Rebuilt Replacement Engine

[Badass69]

I didn't think of that for some dumb reason. What size tire are yall running I wanna see whats the closest to mine.

I run a 285/40R20 on the back of the 96 which is 28.97" tall. Your 255/70R15's are 29.05" tall. My 94 has the stock 235/75R15's which are 28.88" tall. All 3 are very close in tire size. Locked up in overdrive the 96 runs just over 3 grand at whatever it's limiter is...... somewhere near 100mph. 120 mph should theoretically be just over 3600 rpm with 3.73's.

 

[jeff's88silverado]

Tough decision. I guess i'll look around for a rear end and which ever one comes up first that checks out good will be the one i try

 

[97c1500]

70 mph at 2000

 

[DRAGGIN95]

I run 3.42's in my 95 and with stock size tires, I a also do 70 at 2k, and 3k at 100, that's where I used to set the cruise. Now our burb, and 2DR have 3.73's and with stock size tires on both, they run 2250 at 70, and 3400 at 100.

 

[jeff's88silverado]

Well it's final a buddy of mine is going to sell me the rear end out of his parts truck for $200 its 3.42's and a lot less miles than mine.

 

[DRAGGIN95]

I think you will like the 3.42's, it should feel like a rocket compared to 2.73's!

 

[jeff's88silverado]

I know this aint the proper place but since we already talking about different gears and rear ends. The axle my buddys got is 6 lug will my 5 lug axles swap out.

Mines 88 his is 95

 

[97c1500]

I don't think that 88 axle will work because the splines are different to be sure on your buddys open the case and count the axle splines on both or get both VIN #'s and go to a chevy dealer and they should be able to tell you how many splines on each one
also my truck has 235 75 15 and it's 2000 rpms at 70 with 3.42s

 

[Badass69]

I know this aint the proper place but since we already talking about different gears and rear ends. The axle my buddys got is 6 lug will my 5 lug axles swap out.

Mines 88 his is 95

If its a 6 lug its one of 3 things. An 8.5" 10 bolt out out of a 1/2 ton 4X4, or a 9.5" 14 bolt SF from either a heavy half/ light duty 3/4 ton 4X4 or a 2 wheel drive light duty 3/4 ton. None of those will reuse your axles. Your 88 is going to still have a 28 spline carrier so no 89 and newer 10 bolt will use your shafts without taking the carrier too( which is a backwards step as the 28 spline shafts are weaker). In the 1989 model year 8.5" 10 bolts switched to the 30 spline axles which remained unchainged until 1999 when they went to the 8.6" crown gear. Furthermore the 4 wheel drive truck diffs are 3" wider overall than a 2wd rear diff. You need a diff from a 2wd half ton to get a direct bolt in swap.

9.5" 14 bolt SF diffs have 33 spline axles and follow the same suit as the 10 bolt with the 4 wheel drive variant being 3" wider than the 2wd.

Now if it's from a light duy 3/4 ton 2wd 9.5" SF 14 bolt, it's a direct swap too as long as you get the conversion U joint for the driveshaft........ but then you are stuck with 6 lug axles. Your choice is basically live with the 6 lug in the back ( I wouldn't) or get the axle shafts and the big goofy drums redrilled for 5X5". That said I have no idea if those fit inside a 15" rim.... and since the trucks originally came with 16" wheels I doubt it. 454SS axles are not remade by anyone so don't even consider that. The 454SS trucks just had regular 1/2 ton 11" drum brakes attached the same 14 bolt SF housing if you were wondering.

So....... you realistically for no headaches need a complete 2wd 8.5" 10 bolt diff.

 

[jeff's88silverado]

ok then I'm waiting. I'm going for direct swap not more headaches than the engine and gear decisions have been.