3/4 Suburban front differential on Tahoe?

[awsomeaussies206]

I just bought a 1999 Tahoe 2 door from an auction last week for 1500.00. I've been learning a lot on this forum, so thank you everyone!! The one thing I couldn't find was information on swapping the front differential. The rear end is making a horrible humming sound. I found an add on craigslist for 3/4 Ton Suburban eight lug set of axles, both front and rear with 4.10's. I know the back 14 bolt sf will mount up with new hangers, but would the front? I don't mind them being 8 lug, because I'll get new wheels later on. He's asking 350.00 for both axles and thought that was a pretty good deal if I can get the front end to work!

 

[purple 'hoe]

I just bought a 1999 Tahoe 2 door from an auction last week for 1500.00. I've been learning a lot on this forum, so thank you everyone!! The one thing I couldn't find was information on swapping the front differential. The rear end is making a horrible humming sound. I found an add on craigslist for 3/4 Ton Suburban eight lug set of axles, both front and rear with 4.10's. I know the back 14 bolt sf will mount up with new hangers, but would the front? I don't mind them being 8 lug, because I'll get new wheels later on. He's asking 350.00 for both axles and thought that was a pretty good deal if I can get the front end to work!

The amount of work to swap the 3/4 IFS parts in would not be worth it IMO.

You'll be better off with a Solid Axle Swap instead. For many different reasons.

 

[sparg93]

As purple mentioned, it would take a LOT of work to swap in a complete 8 lug IFS and I've never personally seen it done.

However, a few folks have had luck swapping in the 9.25" diff and then having custom CV's made by RCV...the CV's alone will run close to $1k. This guy retained his 6 lug hubs...

 

[bowtiefreak]

it can be done....as stated above. I read a write up on GMfullsize I think about a larger front diff with a locker going in but the cost of CVs is steep.

 

[purple 'hoe]

1k for CV shafts? You could buy/rebuild a High Pinion Dana44 for the price if your lucky.

 

[bowtiefreak]

yup, custom CVs. Then if you break one.....

 

[99 2dr]

Is the 3/4 ton front diff really that much stronger? If so it would be a piece of cake for a guy with a little chassis and welding skills to just clip the 1/2 ton frame with the 3/4 ton and be on the road. I have not looked at the 3/4 ton and im sure that its beefier than the 1/2, so you would have to flare the 1/2 ton frame and plate the joints. I bet that it could be done in a weekend if you did it like a body shop would. Pull front fenders, inner fenders, core support, radiator, grill, ect.... all in one wrap. with all that gone it would be easy to pull the motor with out taking off all the accessories. If a guy was gentle he could raise up all the brake lines and then re attach them to the frame. The only thing that I am unsure about is the torsion bar size? Would the 1/2 ton bars work with the 3/4 ton lowers? I know that a solid axle swap is stronger however you will never beat the handling and drive ability of the IFS.
Is there anything else that you guys could think of?
Just a thought.... Don't shoot.

 

[bowtiefreak]

For all the fab work an SAS is a stronger option in my opinion

 

[awsomeaussies206]

Thanks everyone! I didn't realize the 3/4 ton had IFS. I want to buy a 14 bolt since I need a rear end, but can't really afford to regear it right now, especially the front also. I just seen a 14 bolt ff on craigslist for 250 too I'll probably just pull a stocker from the junk yard until I lift it!

 

[bowtiefreak]

most of the time the FF is an 8 lug unless it has been converted.