Ok, first let me start by reminding folks I'm not overly mechanical.... I learn as I go with a lot of research, you tube, and phone calls to family and friends with more know how.

To keep it short, now that I am nearly finished with what mods will be done on my blazer for this deer season, I am starting to look into what I want to do come spring for the off season build. That's where this post comes in.

With an 04 Blazer LS, 2 door, I'm pretty certain that I have 3.42 gearing. I want to go with a locker, preferably 4.11 or so, but at the very least 3.73.

I am not capable of regearing, I will have bro in law do that at his shop, but is 4.11 even possible without getting too in depth or looking at solid axle swap, etc?

Concern is as small at that ring already is, I didn't know if you could go down in pinion enough that is doable.

I'm pretty certain I can locate a 3.73 front and rear diff with the locker thru a junkyard resource here, and if I went that route I'd pay to gut and redo em simply to be making sure what I was installing would last.... but I'd prefer to go to the 4.11....

Yes, I'm mechanically challenged, and I'm certain someone reading this will consider it a foolish question.... But basically and trying to figure out WHAT to start researching so that I'm ready to go with it in the spring.

Any help is appreciated.

Regards,
Chad

basically just asking if a 4.09/4.10/4.11ish set up is possible in existing stock differentials or if I have to stick with 3.73 if I don't want to start looking into SFA swaps etc.

The front diff is what has me asking if it is possible. due to the front having a ring that small, I wasn't sure if it made pinion too weak to be small enough for the 4.11 range for them to manufacture it. Hope I'm making sense, I know what I'm trying to say in my mind but not really communicating it well, lol.

 

Getting the J/Y rears with the 3:73 gears will get you the correct carrier for 4:11 gears, the 3:42 carrier won't work.

 

Thanks, that actually answers it for me, I didn't even know if the 3.73 would work as a carrier for the 4.11.... didn't know if 4.11 was possible in a front diff that small. Thanks for reading between the lines to answer a poorly worded question.

Seriously debating just going with 3.73 and having what I pick up at the junkyard redone so it's "like new" when it goes in.... After discussing it with family and friends who own garages and work as mechanics.... I'm leaning towards the 3.73 mainly due to the hour drive each way to where I use the blazer the most in the mountains.

Really appreciate the help!

Chad