axle choice

[2Farr]

Wanted to upgrade my axle in my 1999 3500 4wd. Found a few good axles in some wrecking yards at good prices. My question for the day is,. I have found some 2000 and 2002 axles and two 2003 3rd gen axles. I know the 2nd gen axles will work on my truck but would the early third gen work? Do gas powered trucks have the HD axles like the diesel?

 

[BigPapa]

Will the 3rd Gen axle just bolt up? No.
Can it be modified to work? I'm sure it can with lots of cutting and welding.

Not sure on the gassers.

 

[Cummins12V98]

01 or 02 with factory disk brakes!!!

 

[Joe Mc]

Take a picture (with your phone so you can take with you) and compare mounting ears for shocks and swaybar (if you have) the u-bolt to spring pack mounting should be the same for 99 - 02. Like Papa said WTE you can make almost anything work with cutting and welding... I swapped a complete (drum to drum) 1st gen rear housing in my 99, the shock ears were different on the 1st gen and it had none for the swaybar. V-cut slightly into the housing on my 99 rear to remove ears for shock and swaybar, measured and marked where they went on the 1st gen housing before cutting off mine, then flush cut the shock ears off the 1st gen. tacked ears from mine and installed the rear made sure everything bolted up correctly then finish welded. Was a lot of work but for $300 for the rear (which had new Dana ring/pinion, bearings and clutch pac) it was worth it. Then converted to rear discs.

 

[AnonEd]

Late now, but I second the 2nd Gen disc brake...I'm assuming OP is asking about the rear axle...

 

[2Farr]

Have a 2002 complete axle off a 3500 sitting in the garage now. Going to go through it and install the new hubs.

 

[2Farr]

Sorry I did not say which end of the truck I was working on. It is the front axle. I have a axle from a 2002 with 145K on it and am taking it apart right now.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Be sure to do the 3rd gen front brake upgrade!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Bob4x4]

Iirc the 02 front diff may not have the axle disconnect and the vent tube may be in the cover instead of the axle tube

 

[2Farr]

It has the axle disconnect and vent . It also has larger axle shafts than my 99. The seals show the size difference. 2002 on left 99 on right

 

[Joe Mc]

Sorry but explain 3rd gen front brake upgrade please

 

[Cummins12V98]

03 and newer 3rd gen parts. Replace caliper cradle, caliper, rotor and pads. Must have 17" or larger wheels.

 

[Joe Mc]

Thanks. I sort of remembered, after reading your reply, about the need for 17" or better wheels for this upgrade. Ain't happening, love my "whatever they are wheels" that I bought back in like 03? And I don't plan on putting out any more $ on wheels.