You said differntial in your first post, not axle. Hense the confusion.

 

As far as "Lol. Nobody listens." goes, we all need to read better and I'm no exception many times. But it all starts with what is posted and how it may be interpreted by others.
You don't really say what sizes your differentials are other than ratio. It does seem to me you just want to swap out the whole axle assembly. So I'd say, sure why not? Almost anything can be made to fit. Asking on forums will offer many opinions. It's up to you to determine which way to go and if it's worth the effort.


I'd suggest you get out the tape and measure spring pad width and drum to drum width to start. From there check for differences in u-joint sizes and center to center of axle to yolk for driveshaft compatibility. Also note brake line AND e-brake mounting locations. Use new u-bolts and torque correctly.
Another item would be the need for different wheels front to back as previous indicated.


Other options for adding just LSD could be as stated previous in post #3.

 

Actually, you never specified a complete rear end. This is why you got multiple different responses. You said "rear lsd differential" which tells me you are just wanting to replace the differential. At no point did you mention a complete rear end. So...you should refrain from the "nobody listens" posts. (case in point, we actually read what you wrote and didn't assume anything). Also, you still have not answered any of the qualifying questions that were presented.

So, now that we know what you are talking about...

There might be some differences in the 2nd gen and 3rd gen axle housings: spring mount locations, shock mount location, misc mounts, etc. Obviously, you would want to look at both, side by side, for a complete comparison.

What seems odd is that it never occurred to you that the 6-lug setup with a 5-lug front setup would be an immediate disqualifier. So until you explain some sort of justification on why you would do something like this...lets move to a more thought-out, practical solution.

If you are looking for a traction aid in the rear diff, then consider changing the differential to the style that you want. Obviously, an open differential is great for daily driving...but is absolutely no help off road. A factory LSD unit would be a good choice, but going to an aftermarket LSD would be a stronger solution.

I.who.made.you made a good suggestion (since he, unlike others, actually read your post) with the Auburn unit. A few members here run them, and if this truck of your sees mostly pavement, then I would second this recommendation. Some of the guys I race with run Auburn units and they have great strength and functionality. If you are looking for something more practical for off-road, then I would look at a locking diff, like Detroit locker, Eaton E-locker, or ARB air-locker. If you are on a budget, throw down $300 for a lunchbox locker like the Spartan/Aussie locker style spider gear replacements.

 

Well, maybe you guys have a point about wording.
I heard him.
Sure. He talks about lsd. Sure he talks differential and gear ratio.
Soon as he said 5 lug to 6 lug, I knew what he wanted to do.
But that's ok. Everyone can say they were right and HE was wrong.
Now, I hope everybody feels better.

YOU POSTED WRONG. THIS IS WHOLLY YOUR FAULT.
YOU FAIL. SMARTEN UP.

Lol.
Yes. You can swap the whole diff for another. Just takes a bit of modifications. No big deal.
Might cost more than buying and installing a lsd in what you already have but it can be done.

 

If both of the axles are the same (8.25", for example), you MAY be able to swap your original axle shafts into the "new" rear end and keep your bolt pattern. This will require you to swap at least the rotors, also, and maybe some other parts (up to the complete brake assemblies), but it may be an option. Personally, I would swap just the differential carrier.

 

thanks for all the suggestions. I will now start pricing my options.

 

BTW, changing just the differential does not require you to disturb the pinion, which is the most complicated part of gear setup.

 

You can also get axles made

 

No FAIR! That was my suggestion!!

LOL

 

just curious if anyone could help me determine my rear dif size ? I've been looking to get a limited slip, and changing the gear to say a 4.11 gear from the 3.55 as I have done a 3 inch lift, and used slightly larger tires, plus I just want alot more torque off the line as the 3.7 is a pig....

if someone could pm me what info u need i can give that info to u, thanks any help will be much app.