goshawk`

I have a chevy G20 (v8) sports van.

Seems the rear end is going out. I know a fellow that has a 1998 Chevy 1500 and wonder if that rear end will work on my van? Is there somewhere on can look at a list of rear ends that would work on the 1988 G20 van? I have not had any luck so far in my search for such a list.

Not sure how much a transmission place would charge to rebuild the rear end, but I am on a bit of a budget.

I called two junk yards but no luck locating one yet.

Pat

canucklehead

I would not take it to a tranny shop. Get a price from an axle and frame shop. Or driveline specialist. Keep in mind that almost all rebuilt rear ends end up whining or making a howling noise.....its not easy to set them up perfect.
As for a swap. I would call a chev dealer parts department and have the vin number from your van handy. They should be able to tell you if the axles are different for the newer body style. (wider, different universal coupler, etc)
By the way. What makes you think the rear is going out?

goshawk`

Well you might be right. I ran into the young fellow in my area: aka my local shade tree mechanic. He has done well by me in the past and checked it out and says the rear end is fine, but the pinion gears and seal are bad so I've got it set up to replace them. Basically to describe the problem There is no noise but there is vibration more so around 35 to 45 miles per hour and when you look under the van, you can see where there is some leakage where the drive shaft goes into the rear end. The u-joints seem ok as they don't seem loose or anything.

Pat

goshawk`

Oh, I forgot to add. I live in a very rural area and the road to my house is down this pretty rough road. I am thinking that driving up and down the rough road may have contributed to the problem I am having.

Pat

canucklehead

Replace the uv joints anyway. They are very hard to eliminate as a suspect, and if you have never done them....then they need doing.
Do you have a 2 piece drive shaft? If so it could be the balancer.
Axle seals are easy if you know how, otherwise not a huge bill at a shop. Get all 3 done, and do your rear brakes and wheel cylinders at the same time...

Blairsbackwoodsbbq

I have a 1985 p20 ,rear end was making a loud whine during acceleration. Replaced pinion bearings ,one axle bearing now its quite as a new one. I have same vibe ration at same speed going to change carrier bearing next.