2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Rear Axle Swap Q?

[Texis]

The 97' may be retiring from DD in a few months... but not leavin my driveway!!



My rear axle is sorta tired. Play in the R&P, crappy LS unit, 375K etc. I would like to go to the rear disc set up. I would also like to go from 3:54 to 4:10. I feel like it may just be cheaper & easier to find a junk yard GEN 3 that already has a 4:10 & disc set up... and a few hundred thousand miles less LOL.



My question is will a rear disc GEN 3 rear axle bolt directly into my 97? Are there any drum vs disc hyd fluid volume issues? What about the e-disc set up?



Thanks for your inputs,

 

[HBarlow]

It would not be a direct bolt in but retrofitting a Gen III AAM rear axle could be done. I'm sure it would require some adapting. A better choice if you can find one would be a Dana out of a 2001. 5 or 2002 w/disc brakes. It would be a direct bolt in.

 

[Texis]

Thanks Harvey,



How does the 2001. 5 & 2002 e-brake work? Do they have the small drum set-up inside the rotor?..... I assume it is cable operated as well.

 

[Road Dog]

Yes it has a small drum & is cable operated.

 

[Ram4Sam]

Thanks Harvey,



How does the 2001. 5 & 2002 e-brake work? Do they have the small drum set-up inside the rotor?..... I assume it is cable operated as well.

After 11 years and almost 100,000 miles, mine works fine and holds well. In fact, I don't think I have ever had to adjust it.



Sam

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Yes the e-brake works well on my 2001. 5.



One primary issue putting a AAM axle in is the spring perches are further out toward the wheel than on 2nd Gen setups.



Also FYI, late 2nd Gen axles (2000 and up) have a 2" wider track width than older 2nd Gens, but shouldn't be that noticeable on a 4x4.