I was driving home tonight and when my struck shifted from 1st to 2nd (it has a Built 4L60E) My rear diff blew up. Where the stock 3.42 4x4 1997 rear ends Junk? Is there a stronger rear end that is a direct swap? Or should i just re-build it my self? What Is the stock ring and pinion made of? Obviously i need some thing stronger. I want to run 3.73 or 4.10/4.11 rear end and remove the 4x4 anyway. Would the stock S series 3.73/4.10 be stronger? Thank you for you time and information. Im visiting AZ from MI so im kinda screwed

 

The only stronger direct swap would be to find an 8.5" rear out of a ZR2 or a manual trans 2dr that got lucky.

 

If you do rebuild it yourself, make sure you set it up properly. Buy a book or something. If you screw up the tooth patern or bearing preload, you might as well have just given me the money, and then paid someone else to rebuild it for you!!

 

what axles are a direct swap. im going to the junk yard tomorrow and need to know what all i can look for. Thanks

what vehicles would they be installed in.

 

4 door 4wd Blazers/Jimmys/Bravadas with GU6 RPO code in the glove box would be the most direct swap. You can grab one out of a 2 door 4wd but you'll have to mess with sway bars. Oh yeah and 95 or up to be safe. I keep forgetting which year they switched from 26 spline (which you don't want) and 28 spline (what you need). Although if you're buying the whole rear axle assembly it shouldn't be an issue.

 

A quick browse on car-parts.com will show you the interchange information...

 

ok found a whole bunch of gen 1 blazers near my house. Can i use a GEN 1 rear end? they look to be the same. i want to use the 3.73 rear end in my blazer. Are the drum brakes the same? can they be swapped? Thanks

 

I would think that the mounting would be the same, but I have nothing to back that up.

Still not necessary to PM anyone. If someone does not have the time to respond to your post, they do not have the time. Simple as that.