The rear differential gears went out on my 1990 C1500 2WD (5.7L, ext cab). Happened last night about 2.5 hours from the house. I had to call a local tow company and then get a ride back home. The truck has 203,000 miles and I inherited it when my Dad passed last year.

Two months ago I removed the stock rear tires and put on two new 31" all-terrain tires, but I've driven less than 1,000 miles on the new tires (I needed some mud traction and can't get a 4x4 right now). Could the new tires be the problem?

Anyway, finances will limit me to getting another rear axle from an auto salvage yard. A shop near the wrecker yard says they'll do the swap for about $200 if I bring them an axle. My question is what do I look for. I obviously want something with as few miles on it as possible.

What year/model trucks do I look for at the auto salvage yard? I want whatever will drop in, with 5-lugs I suppose, newer, less miles. I'm not mechanically inclined so any help in plain English would be immensely appreciated.

 

Back in November, just before I put new tires on the rear:

 

What I would really like to know is what year model vehicles will have a compatable rear end that will drop in?

Thanks for any help.

 

https://chevroletforum.com/forum/showthread.php?p=122435

I found the above thread, can anyone add to this? help

 

The first thing you need to find out is what your current gear ratio is so you can match it. After that any 5 lug 10 bolt, leaf spring full size rear should work for you.
Oh yeah, also drum brakes as opposed to disc.

 

Try calling the salvage yards near you, most of them have books that will cross reference models.
Some will also offer a service to swap parts.
Good luck.

 

Thanks for the replies.

 

The repair shop confirms my rear end is 3.08 ratio (GU4), 10 bolt cover. The hunt is on. Thanks again.

 

I've just now contacted a good friend who has a rear end out of a 1995 model vehicle. It's sitting at his shop ready to go and he wants $200 for it. He believes the ratio is either 3.23 or 3.42.

Why would it be a problem, if any, of using a different ratio than what came on my truck? Would it cause damage? I wouldn't care if it screwed with the speedometer. Is going from a 3.08 ratio to a 3.23 or 3.42 a serious matter?

 

I would be using a 31" all-terrain tire during hunting season and then switch back to a standard size 235/75-15 the rest of the time. I might pull a utility trailer with an ATV or a 16' fiberglass bass boat. Accleration is not important.