So as some may know, I have a 96 blazer lt, with a bl and 31s. On my way home from vacation i heard a hell of a rotational noise coming from the vehicle, we're thinking the rear end is going. So after that huge unnecessary lead in here goes.

I have an opportunity to get a zr2 pickup rearend out of a 97 that a guy I work with has sitting in his backyard, as well as maybe a new skid plate, and maybe flares if I am lucky.

So what should I look for as far as buying, what kind of price do these go for generally. I think the brakes might have to be redone because the truck has been sitting for a couple of years, but other than that I dont know anything else about it

 

If you can, pop the cover off and inspect the gears and the magnet for any major shavings. Look for any leaks anywhere. You might want to replace all the seals anyways since you have the axle easily accessible. If you really want to go all out you could even replace the bearings too. Then you'd have a basically brand new axle.

 

Check the spring perch width.

 

i would go ahead and do all the rear brakes on it. its already going to have to come apart to put it in, so might as well have a box full of new stuff to put on instead of the "old and used up." i paid $200 for my 8.5 ZR2 axle and i changed everything on it, minus the actual gears. a bearing kit runs around $100-130 depending on where you go and what you get. and that should come with new axle seals as well....if you decide to go that route.

 

Does anybody else mind letting me know how much they paid for their 8.5 rear end? I'm going to have to give this guy a price tomorrow and I can only find new ones on eBay

 

I paid $250 for mine from a seller in N.C. came with the
G80 of course and cleaned and painted, no brakes though..

 

Thanks okiedoak I'm thinking I'll offer him 150 because it had been sitting then if I get it redo ago of the seals bearings and brakes while it's out

 

Go for it kenny...... keep us posted

 

just remember ALL ZR2 rear ends have 3.73 gear ratio and your blazer probably doesn't (unless yours is a special order like mine was) if u can get the front diff as well so u have the same gear ratio or u wont be able to go 4 wheeling.....you will trash the from diff if they are different!!!!!!!!

 

mine does have 373s and the g80 factory.