2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Axle Swap

[Dick Davis]

I may have access to a 97-98, 12 valve 1 ton 4X4, w/4:10 gears and drum brakes.



I would like to swap these gears into my '01, 24 valve 1 ton 4X4, w3:55 gears and ABS disc brakes.



Is this a viable swap? Will the disc brake units transfer over to the early drum brake housing?



I don't know if the early housing has a positraction unit. Is there a way to tell from the outside or do I have to open the housing to tell?



If anyone has attemped a swap like this please let me know how it went.



Were there any pitfalls that you ran into and did you need any OEM/Aftermarket parts to complete the swap?



I may have overlooked a number of questions concerning a swap like this so any help you can provide will be appreciated.



I could use the lower gearing but I don't want to give up my ABS disc brakes nor the positraction unit to get it... .



Thanks



P. S. My '01 has a 6 speed... don't know yet what the early truck has stick or auto... does it make a difference?

 

[BDaugherty]

Too bad you aren't closer. I'd love to swap you my 4. 10's for your 3. 55's... and my '01 is nearly the same as yours. All we would have to do is swap your dually hubs for my SRW hubs.



I looked at swapping parts between my truck and a 2000 model one time. The flanges on the axle tubes where the backing plates bolt up were much larger on my '01. I'm thinking that your best option would be to swap the gears into your front housing and buy new gears for the rear... not what you wanted to hear.



For the cost 2 ring and pinions along with professional setup, you could almost buy a bolt on overdrive.