I have a 2000 blazer rwd with a bad 3:08 differential . I also have a 1996 4wd with a good rear differential . Can I put the rotors/disc brakes from the 2000, to put on the 96 axles which have drum brakes and use the whole rear end assembly on the 2000 ? Also are the yokes the same so I can use the 2000 drive shaft ? I also wouldnt mind a gear ratio like the 3:42 . I really need your input on this one !

 

Only a quick thought: The proportioning valve for the brakes might be different depending on the type of brakes used. You might find by doing an online search if that is an issue or not when doing such swaps.

Also, with different rear-end ratio your speedometer would be off and perhaps the computers for the engine and transmission might not run optimally for the higher gear ratio but I don't know for sure.

 

The 2wd rear is 54.5" wide, 4wd is 59" wide, and ZR2 is 63" wide. I suppose that you could use a 4x4 rear in a 2WD if you used the wheels off the 4WD to correct for the difference in width. Pinion yoke you will need to measure, but probably the same if you have 7.5"/7.65" ring gear in both (likely). Disc brakes will bolt on either housing, but have no idea if the old 4x4 wheels will clear the disk brakes. I would proceed carefully.

 

Thank you christine _208 and Lesmyer for your replies! I found out there are too many differences to deal with on the 1996 Blazer rear, so I'll have to rebuild the 2000 2wd rear. I also found there was alot less damage than I thought. With the diff cover off it was the left side carrier bearing that failed.This made one spider gear to wear bad/chip , and another to do the same but not quite as severe. The ring and Pinion gears look really good being that the blazer has 140k on it . If I figure how to post pictures Ill show the gears etc.