Rear axle swap

[Symba_The_Lyon]

So i have think i have 373 gears but i am not sure tho, What would be some of the newer 2000's and up are Gmc/Chevy rear axles that would fit right in with out any cutting or welding? And also dos any one know the rpo codes in the glove box for the gear ratio? Thank You!!!

 

[kcb37]

It's going to have to be 99 and older. Unless you have a new body style.
2000 and up used a different axle. (correct me if I am wrong, thinking the last of the 90's body made it to 99, 2000 the body changed.)

GQ1 -- AXLE REAR, STD RATIO
GT4 -- AXLE REAR, 3.73 RATIO
GT5 -- AXLE REAR, 4.10 RATIO
GU4 -- AXLE REAR, 3.08 RATIO
GU5 -- AXLE REAR, 3.23 RATIO
GU6 -- AXLE REAR, 3.42 RATIO
G80 -- AXLE REAR, LIMITED SLIP (POSITRACTION)

HC4 -- AXLE REAR, 4.56 RATIO

 

[Gzes]

Older axles are better. New axles are crap. Some aren't even real axles any more cv axles... If you want a nice axle a gm 14 bolt is what you want but changing axles might change bolt pattern depending on what you get

 

[Symba_The_Lyon]

Thake you kcb! I tryed to find tho rpo codes every where and i couldn't find them i even call the Chevy dealer ship lol, and geze do you know what trucks and the years have the gm 14 bolt? I would want to stick with the 6 bolt lol

 

[_Dylan_]

no they won't just bolt in

the 9.5" 14 bolt semi float 6 lug will have the right mounts but you will need new u bolts and figure out how to get the driveshaft to work.

99+ silverado was a mix of disc and drum brakes so those won't bolt up, 00+ tahoe is coil sprung with discs and that won't bolt in either.

10.5" 14 bolt full float is way over kill and the wrong 8 lug pattern

if it ain't broke, don't fix it

 

[Symba_The_Lyon]

So just stick with 96 to 98 rear axels then xD well any of thos years come with rear disk brakes? If so could i make them work? With out haveing a lot of doe?

 

[zomeizter]

Good tools+good skill=not too much dough

 

[Symba_The_Lyon]

Did any of the 96 hoes come with 410 or 456 gear from the factory ?

 

[kcb37]

Curious to know how the new axles are crap.

Anyway I believe what he was talking about is the 14bt SF witch is a 9.5 ring gear.
This body style had a 14bt FF with a 10.5 ring gear.
To get more the 6.0 gas trucks (new body won't work anyway) have a 10.5 ring gear, the 8.1 gas and diesel have a 11.5 ring gear.

Like said with a 9.5 it is a pretty basic straight forward swap, just need a conversion u-joint.
They can be found in a light duty 3/4 ton, or some 1/2 tons had them. Don't believe any Tahoe's or Suburbans had them. Could be wrong though.

 

[Gzes]

Problem with newer axles is avalability, not as cheap to repair, and an average joe cant replace one if they break. Older axles are built like a rock smash them around and doesnt care. Weld brackets in and good to go