axle cross over

[gene2393]

I have a opportunity to get a 93 chevrolet 1500 half ton 4 wheel drive that needs a rear end, the parts i may get are a 86-88 front and rear axle off of a 3/4 ton that was a diesel, i want to know what the interchange years are on these vehicles or if it is reccomended? so basically can i put the heavy axles off an older pickup onto a newer year pickup.

gene

 

[srmofo]

I know my 85 and 87 k2500 have completely different suspension setups than the newer trucks. Im not saying its impossible, just that it will be more work than swapping the diff over.

Both of my trucks had leaf spring fronts

 

[ME87]

Changing out a rear axle is a lot more straight forward than a front. Sounds like it's 4WD so make sure your gear ratios all match in the end however you decide to do it. The truck you're getting should have a 12 bolt rear end and it's leaf sprung. You'll have to make sure the wheel mount surface to wheel mount surface (WMS) is the same to avoid any weird fitment issues, and that the spring perch measurements are the same or you'll be moving those as well. Also the lug patterns may be different. It shouldn't be an overly complicated swap but it's hard to say without a bit more info on the axles out of the 3/4 ton.

 

[Mr.N]

I have a opportunity to get a 93 chevrolet 1500 half ton 4 wheel drive that needs a rear end, the parts i may get are a 86-88 front and rear axle off of a 3/4 ton that was a diesel, i want to know what the interchange years are on these vehicles or if it is reccomended? so basically can i put the heavy axles off an older pickup onto a newer year pickup.

gene

First, yes it can be done. (I've done a couple axle swaps myself)

The more important question is do you have the skills to do this axle swap?
Do you have the time for the truck to be down during this swap?
Do you have extra cash for all the little parts it will cost you?

Find out your front gear ratio, then go to a junk yard and buy the same axle it had. (It will be cheaper in the end, just a larger cost at first)


Edit: Move this to Free Parking

 

[gene2393]

yeah i would have the time (I currently drive my 90 3/4 ton right now) but i have a buddy that has a 93 k1500 that needs some work and he needs a car (I have to money to fix the pickup and a car for him)if anything are there any recomendations as far if i decide to keep the regular axles who makes the best rebuild kit that will not fall apart on me (this truck id like to get already has had the rear axle rebuilt twice)

 

[csp]

What exactly needs rebuilt on the rear axle? There's not a lot there to rebuild other than the internals of the diff and it really just amounts to bearings unless the ring and pinion are shot.

The 86-88 from the diesel could vary from a straight axle to IFS. The switch was made in the '88 model year. You'll be looking at a lug change as the 3/4 ton are eight lug and the 1/2 ton will be six lug.

Sounds like you have some more homework to do before jumping into this one.

 

[38Chevy454]

The 93 truck is IFS. The 3/4 ton assuming it is 4x4 donor, should be solid front axle. A front solid axle swap is quite popular on the GM trucks, several kits out there with the brackets already designed. 87 is last year for the 3/4 ton solid axle front. 88 went to the IFS and is same basic frame as the 93 has. 88-up are completely different trucks than the 73-87 style. One-ton stayed with the old style deisgn until 91, but you said your donor is a 3/4 ton, so the exact year does matter.

3/4 ton will be 8 lug and your 93 1/2 ton is 6 lug. So you either swap both 3/4 ton front and rear axles, or just go to junkyard and get a rearend out of a 88-96 (? verify this) that will be a direct bolt-in swap. Just make sure the gear ratios match.