1997 GMC jimmy Rear End Swap
 

Hi my 1997 jimmys rear end went out and i need to know what other rear ends could i use. Like blazers or s-10s and dose it matter if its 2wd or 4wd?

RE: 1997 GMC jimmy Rear End Swap
 

Yes, it does matter if it is a 4wd. The widths are different with the 2wd axle being narrower.

You first need to figure out what axle ratio you have. The RPO code list will have a code which will tell you the axle ratio. Once you know that, you need to find an axle that has the same ratio.

You will be looking for a rear axle from a 95-97 s-series vehicle (and possibly Astro or Safari - maybe further back into the 1st gens, but I am not completely sure). The 98+ trucks have disk brakes and it would work, but you would need to get the parking brake cables and probably the proportioning valve.

RE: 1997 GMC jimmy Rear End Swap
 

I found a 95 blazer 4x4rear end but unasure about the ratio. As far as i know its a stock rear end on my truck. How would i find the RPO code? Im new to this and i just bought the turck about 3 months ago and the rear end went out. We took the plate off and the gears are pretty chewed up so i figerd it be cheaper and easier to buy another rear end.

RE: 1997 GMC jimmy Rear End Swap
 

Been covered quite a few times here. RPO code list is in a label inside your glove box. You are looking for a G code.
GU4 Rear Axle: 3.08 Ratio
GU6 Rear Axle: 3.42 Ratio <Most Common
GT4 Rear Axle: 3.73 Ratio
GT5 Rear Axle: 4.10 Ratio

You need to look at both your truck and the donor.

RE: 1997 GMC jimmy Rear End Swap
 

Hi also is there any vfaqs on good guides on how to do a rear end swap? cause i have never done one before and don't know how hard it is to do?

RE: 1997 GMC jimmy Rear End Swap
 

Swapping the entire rear out is not a big deal at all. Need jackstands and jacks, a solid afternoon set aside, a friend to help, and basic tools. Remove wheels and calipers/rotors, disconnect the driveshaft, disconnect sway bar, unbolt shackles and shock mounts, disconnect brake lines at the T, slide the housing out the side and/or angle it to remove it from underneath the truck. Basically make sure everything is disconnected, remove, replace with new one, reconnect. You will need to bleed the brakes once finished. It does seem daunting but it is really not that bad. I almost took pics when I did mine but those of you that already know the background will understand that I just wanted to get it done.

Depending on the condition of the rear you put back under it, now is the time to freshen it up with new axle seals, axle bearings, diff fluid and diff cover gasket. If you are REALLY frisky you can replace sway bar bushings while you have it out.

RE: 1997 GMC jimmy Rear End Swap
 

If i got one with disk breaks how hard would it be to hook up the e-break

RE: 1997 GMC jimmy Rear End Swap
 

Should not be too awful difficult. Just make sure you get the parking brake cables with the new rear end. I am not sure if you have to move brackets, but I doubt it.

RE: 1997 GMC jimmy Rear End Swap
 

E-brake was not bad, just have to be sure to adjust it when you are done. It does take a little strength and persuasion but it can be done.

RE: 1997 GMC jimmy Rear End Swap
 

Both mine and the doner is a GU6 :) so they match and its comeing off a 1995 blazer and mines a 97 so everything should be the same even breaks.