vendor do it so it would have the lifetime warranty.

Ring/pinion (3.73)
Complete master rebuild kit
Dura Grip limited slip

May I ask how much that ran you?

 

[swathdiver]

What’s up guys new to the forum. I have a 2002 Tahoe 5.3 flex fuel. Looking for a good rear end to upgrade to, currently stuck with the 3:42 and want something more sturdy. Savage yard finds would be fine. Thanks in advance.

Go to LKQOnline and look for 14-Bolt Saginaw 9.5" axles (RPO AXN) in RWD Escalades and Denalis (2007-2014), they all have 3.42 gears and G80. Just bought one for $289 plus tax but every area is different. LKQ even warrants it. So you have to tell them yours has a 9.5 with 3.42 gears.

We'll eventually install 3.73s in ours.

 

[Junior_97]

I went with Yukon Gear and Axle. I had an authorized dealer/vendor do it so it would have the lifetime warranty.

Ring/pinion (3.73)
Complete master rebuild kit
Dura Grip limited slip

How much did that end up being? I’m kind of on a budget.

 

[Junior_97]

 

[Junior_97]

View attachment 348001

It has 3” spindles so I’m sure I’ll catch hell for the “baby squat” it’s got going on lol. It’s not perfect but so far it’s been very dependable considering it has almost 300k miles on the dash

 

[Tonyrodz]

Looks good for having 300k.

 

[Dantheman1540]

I think @PNW VietVet and @swathdiver are on point with their suggestions. The 9.5AXN axle can be found cheap, the G80 is durable in that platform and the axle will essentially bolt right in you Tahoe.

 

[Bill 1960]

Go to LKQOnline and look for 14-Bolt Saginaw 9.5" axles (RPO AXN) in RWD Escalades and Denalis (2007-2014), they all have 3.42 gears and G80. Just bought one for $289 plus tax but every area is different. LKQ even warrants it. So you have to tell them yours has a 9.5 with 3.42 gears.

We'll eventually install 3.73s in ours.

Is a rear driveshaft swap required with that upgrade? Usually a bigger diff means a shorter shaft.

 

[Mudsport96]

The 9.5 is a great upgrade, but my opinion is the 8.5/8.6 is plenty strong for stock to mild power levels. The govloc (g80) is the weak link. Get a good quality posi unit... trutrac, auburn spring type etc, and you'll be fine. I know there is a significant weight difference, but i have a 8.5 in my nova making 400ish at the crank and a 2400 stall converter pushing through a all stock 8.5 with a mini spool and havent hurt it in 10 years track or 8000 street miles.

 

[1BADI5]

How much did that end up being? I’m kind of on a budget.

Yeah it was not cheap, about $1500

On other GM trucks I just ordered an whole used axle assembly from LKQ online; that route cost me between $350-500 and then I installed the whole assembly

 

[Junior_97]

Looks good for having 300k.

Thanks man. I’ve got all kinds of parts for it but no place to do all the work atm..

 

[swathdiver]

Is a rear driveshaft swap required with that upgrade? Usually a bigger diff means a shorter shaft.

Nope. Same part number.

The 9.5 is a great upgrade, but my opinion is the 8.5/8.6 is plenty strong for stock to mild power levels. The govloc (g80) is the weak link. Get a good quality posi unit... trutrac, auburn spring type etc, and you'll be fine. I know there is a significant weight difference, but i have a 8.5 in my nova making 400ish at the crank and a 2400 stall converter pushing through a all stock 8.5 with a mini spool and havent hurt it in 10 years track or 8000 street miles.

Let's not forget that your Nova and my old Buicks weighed less than 4000 pounds in racing trim. We didn't need to beef up our axles until we were knocking on the doors of the 9s in the quarter mile. If memory serves, that was Moser axles with c-clip eliminators but I never even did that.