I want to swap my 7.5" 3.73 rear end with drum brakes to a 8.5 zr2 rear end with disc brakes and a unknown gear ratio. After looking into it, it appears that a zr2 rear end will bolt up without any modifications (and will stick out 2" extra on each side). My question is if the gear ratio is different, will it cause any problems with abs and 4wd? Any one done this or something similar? Any insight would be appreciated.

 

ABS shouldn't be affected although your speedometer will not read correctly.

4wd, most definitely will be affected. If the gears are different, your drivetrain will bind up. You will either not move, break something, or both.

 

im in the process of doing this on mine. Like kyle said you will have problems with your 4x4 unless your front diff is 3.73 also. Unless you really want the wider axle you can get disks for your stock axle. I think thats all they have after 98

 

i am looking at putting a new rear end in and have found a 96-97 zr2 3.73. can i still use the drum brakes or do i have to convert to disc?

 

Why would you not want to convert to disc?

Safety wise it's a no brainer, for off-road as well. No sand or mud up inside the drums.

 

i mean what i am asking is.... can i use the drums i have now and swap them over to the 96 zr2 axle? i am on a tight budget.

 

what else would i need to get to convert to discs?

rotors
calipers
pads
anything else?

 

Couple things.

Why change to disc brakes? GM switched back to drum brakes. Drums actually work better than discs in teh rear.

Summit Racing sells a kit for $600.
http://www.summitracing.com/search/B...c&autoview=SKU

 

What vehicles were switched back to drums?

 

All the fullsize trucks.