Ok had a great deal on a junkyard axle gu6 g80 for 149 out the door, bare axle off of 96 blazer but it had drums. I have a 02 blazer gu6 g80 that i had replaced the diff with wrong axle ratio {learned to read rpo the hard way} so instead of payin a shop for doin the proper swap I asked price for whole axle and jumped on that, ultimately here is my question: can I swap the 96 drum axle minus the drum setup where the 4 bolts hold the shoe mounts {they look same as my disk 4 bolt caliper mounts at end of axle} and just install my current 02 disk caliper mounts and just bolt together or will there be much fab work? Current axle is working, planning the actual swap next weekend so time to do new bearings and seals clean and prep 96 axle beforehand. It is an odd setup but good deal, good gear teeth, low miles 61k so it is what I have to work with, if anyone has had the experience I would appreciate any and all help.

 

After cleaning the axle i will take it to the parts store and try to mock the disk hardware to the bolt holes to see if i can bolt rite up without modification, if all goes well I will keep axle shafts and locker for spare parts for wheeling adventure. Also I will take and post pictures of actual swap when it happens or video for youtube so everyone can see if it can be done or not. Next plan is iron fromt diff and lockers after that.. Probably just next year for them since it is not needed at the moment

 

Wrong axle.. It is for 2wd anyone in Phx Az need a 48" 3.42 locker rear axle 61k miles id like to get my 149 back from it to get proper one.. Learning alot the hard way need a new 4x4 ls axle gu6 g80 so i can use my truck offroad again...

 

whats the difference between a 2wd and 4wd axle? can you make it work, maybe swap axle shafts or backing plates?

 

The axle from a 2 wd is about 3 inches narrower than a 4 wd.

 

Yes the difference in size would not allow axle shaft swap, i had measured an 8.5/8.6 rear at 51-52 inches and was tempted with gu6 3.42 gears but open diff. Traded for proper length 4x4 axle no locker going to prep it and clean for swap in two weeks, time to order the bearings and new hardware to do the full build: remove my locker from 3.23 gears and install with 3.42 into new cleaned n painted axle with the better two of 4 axle shafts and fresh bearings all around. One other issue is it is hard for me to locate a premium 80-90 without additives because the g80 locker doesnt need them. Would the only place be to order off the internet for that specific gear oil or is there a secret place in phx to find normal 80-90 thats not the parts store cheapo brand? Or a preferred brand thats done well, price is not my concern as id like to drop in some good stuff vs cheapo brands.

 

Good call jimbobdudeguy. Had you chosen the 8.6 your driveshaft would've been too long. I personally run full synthetic 75-90 in my 7.625 open diff. I used timken bearings and seals, motive gear ring & pinion and yukon spider gears 2 years ago. No problems in hot summer or cold winter. It's expensive but the peace of mind is worth it.

 

Hey there rusty may i ask the brand of gear oil you use? I have no problem buying premium fluids, only sad i cant run full valvoline throughout my truck cause the 80-90 i can only find with limited slip additive, pretty sure g80 locker doesnt play well with that.

 

I use mobil 1 and just noticed that it does have a limited slip additive. GM and Eaton (manufacturer of the g-80) did claim that friction modifiers can delay the engagement of the locking mechanism and may decrease axle life. They suggest SAE 80W-90 GL5 (P/N 10950849). It's called grape juice because it's purple and smells like grapes.

 

Aha gotcha, thanks for that info i will begin to build my collection of parts and fluids soon after this black friday shopping spree, hehe