Chevy K1500 215k miles rear end gives out looking for help.

JonBoy

Active Member
Joined
Mar 20, 2005
Location
Hampstead NC
98 chevy k1500 5.0 5 speed 4x4. Money wise the only things I can do is buy a used axle and hope for the best. How can I tell what the gear ratio is? Only factory option is 3.73 and 3.43. Will one from a v6 truck be the same? would one from a automatic be the same? Im also guessing i need to get one from a 4x4 also.
 
JonBoy, there should be a tag, on each diff. cover, secured by 2 of the cover bolts. It will have a few # on it, +, the last set, usually will show, 3.73, 3.43, or what ever the ratio is. That's good only if nobody's changed it, & or removed the tag. You can also jack up the rear, [both wheels] put a mark on a tire, & on the driveshaft. Rotate the tires [both], 1 full turn, & count how many times the driveshaft turns. [3.73=3&3/4 turns]
Actually, just dawned on me, this should have no effect on the axle, but I believe, your talking about the complete differential. Most likely, a GM 10 bolt diff. Hope this helps some. [vin # might give code for ratio]*
 
As long as its the 88-98 body style and a half ton 4x4....a 10 bolt is a 10 bolt.
Look in the dash (glove box) find the sticker with a bunch of letters and numbers.
Look for:
3.42=GU6
3.73=GT4
4.10=GT5
Locking diff=G80
match it up to your dash plaque and your good
 
Probably best to fix what you have. Most of the ones in the junkyard have the same if not more issues.

What is wrong with your rear axle?
 
I did buy a rear end from pic and pull yard. It was was out of a suburban driven in and only had 140,000 miles. I bought the front bumper, quarter pannels before it even made it to the yard. Anyway Its been a pain in my but with this axle. I bought new U bolts but they were like an extra 6 inches to long and the nuts didnt thread on to easy. Then noticed the drivers side axle was bent. It was a total pain getting it off but I swapped it for one of my axles. I did find out it has limited slip wich is something I didnt have. I have yet to decide what I am going to do with the brakes. The new axle has the larger drums. I think I have all the pieces but not positive and I didnt take it apart so its going to be a pain i bet.
 
looks as if the seal for the left axle is going to need to be replaced. All these little things are slowing me down. Is there anyway I can just put the drum back on and not instal the breakes? Im in a tight situation needing to use it teusday.
 
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