98 Z71 Rear Diff into 97 Non-Z71
 

Hi Guys,

Im trying to swing a deal with a guy who is selling a 97 Silverado 4x4 (non z71) v8 5.7L. It needs a new engine and the rear diff makes some whirrling noise. I test drove the truck and don't know much about rear ends but sounds like a bearing of some sort in the rear.

The truck is in nearly perfect condition besides those issues and some rust which I will have taken care of.

I already have a 98 Z71 v6 which for the most part is worth only the amount of scrap steel its built with.

Could I swap the rear end from my 98 v6 z71 into the 97 v8 non-z71 truck??

What rear gears do they have, the same or different?

I don't know. how can I find out?

Give me the vin numbers from both trucks and I'll try to look them up for you.

That would be great :)

I'll get the Vin numbers tomorrow. I thought mine was a Z71 but I guess not, haha. Just a plain old 4x4. So this new to me truck will be 1 year older with more features and a v8. Seems to be the only difference.

I'll get the numbers for ya. Thanks!

I don't mean to hi-jack the thread but maybe my similar question can be answered after the initial question is resolved...

@grumpychevy I looked at the RPO codes in my '94 Z71. I have an open rear diff with 3.73 gears. My idea is to maybe find a G80 rear at my local Pull-a-Part and swap it in. I figure this would be easier than just replacing the diff.

First: what's your take on this idea?

Second: From what year-model trucks would I be able to take a G80 and have it fit my '94?

LSU, your idea about swapping out rear ends is probably cheaper and if you can find the same in posi, easier than putting a posi in your existing rear. However an aftermarket posi unit would definitly be stronger. I'm not sure about interchangability but i'll do a little more digging on it when I get some more time. Personally I think I would check into an aftermarket posi unit for my existing diff or look for a posi rear end from a 1500 4x4 up to 1998.

Thanks for the reply. I was hoping that an axle from newer trucks would be interchangeable. I'm not into crawling or 4wheeling on serious terrain, just some really slippery mud...

@Grumpy,

Sorry it took so long but here are the vin numbers
98 Silverado 4x4
1GCEK19W1WE109804
97 Silverado 4x4
2GCEK19RXV1236142

My comPuter crashed Friday night, Dell says video card? Just had it replaced about 4 months ago so when the tech gets here we will see if that is it again. Anyhow, I cannot look them up for you right now until I get the pc back up and running. For some reason mobil Internet is different on some web sites and that is one of them. You can take those Vin #'s into your local chevy dealership and they can tell you and you could even ask for a print out. Just go to the service department. Sorry I couldn't come through for you on this one.