Axle swapping

[jacob dehart]

Hey all. I have a 1994 K1500 z71 5.7. My truck came factory with 3:42 gearing front and rear. The previous owner I bought the truck from put a 10 bolt 3:73 rear in it. Now I need a 3:73 front end.

I have found a 3:73 front axle from another 1994, although it is a K2500 3/4 ton 6.5 diesel. I am wondering if that front end will bolt right up in place of mine or if it wont. Another question would be if it would be easier to just take the actual gearing from the axle itself, or pull and swap axles entirely. Thanks 400 fam.

 

[scott2093]

I am wondering if that front end will bolt right up in place of mine or if it wont

... That's what I did on mine... just swapped front diff from a 95 ...... Had to do something with the actuator because it was a different year..


If you do grab something, make sure to replace seals and check inside the diff ... Mine had water in it and didn't look pretty... But it's fine now....

 

[1998_K1500_Sub]

I have found a 3:73 front axle from another 1994, although it is a K2500 3/4 ton 6.5 diesel

IIRC the IFS front ends were available with two different ring gears, 8.2" and 9.2". I suspect you'll need one with the same size ring gear, i.e., same size housing assembly.

Let's see what others say.

 

[Awest623]

Hey all. I have a 1994 K1500 z71 5.7. My truck came factory with 3:42 gearing front and rear. The previous owner I bought the truck from put a 10 bolt 3:73 rear in it. Now I need a 3:73 front end.

I have found a 3:73 front axle from another 1994, although it is a K2500 3/4 ton 6.5 diesel. I am wondering if that front end will bolt right up in place of mine or if it wont. Another question would be if it would be easier to just take the actual gearing from the axle itself, or pull and swap axles entirely. Thanks 400 fam.

The k2500 front diff will NOT bolt up. They are completely different differentials. Your cheapest bet would be to buy a new ring/pinion for your front diff and have a shop install it. Summit sells a few gearsets for the front diff and a shop shouldn't charge too much to install it if you have the diff pulled from the truck

 

[Awest623]

That being said, a 3.73 k1500 front diff shouldn't be too hard to find in a junk yard. 3.73 was the most common gear ratio. Any year will work as long as it's a k1500

 

[1998_K1500_Sub]

Here's a related thread:

Swap in 9.25" Heavy half diff or leave stock 8.25"​

https://www.gmt400.com/threads/swap-in-9-25-heavy-half-diff-or-leave-stock-8-25.17816/

 

[scott2093]

Here's what GM Parts Giant is showing..
94 k2500 on Left 94 K1500 on right

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[Schurkey]

Kinda guessing it's more of a 6-lug vs. 8-lug deal rather than K1500 vs. K2500 thing.

If your K2500 Diesel is a 6-lug, you're probably fine.